If you’re you have ice maker problems, there’s no need to worry. Troubleshooting these issues is relatively easy. Use our guide to help you find why your refrigerator ice maker is not making ice and how you may be able to try to fix it.
What are the main reasons the ice maker stopped working?
There are some reasons you may find your ice maker not working all of a sudden, including a blocked water dispenser, issues with your water supply line, or a clogged water filter.
The ice maker is turned off.
Yes, it may sound simple, but depending on the type of ice maker your refrigerator has, you may have a switch that needs to be switched on or a lever that needs to be pushed down for ice production to begin again.
Nonfunctioning dispenser.
Low water pressure or the freezer compartment thermostat being set too low could be the cause.
Defective water filter
To keep your ice maker working in good conditions, replace the water filter when your filter indicator light turns on, or at least every six months, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
The temperature is too low.
Set the thermostat on the setting recommended by your refrigerator’s manufacturer, usually it's about 0 f.
If the thermostat is set too low, the water may freeze before it even gets to the ice mold.
Water line issue.
A frozen water line or a kink in the water line may cause the water flow to slow or stop altogether. Ensure the house water line is turned on and free of kinks as well.
The water valve is broken.
Water valve needs a water pressure to function properly. Using the non-original water valve can also affect the water flow, slowing it down or halting it completely.
Common ice maker problems and how to troubleshoot them.
The most common ice maker problems that you may encounter include little to no ice production, the ice produced is either too small or tastes strange, or the ice maker is leaky. Below are the possible causes and how to troubleshoot your ice maker.
The ice maker is not producing ice at all.
The reasons why your ice maker not making any ice may cover a wide range, as listed below:
Ensure that your water valve is fully opened and there are no blockages.
Also, the water line might be blocked or damaged. Use the same steps as above to check the water line.
Check your water dispenser’s water stream. If the stream is weak or if no water is coming out, there could be a problem with the water line or filter.
Change your water filter if it’s older than six months or has any clogs or debris, make sure I got original part.
Check for blockages like ice build-up or jammed ice cubes. If you find any, let your freezer defrost.
If your freezer has an arm lever, make sure it’s pushed right direction. If the arm is turned off, your ice maker won’t make any new ice. Additionally, if your ice maker is controlled through your refrigerator’s settings or has a switch, make sure they’re on.
Check your freezer’s thermostat is set to 0ºF for maximum ice production. Your ice maker won’t make any ice if the temperature is over 7 f.
Not making enough ice.
There could be several reasons your ice maker might not be making enough ice, including low water pressure or a kink in the water line. To check if that may be the case, follow the steps below.
Check that the lever of ice maker is pushed down and/or the ice maker is switched on.
Turn off the refrigerator.
Cut off the water supply.
Move your refrigerator to access the water line.
Disconnect the water line and place it in a bucket or in your sink. Turn on the water supply again.
The stream should be a steady flow with a good amount of water pressure.
When replacing the water line, make sure everything is connected tightly and that the water inlet valve is fully open and free of any clogs.
If you see that the water stream is weak, check your water line for any kinks, or brackets that could be affecting the flow, clogs, or damages. Make sure that the water supply is also turned on all the way. Also, if your water filter hasn’t been replaced in over six months, it could affect the amount of water reaching your ice maker.
Not dropping ice.
If the ice maker is not dropping ice, it could be that there’s a blockage in the ice tray, or an ice cube is jammed between the bin and the lever. There are some things you can do to troubleshoot:
Remove the ice bin to see if there’s ice accumulation.
Double-check that the lever of the ice maker is down and/or the ice maker is switched on. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where your lever or switch is located.
Carefully remove any blocked ice.
If the ice is too large, you may have to let the ice melt by defrosting your fridge.
Leaking water into the freezer, or on the floor.
Water leaking from the ice maker could mean that either your refrigerator or ice maker isn’t level. A faulty water line could also be the reason, too.
Level your refrigerator. Make sure the refrigerator is installed at least 90 degrees toward the floor.
The ice maker should also be level inside the freezer. Adjust the bin if you see that it’s crooked or out of place.
Check your water line.
Ensure that the water fill tube is also positioned properly. The location of your water fill tube will vary by model, though it’s generally above the ice maker tray or inside the water fill cup.
Ice is too small or has a strange taste.
Ice that has a strange taste or ice cubes that come out too small could be caused by the water line supply, or food odors from your freezer being absorbed by the ice.
Store food in airtight containers and wrap tightly in plastic to avoid any odor transfer.
If possible, try to use a copper water line. Some materials could interact with the water, giving it an unpleasant taste.
Check your water line and look for any kinks, bulges or damage. If you see any, you’ll need a replacement.
Still not sure what’s wrong after troubleshooting your ice maker? Schedule a service call AB Appliance Repair for the appointment.
Comments