Has your refrigerator ice maker has stopped producing or dispensing ice cubes? Most automatic ice makers on all refrigerators work using the same principles. Fixing the ice maker on your fridge is not usually a difficult task. Most of the problems can be fixed and repaired by you instead of calling a professional. There are a few obvious things you need to check first and foremost. These fix-it solutions apply to side-by-side and top and bottom new and old style refrigerators. The ice maker repair tips will work on all Kenmore, GE, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, Whirlpool and Kitchen Aide Refrigerators and Freezers.
This Ice Maker Parts Identification Illustration can be used with the old and new style ice makers.
Both side-by-side and top and bottom refrigerators use the same ice making principles.
Is the ice maker in the “ON” position? On some ice makers there is an on/off switch located on the ice maker itself. Make sure this is in the on position.
Is the water filter clogged? There is a water filter in or behind your refrigerator that all water going to the ice maker passes through. If this filter is clogged then your ice maker will stop making ice cubes. Consult your refrigerator user manual or see how to change your refrigerator water filter.
Is the ice maker “shutoff arm’ in the up position? There is a plastic or metal arm the senses when your ice cube canister is full. When full the arm moves in the “up” position and shuts off the ice maker. Make sure the “feeler arm” is in the DOWN position and nothing is blocking it.
Are the water lines behind your refrigerator pinched? Sometimes moving your refrigerator around can pinch or crimp the water lines in the rear of the fridge. Pull the refrigerator out about 12 inches and using a flashlight, check the water line for crimps or being pinched.
Is the ice bin completely full? If the ice bin is completely full then your ice maker won’t keep making ice. This is because the ice arm is in the up position therefore pressing a micro-switch that turn the ice maker fully off.
Is your freezer not getting cold enough? If your freezer is not at freezing temperature, the ice maker cannot work properly to make ice cubes. Check using a temperature gauge and or turn the temp for the freezer down meaning to get it colder as close to 32 degrees as you can or colder. Usually an ice maker won’t function if the temp is 4 to 6 degrees above freezing. This means the temperature is too warm in the freezer to make ice cubes.
Is the ice maker paddle or ejector blades blocked? There is a spinning ice paddle inside of your ice maker that turns to push the ice cubes out. Make sure this paddle is not stuck or blocked thus preventing ice from being dispensed.
Is the water pressure too low? Sometimes the water pressure is so low it cannot be fed into the ice maker to make ice. This could be from a blocked water line or blocked filter. Check to be sure there are no blocked lines by removing them and blowing air through them. The only way to test the water filter is to just replace it.
Is the water valve behind your refrigerator turned off? The water valve behind your fridge can be turned off when replacing the water filter. It is possible you just changed the water filter and someone has forgotten to turn the water back on. Turn the valve on so water can flow to the ice maker.
Is the ice maker solenoid valve (water inlet valve) disconnected or has failed? The ice maker has a small solenoid valve that controls water flow. This solenoid is usually located in the back bottom of the refrigerator. It is possible an electrical connector has fallen off or the solenoid valve is faulty. Safely test the valve with a multimeter and confirm it is working properly.
This ice maker installed in a side-by-side works exactly the same as the old style ice makers.
If none of the above suggestions has solved your problem, type your refrigerator manufacturer and model number into a search engine for more specific help and solutions.
I have an LG french door refrigerator, model LFC25770ST. The ice maker is not working. Based on its placement (in the bottom portion of the fridge and in the back), I really cannot see the unit very well, but I can get my hands on it. The fridge is not making ice and it is hard for me to see if anything is wrong visibly. I know I haven’t given you much information, but do you have any thoughts or suggestions?
Mike Terry,
The water is turning to ice, correct? If the ice cubes are in the ice maker but will not drop down, you may need to move the lever manually for the first time. You can also remove the ice maker and be sure it is installed correctly. If the Samsung fridge is new, call Samsung and they will usually just UPS or FEDEX you a new complete ice maker as it saves them money instead of calling factory service.
-RR
Just installed a new Samsung DA97-07549B ice maker. Hit reset button to cycle it, it filled with water but wouldn’t dispense the ice after 3 hours. I noticed the shut-off lever underneath the ice maker is all the way up. I thought it was suppose to be in the down position until it filled up with ice. Is the lever shutting off the ice maker and how can I get it to drop?
Trish,
Is water getting to the ice maker?
Usually there will be 2 solenoids, one for water, and one for ice.
The solenoid for the ice maker may not be working. You can test it with a multimeter
Also be sure there are no water line crimps or if you have 2 water lines, that the one for the ice is ON.
-RR
Just bought the new LG party fridge. Everything works great but no ice. Water can be obtained through dispenser but NO water going to ice maker???? Cycled it and nothing.
RR,
I will dump the ice and reset. I will let you know what happens.
Thanks
Cliff
Cliff,
Dump out the ice. Then reset and see if the ice maker is CURRENTLY making ice. If it is then you have an issue with a solenoid valve that controls the water dispenser. You could also have an issue with the micro switch that is connected to the waster dispenser. Do you have a meter? You could check all parts related to water dispenser and troubleshoot which part is not working. Also check water line that goes to water dispenser to see if it is clogged or kinked.
-RR
It happened then I replaced the filter. That did nothing for it
Cliff,
Did the issue happen after replacing the filter?
-RR
Samsung model #RF268ABRS. The model has ran flawlessly until today. The water dispenser has stopped working. The ice make still works. I replaced the filter. Any other ideas?