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.
Donna,
If it still dispenses water, the ice maker may have a faulty part. What happens when you try and dispense ice? Does the small motor make a sound as if it is trying to dispense ice or is it clicking but nothing happens? Please explain.
-RR
Bosch b20cs50sns02 fridge with external water dispenser and ice maker stopped producing cubes BUT still dispenses water. Would that indicate a temperature problem and if so, what’s the fix or could we still be talking about a water supply issue?
I have an LG LFX25975ST refrigerator. Weeks after warranty expired, I had a problem with the in-door ice maker & a tech replaced the motherboard. Worked fine for a few days, then water line began to freeze regularly. I’ve been using a blow dryer, but that becomes tiresome when it freezes every other day (or more often!) After much back & forth with LG (as well as several repairmen) they told me it was the water line heater/defroster. They said the part isn’t listed separately on the diagram and they no longer make it anyway. They suggested I buy an identical fridge on Craigslist for parts!? Any way you can help me identify the part so I can find it? I’ve tried everything for the past 3+ years, with no help or satisfaction from LG corporate. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Andre,
Yes the sensor is most likely not “sensing” therefore no ice drops. Many ice maker assemblies are around the same price as some of the smaller parts. Have a look at SearsPartsDirect and type in your model number and see what is available for your fridge ice maker. We have already done it for you here…. LG refrigerator ice maker parts
-RR
It is not under warranty anymore.
It seems to have a sensor under the ice tray.
Would it be that piece?
How would I identify what part I need to buy?
Thank you again for the support…
Andre,
Yes the sensor or timer may be bad therefore it will not dispense your ice cubes. Usually the complete ice maker is replaced or you can troubleshoot what part on the ice maker is bad. Is your LG refrigerator still under warranty?
-RR
I have a LG fridge GC-L210.
The ice maker is not dispensing the cubes.
The water fills in. never dispenses. when I press reset, it dispenses the cubes and water fills in.
Never dispenses again.
Is there a sensor that triggers the dispenser? is it fixable or I have to buy a new ice maker?
Bob,
We would suggest buying a new ice maker assembly. 5 yrs old and a power outage may be the cause.
-RR
I have tried to fix and was able to get it to go thru one or two cycles. Then by chance, we had a power outage and it stopped making ice again. I have tried the trick of using a blow dryer in case it was frozen at the inlet. I did not see anything come out after a few minutes, The water is on. It does not seem to try to run at all. The fridge is about 5 years old.
Bob,
There may be a loose attachment or wire. Have you made sure the water is on and going to the ice maker? Does the ice maker cycle, as in make any noise like it is trying? How old is your LG fridge?
-RR