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 a Samsung side by side fridge with a ice maker,it has been fine for the last 2 years since purchasing.We are not getting ice as the ice maker keeps turning itself off.the arm moves with no problems and we have reset the ice maker.
The tray is empty we reset the switch the arm then moves we wait about a minute then the water turns on but the water is flowing into the catcher tray and then we hear a beep and the system shuts off.we have done the same process 6 times now and the same thing happens each time.whats your thoughts?
Tammy,
Take the ice maker out by removing the screws. Inspect to be sure everything moves freely and to be sure wire connectors or harnesses are secure. Also water line may be blocked. You may need a multimeter to be sure the motor is working or getting power.
-RR
Samsung bottom freezer refrigerator. Has 2 ice makers. One in the top and one in the bottom. Top one works. Bottom one has stopped. Reset doesn’t work. What do we do?
Jorge,
Is there a small metal arm or similar that moves back and forth to “push” the ice cubes down? If so it may have a bad motor or the motor that powers it may be unplugged.
-RR
I have a Samsung refrigerator, that will not dispense ice cubes. I can feel the ice cubes on top but they do not dispense. I have taken ice maker out and defrosted the tray and reset it again but the ice cubes form on top but will not dispense. Any idea what to do next. thanks
MS,
Have you examined the water lines that go directly to the ice maker? There may be something in the line blocking the water or a foreign object in the ice maker where the water enters. Is there a valve that lets the water enter the ice maker? If so check to be sure it is operating properly.
-RR
Drew,
The best option here is to physically remove the ice maker from the unit and let it defrost in the sink. Then have a look at it and see if the latch was actually stuck or just simply frozen in place.
-RR
My ice maker is apparently clogged and the the small latch won’t release the ice maker so that I can reset. Like it’s frozen solid. What to do?
Greetings,
I have this fridge: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/RF217ACRS/XAA
Ice make stopped making ice awhile back. Self test worked (it beeped) and nothing. The ice maker inside doesnt get filled with water to make ice cubes. A part of me thinks its the water inlet valve, b/c we DO get water to drink just none to the Ice maker. But was wondering can it be the thermal fuse? I am just trying to minimize what it can be. How will I know if it is the inlet valve or the thermal fuse? It stopped workign a few weeks before I changed the filter. and I know its not that at least. OR stuck ice in the ice maker, since I took it out and ran water through it. Any insight would be appreciated,.
Thanks,
M
Hello NR,
A newly installed or recently moved Samsung refrigerator may take 2-4 hours to begin making ice. To ensure normal and sufficient ice production, follow along with this video.
-RR