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.
We have a Samsung French Door MN# RFG298AAWP/XAA Upper ice maker stopped working over a year ago, but lower freezer ice maker still worked fine. Recently, door water dispenser began leaking, dripping about 20 times per minute, so had to shut off water valve. Installed new water inlet valve and leak at dispenser stopped but upper icemaker still not working. Have very good water pressure to inlet valve, have replaced water filter, have pressed reset on ice maker, ice level arm on seems to be in down position, still not getting ice. Should I defrfost, remove ice maker and check water fill line for being froze up?
I have a Kenmore model 106.51139214. The ice maker arm is stuck in the up position. I tried to pull it down but was afraid of using too much force and breaking it. What to do?
I have a 1991 Kenmore cold spot that I brought from Utah to Texas. We cannot find the auger bin drawer for the freezer. Is it necessary to have the ice auger bin drawer for the ice cubes to be made? The parts company says that the auger bin is no longer available for sale anywhere for this model. The ice cube making device is still in the freezer but no ice cubes are coming out. There is a metal piece at the back of the fridge that does turn like a pinwheel but it does not seem to help the ice come out of maker. Does anyone have any advice for me?
Did you ever figure out how to fix this?
Did you figure this out? I am having the same issue with my freezer. Will only dump ice if i push the test button.
Samsung RF267ABBP french doors and bottom freezer.
I had to replace fan motor in top fridge, works good now.
Freezer now has stopped working coils, fan not doing anything.
I did unplug for over 30 sec and now on my second power freeze and looks like still not working.
I have an LG French door fridge.
Ice maker was not dumping ice, so I bought a new one and replaced it.
It’s STILL NOT DUMPING THE ICE!
It makes ice, but will not dump it. What is wrong?
I have a two door LG frig but it is not making cubes of ice just crushing up. A little metal tube was on the top of the ice maker and obviously fits somewhere but cant see where. This must add to making cubes of ice.
I have replaced the Kitchenaid ice maker twice. I cannot get ice makers to work. Is there a sensor hidden in plain site? I have replaced water filters. Removed ice bin and re-set. Is there a step I am missing?
I have replaced the Kitchenaid ice maker twice. I cannot get ice makers to work. Is there a sensor hidden in plain site? I have replace water filters. Removed ice bin and re-set. Is there a step I am missing?