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.
Tina,
So your freezer is not FREEZING, therefore it won’t produce ice cubes, correct?
Is your refrigerator working properly?
Is the compressor HOT to the touch?
How old is you Kelvinator?
-RR
Kelvinator Model KTD250MN Serial no: 270405910S , the freezer is not at freezing temperature, the ice maker cannot work properly. A test of placing my hand on the freezer in which case i should feel my hand is being captured due to ice production, but noticed that no cooling temperature is functioning.
I turned the cool temperature maximum of 5, I heard the compressor is in function condition but does not operate properly. For your assistance, Tnx!
Martha,
Possibly clogged water filter. When you say “barely making ice” does that mean the ice cubes are smaller than normal or that there are not many ice cubes being produced? There is a solenoid valve that lets water in for the ice maker. That could be the cause of your ice maker issues. You may want to check it with a meter to see if it is working properly.
-RR
I have a Samsung French doors refrigerator. The ice maker is barely making ice. Model number is rf4287hars. Manufactured date is August, 2013. Water flow is good from dispenser. Any advice? Thanks
Amanda,
The ice maker works best with the freezer set at -4 degrees F. If it is set at that temp you should not have any issues with the ice hanging or not dropping into the bin. There may be clumps of ice that keep the ice from dispensing properly. This can happen if you don’t use ice for a day or two. This may also be a sensor issue or wiring problem. First make sure the temp in freezer is set correctly and go from there. Let us know if you are still having problems with your LG ice maker and we will be happy to assist.
-RR
I have a LG LFX31925SW refrigerator the ice maker fills with water the cubes freeze but it won’t dump into the bin. I have pressed the test button and it completes the cycle dumping the ice and refilling the tray but when it freezes it won’t dump again. Any suggestions?
Julie,
If you have replaced the complete ice maker assembly and the board, be sure the solenoid that opens to let water into system is operational. Also be sure wire harnesses are tight and secure. You can use a multimeter to test the water inlet solenoid.
-RR
I have a Kitchenaid Superba side-by-side refrigerator with a ice maker that isn’t functioning. I replaced the complete unit, including the optics boards. The red lights are back to functioning on the boards so I know those were bad, but I still have no ice. It is doing nothing and the lines are (and have been since we bought it) in the “up” position. Do you have any advice? Is there anything else I should consider replacing? THANK YOU!
A response to my own post to hopefully help others.
My ice maker compartment was not getting cold enough to freeze ice yet. Freezer and refrigerator compartments were fine. Turns out there is a duct that runs from the freezer coil section to the ice maker compartment and it has a fan. My duct had somehow gotten blocked by ice. Technician thawed with steam cleaner (didn’t quite clear the duct so i had to go back with a hair dryer blowing from ice maker down) Once it was cleared (and technician verified fan was running) it works fine now. To get to the duct you take out the freezer drawers, then the panel in the back can be removed with just two Phillips head screws. It tilts out and duct is on the left. Easy fix if you know what you are looking for!
Megan,
If it is melting then it is not cold enough. Purchase a cheap thermometer and find out the actual temp in the freezer. Also make sure the temp dials for freezer is set to the COLDEST.
-RR