Refrigerator ice maker not making ice cubes? Here are 7 ways to quickly fix your refrigerator ice maker that does not make ice cubes. We will go over what to check and fix first, how to troubleshoot it, potential causes of ice maker issues, and how to clean and replace your ice maker. We’ll also provide some tips for preventing ice maker issues.
What To Check First When Your Ice Maker Stops Working
When your ice maker stops working here are a few things you can do to quickly try to solve the problem. Some are simple things to check and take only a few minutes to do and some may be more difficult. These are quick things to try fast to get the ice maker working again. Some of the other fixes will have you taking apart the refrigerator so try the easy ones first and go from there.
- Lower the control arm of the ice maker.
- Turn the ice maker OFF and then ON again.
- Reset the ice maker by removing power to it.
- Check for large pieces of ice clogging things up.
- Change the water filter as it can be clogged and cause no water flow.
- Check the refrigerator water lines for an obstruction.
- Check that all electrical connections are tight.
What to check first to fix refrigerator ice maker
1. Lower the control arm of the ice maker
The first thing you’ll want to do is lower the control arm of the ice maker. This is the lever that tells the ice maker when to start and stop making ice. If the control arm is in the up or off position, the ice maker won’t work. To lower the control arm, simply push it down until it clicks into the on position.
If the control arm was already in the down or on position, you’ll want to check to make sure it isn’t stuck in the off position. To do this, simply lift the arm up and down a few times to make sure it’s moving freely. If it is stuck in the off position, you’ll need to replace the arm.
2. Turn the ice maker OFF and then ON again
The next step you’ll want to take is to turn the ice maker OFF and then ON again. This is a simple troubleshooting step that will often resolve any issues with the ice maker. To do this, locate the power switch on the side of the unit and turn it OFF. Wait 30 seconds and then turn it back ON.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may want to try unplugging the unit from the wall outlet as well. This will reset the ice maker and often resolves any issues.
3. Reset the ice maker by removing power to it
If turning the ice maker OFF and then ON again doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to reset the ice maker by removing power to it. To do this, disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and wait for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and wait for the ice maker to reset.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll want to move on to the next step.
4. Check for large pieces of ice clogging things up
One of the most common causes of an ice maker not working is large pieces of ice clogging up the mechanism. To check for this, open the ice maker door and inspect the interior. Look for any large chunks of ice or ice buildup that could be obstructing the ice maker. If you find any large chunks of ice, you’ll need to remove them. Once the large chunks of ice have been removed, close the ice maker door and check to see if the issue has been resolved.
5. Change the water filter as it can be clogged and cause no water flow
Another common issue that can cause an ice maker to stop working is a clogged water filter. This is especially common if you haven’t changed the water filter in a while. To check for this, locate the water filter and remove it. Inspect the filter and look for any clogs or buildup. If there are any clogs, you’ll need to replace the filter.
Once the filter has been replaced, close the door and check to see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue is still present, move on to the next step.
6. Check the refrigerator water lines for an obstruction
If the water filter isn’t the problem, you’ll want to check the refrigerator water lines for an obstruction. This is a common issue that can cause an ice maker to stop working. To check for this, locate the water lines that run from the water filter to the ice maker. Inspect the lines for any kinks, clogs, or other obstructions.
If you find any obstructions, you’ll need to clear them out. If the issue is still present after the obstruction has been cleared, you’ll want to move on to the next step.
7. Check that all electrical connections are tight
The last step you’ll want to take is to check that all ice maker electrical connections are tight. This is often the cause of an ice maker not working. To check for this, locate the electrical connections at the back of the unit and inspect them for any loose connections. If any connections are loose, you’ll need to tighten them.
Once all the connections are tightened, close the door and check to see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue is still present, please read on.
Troubleshooting Your Ice Maker
Try troubleshooting the issue yourself, the first step is to inspect the ice maker for any visible signs of damage. Check the water line and inlet valve for any signs of leaks or clogs. Inspect the ice maker for any loose or worn parts, such as the ice maker’s motor, the electrical connections, and the auger.
If everything looks normal, then you can try resetting the ice maker. Unplug the ice maker and plug it back in. Then wait for a few minutes to see if the ice maker starts working again. If it does, then you’re all set. If not, then you may need to check for other potential causes.
How To Check Your Ice Maker
To check your ice maker, you should first inspect the water line and inlet valve for any leaks. If the water lines or water inlet valve is clogged, then the ice maker won’t be able to receive the necessary amount of water. Next, you should check the ice maker’s motor and auger for any signs of wear or damage. If the motor is not working, then the ice maker won’t be able to produce any ice. If the auger is worn out or loose, then the ice maker won’t be able to move the ice cubes into the storage bin.
Tips For Preventing Ice Maker Issues
To prevent your ice maker from having any issues, it’s important to regularly inspect the water line and inlet valve for problems. Make sure that the ice maker’s motor and auger are in good condition and that they are not worn out or loose. You should also check the ice maker’s settings on the refrigerator display panel and make sure that it is set to the correct temperature. Be sure the temperature settings are low enough for the fridge to make ice cubes.
If you notice any signs of damage or wear, then it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cause further damage to your ice maker and could lead to costly repairs.
How To Clean Your Ice Maker
Cleaning your ice maker is an important part of maintaining it and preventing any issues. To clean your ice maker, you should first unplug it and remove the ice maker’s cover or remove it from the refrigerator if you have a newer style fridge. Look in the ice maker assembly and remove any dirt or ice chunks clogging it up.
Once you have finished cleaning the inside of the ice maker, install it back into the fridge and plug it back in or turn it ON. Then, you should wait about an hour for the ice maker to reset and start producing ice again.
How To Replace Your Ice Maker
If your ice maker is beyond repair, then you may need to replace it. To replace your ice maker, you should first unplug it and remove the ice maker’s cover or if you have a newer refrigerator completely remove the ice maker from the refrigerator once you have it removed, you can set it aside as this is concerning replacing the ice maker.
You can find a video below about how to replace an ice maker in a Samsung refrigerator. Even if you do not have a Samsung refrigerator this should help you understand how to replace an ice maker in a newer style refrigerator. Once the old ice maker has been removed, you can install the new ice maker. Make sure to connect all the water lines and electrical connections. Finally, plug in the new ice maker and wait about an hour for it to start producing ice.
How to replace ice maker – Samsung refrigerator
We hope that this article has been helpful in learning how to fix your ice maker if it is not working. If you have any questions or need more help, don’t hesitate to contact us by using the comment form below.
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