The most common causes are: The water fill tubes are blocked. The water inlet valve is blocked or frozen. The water filter is dirty or clogged.
First, remove the ice bucket and the covering from the front of the ice maker. Some models have a button you will need to push to remove the ice tray and cover. Others will just require you to pull it off. Once the ice tray and covering have been removed, locate and press the ice maker reset button for about 3 seconds.
What causes an ice maker to stop working? There are several reasons your ice maker may suddenly stop working, including a blocked water dispenser, issues with your water supply line or a clogged water filter.
As time passes, strange things may happen to the refrigerator's icemaking capability. The cubes may be small or there may be a solid chunk of ice instead of individual cubes. It's also possible that the icemaker will stop working. These are all signs of a malfunctioning water valve.
Some indicators may include odd tasting ice or water, slowly dispensed water, black specks in water or ice and, of course, limited to no ice production.
The water valve controls the water that flows into the ice maker's cube mold by turning it on and off. It can break and potentially cause leaks. A new water valve will cost around $20, and replacing it will cost $75 to $175, including labor.
The national average cost range to repair an ice maker is $150 to $250. Most homeowners pay around $200 to fix a leaking, freestanding ice maker.
Your freezer temperature could be too high, the water inlet valve may not be functioning correctly, your home water pressure may be low, the refrigerator's water filter may be clogged, or the ice maker may need to be replaced.
The ice maker or dispenser could be jammed or broken, a dirty water filter or kinked water line could be blocking water flow or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty.
If the Ice maker is making ice, but not dumping it into the ice bin try resetting the Ice Maker. To reset the ice maker, unplug the refrigerator for 1 minute.
Freezer Temperatures
The temperature of a freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit so everything stays very cold. A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated.
Check the water fill tubes
If your ice maker isn't making ice or if the ice cubes are small or misshapen, the water fill tubes may be the problem. Check the fill cup and the tube at the back of the ice maker. If they are covered in ice, look for a blockage.
Frost accumulating inside the freezer compartment can block the vents that carry cold air into the compartment. Most freezers today have auto defrost, so check to see if the door has been left open, or if the door seal is worn. You'll need to have the seal replaced if it's damaged or torn.
Make a cleaning solution with a 10:1 ratio of warm water and one of these ingredients: white vinegar, lemon juice, nickel-free ice machine cleaner, or other cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer. Wash the ice machine's interior walls and hard-to-reach areas, such as the slot where ice comes out.
Temperature Affects Ice Production
The Refrigerator and icemaker must be at proper temperature. The recommended fresh food temperature is 37° Fahrenheit; the freezer recommended temperature is 0° Fahrenheit. The icemaker must reach about 16°Fahrenheit before a cycle will begin.
Ice machines have quickly become a staple in both homes and businesses alike. While it can be convenient to have available ice at the touch of a button, the truth is that these machines simply don't last forever. The average lifespan of an ice maker is 5 years.
Deciding to fix an ice maker depends on the age of the appliance, the repair cost, and the ice maker problem. For a newer ice maker with a minor issue, a repair is likely worth it. If your ice maker or fridge is old and the repair is expensive, replacing the ice maker or even the whole fridge might be the best option.
The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 for the service.
Anything that regulates water flows to the ice maker can stop it from creating ice, especially if it becomes clogged. You should typically replace your refrigerator's water filter about twice per year. Ignoring this maintenance step can cause problems with your water dispenser as well as your ice maker.