What causes the ice maker in the freezer to stop working?

Author: Dr. Stella Pouros  |  Last update: Thursday, March 20, 2025

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.

How do you reset a freezer ice maker?

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.

Why would an ice maker suddenly stop working?

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.

How to fix an ice maker in the freezer?

Troubleshooting Your Ice Maker
  1. ​1. Check the Temperature Settings. ...
  2. Clogged Water Filter. If the water filter in your refrigerator is not changed regularly, this can stop water flow. ...
  3. Frozen Water Supply Tube. ...
  4. ​Turn the switch on and off. ...
  5. Check the Water Supply Line. ...
  6. Faulty Door Switch. ...
  7. After Market Filters.

What are the symptoms of a bad ice maker water valve?

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.

Ice Maker Not Working? - Check these 6 Things first!

How do I know if my ice maker water line is clogged?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a water valve in an ice maker?

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.

How much does it cost to fix an ice maker in a freezer?

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.

Why is my freezer not making ice anymore?

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.

Why does my water work but not my ice maker?

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.

Does unplugging the fridge reset the ice maker?

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.

What temperature should a freezer be set at?

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.

How do you fix an ice maker that is not making ice?

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.

Why does my freezer not ice up?

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.

How do I descale my freezer ice maker?

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.

How do I reset my ice maker?

Step-by-Step Reset (power cycle without reset button):
  1. Turn off ice maker.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
  3. Wait at least 5 minutes.
  4. Plug the power cord back in.
  5. Turn on the ice maker.

How do I get my freezer to make ice?

If your ice maker is not producing enough ice, please try the following:
  1. Lower the freezer temperature. ...
  2. Make sure that the water valve on the refrigerator water supply line is completely open. ...
  3. If you have a water filter in your refrigerator, it may help to change the filter cartridge.

Can a freezer be too cold for an ice maker?

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.

How long do freezer ice makers last?

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.

Is it worth fixing an ice maker?

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.

How do I know if my refrigerator ice maker is bad?

Check If the Icemaker Itself Is Working
  1. If the icemaker mold is empty, you can manually pour about 4 ounces of water in the icemaker mold.
  2. Wait about 2 hours.
  3. If the icemaker has dropped ice cubes out from the mold, you know the icemaker itself is working.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a valve?

The average cost to replace a main water shut-off valve is $500, but most homeowners pay between $375 and $600 for the service.

Will replacing water filter fix ice maker?

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.

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