Why do refrigerator ice makers fail?

Author: Virgie Blick  |  Last update: Thursday, August 7, 2025

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 long should a refrigerator ice maker last?

With proper cleaning, a quality ice machine will last around 4 to 5 years on average, sometimes even longer.

Why would the ice maker in my fridge quit working?

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.

Is it worth fixing a refrigerator 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 to tell if an ice maker motor is bad?

Refrigerator Auger Motor

If the auger motor is burned out or defective, the ice won't move forward and fall through the chute. To determine if the auger motor is defective, pull out the ice bucket and turn the bucket auger by hand. If the auger turns freely, use a multimeter to test the auger motor for continuity.

How To Fix An Ice Maker That's Not Making Ice

Why do ice makers not last?

Scale. Build up of mineral deposits, or scale, is a big cause of ice machine failure. Make sure to clean the machine consistently, as well as replacing your filter every 6 months.

What to check when an ice maker stops making ice?

If your ice maker isn't producing ice at all or is producing crescents or cubes that are smaller than usual, it's typically indicative of a clog somewhere along the supply line. Cause: A common cause for a clog is frozen water in the line. Fix: To repair a frozen line, slide the refrigerator and unplug it.

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

Some ice maker repairs cost as little as $75, while replacement units will run between $260 to $450. If multiple parts need to be repaired, it might make sense to replace the entire unit. There's nothing more disappointing than placing your cup under the ice maker only for it to not dispense any ice.

What is the most expensive thing to fix on a refrigerator?

Compressor Issues

The compressor is like the heart of your fridge. If it breaks, it's one of the most expensive parts to replace. Fixing a compressor can cost anywhere from $200 to $650.

Does unplugging a refrigerator reset the ice maker?

If you don't hear a chime, but you can see movement from the ice maker, then the ice maker was reset. If you don't hear a chime and there is no movement from the ice maker, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. Then, power it back up and try again.

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

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.

Why does my fridge randomly stop making ice?

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 do I know if I need a new ice maker?

7 Signs Of An Ice Maker Going Bad
  1. Slow Ice Production. ...
  2. Noisy Operation. ...
  3. Frequent Repairs. ...
  4. Outdated Or Inefficient Model. ...
  5. Leaks & Water Problems. ...
  6. Aesthetic Considerations. ...
  7. Poor Ice Quality.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

Who makes the best countertop ice maker?

Our Top Countertop Ice Maker Picks
  • Best Overall. Iceman by Chefman Dual-Size Countertop Ice Maker. ...
  • Best Value. AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker. ...
  • Best Splurge. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Ice Maker with Side Tank. ...
  • Best Compact. Iceman by Chefman Compact Portable Ice Maker. ...
  • Best Nugget. Ecozy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker. ...
  • Best Smart.

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.

Can you replace the ice maker in a fridge?

On Side-by-Side refrigerators, you can easily replace your icemaker. Learn how to replace the icemaker on your Side-by-Side Refrigerator: For safety, unplug your refrigerator from the outlet or turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice but water works?

The blockage in the ice maker can be the main reason it isn't making ice. The ice maker can freeze over time or become clogged with a build-up of ice and frost. Check if the ice maker's assembly has an accumulation of ice, debris, or any other obstructing material.

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.

How does a refrigerator ice maker know when to stop making ice?

There are two methods for this: either an optical sensor or a mechanical arm, which detects when ice has piled high enough. If your ice maker won't stop making ice, it means ice is not piling high enough to reach the sensor or arm, typically because the ice bucket is not in the proper position.

How do you test an ice maker auger?

Ice Maker Auger Motor

If the motor is not operating, then you can check it for continuity with a multimeter. We should check the motor resistance by inserting the probes into the holes marked “L” and “H.” Our multimeter should read around 4400 ohms to 8800 ohms.

What is the life expectancy of a refrigerator ice maker?

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.

How often should I clean my refrigerator ice maker?

Your ice machine works hard, but over time things like mineral deposits and even bacteria can build up inside, leading to ice that tastes less than fresh. Experts say ice machines should be cleaned about once every 9 months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water or high humidity.

What is the most reliable ice maker?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker at Amazon $253. Jump to Review.
  • Best Overall Runner-Up: Igloo Portable Ice Maker at Amazon $115. Jump to Review.
  • Best Value: SALE. Silonn Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon $110 $80. ...
  • Best Splurge: SALE. ...
  • Best Compact: Aglucky Countertop Ice Maker at Amazon $40.

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