Common reasons for ice maker issues include a jammed dispenser or ice maker, clogged water filter or water line, or a faulty water inlet valve.
Faulty Thermostat/Sensor: The ice maker has a built-in thermostat or sensor that detects when the ice is frozen and ready to be ejected. If this sensor is malfunctioning, it may not be triggering the cycle to eject the ice. Replacing or repairing the thermostat/sensor might resolve this issue.
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.
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.
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.
Once the line is disconnected, pour 3-4 cups of vinegar with a small funnel into the line and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, clipping shut the open end of the line to avoid the vinegar from draining out. Rinse out the line with clean water before reconnecting the dispenser and 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.
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.
A clogged filter can send less water to the ice maker, which may cause a decrease or halt in ice production. Solution: Be sure to change your refrigerator's water filter once every six months, and be on the lookout for signs of an old filter.
If a refrigerator has a water and ice dispenser, it typically requires a water connection for automatic ice-making and chilled water. However, refrigerators without these features or with internal ice makers that you manually fill do not necessitate a plumbing connection.
Your portable ice maker is not making ice out of thin air; it is freezing water to make ice cubes. So, if the ice maker is not receiving ample water to fill the trays—be it due to a malfunctioning water pump or a clogged water line—it will stop making ice.
The Machine Is Leaking Water. If your ice machine is leaking water, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the seals or gaskets. These are designed to keep the water in the machine, and if they are damaged, it can cause the machine to leak water.
The ice maker won't cycle and produce ice if temperature isn't low enough in the freezer. If the thermostat is set to keep the freezer at too low of a temperature, then the water supply line going to the ice maker can freeze and the ice maker mold won't fill with water.
Normally water only contacts the sensor when the ice is at the proper size. However, irregular water flow can cause premature contact resulting in a short freeze cycle, small bridge, long harvest and even a shut down on short freeze (code 8).
To begin the ice-making process, a timer triggers the water valve, which fills the ice mold with water.
This will be located at the bottom of the ice maker unit in most models, but in some, it is at the bottom of the ice tray itself. Press the button down until you hear a beep sound. It will require a few seconds of holding it down before it beeps. Your refrigerator ice maker is now reset!
Without proper cleaning, a dirty water filter can clog up with so much debris that water can't get through it. When this happens, your machine can freeze up completely, meaning your ice machine won't be able to produce ice.
Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
Unplug your refrigerator
Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. You may hear some whooshing or knocking noises after you do so; that's normal. Make sure your fridge stays unplugged for several minutes, otherwise the reset won't work.
Place a bucket under the end of the water supply line. Turn ON the water to the supply line and check the flow. If the water flow seems weak or irregular, the problem is with the water supply. A regular, steady flow could indicate the water valve has become restricted or clogged.
Ice makers typically have their own electrically-actuated valves. The system may need to cycle a few times to purge the air. There may also be a manual purge process, depending on the model. See if you can find your owner's manual online by model number.