Why is my ice maker not working but water does?

Author: Beau Klocko  |  Last update: Saturday, May 31, 2025

There might be a blockage in the water line leading to the ice maker, a malfunctioning water inlet valve, or an issue with the ice maker's mechanism. It's best to check these components to diagnose and fix the problem.

Why is my ice maker not making ice but dispenses water?

Several problems can interfere with making ice properly or dispensing ice. 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.

Why is my refrigerator getting water but no ice?

The water filter is dirty or clogged. The heating element in the ice machine isn't functioning. A pause command has accidentally been enabled. The thermostat is set too low.

How do I get my ice maker to work again?

How to Get Your Ice Maker to Start Making Ice Again
  1. Break or Melt Ice Clogs. ...
  2. Lower the Control Arm. ...
  3. Change the Water Filter. ...
  4. Turn The Ice Maker Off and On Again. ...
  5. Reset the Ice Maker Settings. ...
  6. Rinse Out the Ice Molds. ...
  7. Secure Electrical Connections. ...
  8. Secure Plumbing Connections.

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

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.

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

How do I reset an 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 you flush an ice maker supply line?

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.

Why would my ice maker suddenly stopped making ice?

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.

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.

Why is my Frigidaire ice maker not working but water works?

The most common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator icemaker is not making but water works are a malfunctioning icemaker assembly, faulty water valve or a defective electronic control board.

Can a bad water filter cause a refrigerator to not make ice?

Filter Clogs

Anything that regulates water flows to the ice maker can stop it from creating ice, especially if it becomes clogged.

How to tell if an ice maker is working?

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.

Why is my whirlpool refrigerator not making ice but water works after?

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.

How long does it take for an ice maker to make ice after reset?

Be patient because it will take another 3-4 hours before your ice maker is full of ice again. If your ice maker still does not work after following these instructions, then it may have a mechanical problem. This will most likely require a new ice maker to be installed.

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.

Where is the reset button on an icemaker?

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!

How long to leave a refrigerator unplugged to reset?

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.

How do I get my fridge ice maker to work?

Ensure that the ice maker is turned on and not paused. Check to make sure the water supply line is connected and the shut-off valve is open. Ensure the ice maker's arm is in the "down" position. Check your owner's manual for guidance with your specific model.

How to fix a frozen ice maker?

Remove the ice maker from the freezer. Unclog the water pipe with a hair dryer, and remove all the frozen bits from your ice maker by running hot water over it. Dry your ice maker with a rag. Reinstall and wait a few days to see if it happens again.

What should my 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.

Why did my ice maker stop dispensing ice?

It's possible that Ice may be jammed. Ice could have melted and frozen around the auger due to infrequent use, temperature fluctuations, and/or power outages. Remove the ice bin, thaw and empty contents. Clean the ice bin (wipe/dry) and replace in proper position.

Why is my ice maker not making ice?

This usually is due to the water filter being clogged or a restricted water supply. It is recommended to change the water filter first but if the condition still occurs then you want to check for a saddle valve, a water valve not turned on all the way or a kinked water supply line.

How often do you need to replace ice maker supply line?

  1. We just bought a new Frig with an ice maker and need to install a water line. ...
  2. Perhaps, it depends on how old your existing one is. ...
  3. Professionals we trust suggest changing it every 3-5 years. ...
  4. Using the existing lines would probably have been alright. ...
  5. I would buy a new line. ...
  6. Get a new one.

How do you know if your refrigerator water line is clogged?

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.

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