Troubleshooting Your Ice Maker
There are many refrigerator manufacturers that design their products differently. Troubleshooting steps may differ depending on the manufacturer and the model of the refrigerator.
1. Check the Temperature Settings
If the temperature set in the thermostat of the freezer is low, the ice maker may not detect frozen ice. This will prevent the ice maker from producing more ice if the temperature is not at the right setting.
Additionally, if the temperature is too low, the water supply line of the ice maker can also freeze. If this has happened, the ice maker won’t fill with water.
Check the temperature of the freezer. Set the temperature at 0°F to prevent this common ice maker problem.
Ice makers are built to turn off if the freezer reaches too high of a temperature.
During warmer months, some ice makers might experience a slight decrease in efficiency so you’ll need to turn the temperature down to -2°F to set the ice faster during these months. Give it 24 hours to let the fridge adjust to the new temperature.
2. Clogged Water Filter
If the water filter in your refrigerator is not changed regularly, this can stop water flow. Purchase a new refrigerator filter, which can range from $30- $50. Change this filter every six months. If you have hard water, you may want to change it more often.
If there is construction happening around your area, sediment can enter the water system. This extra sediment may clog the water filter further.
3. Frozen Water Supply Tube
The water supply tube is normally placed at the back of the ice maker. It’s a small tube that can get frozen because of low water pressure.
To defrost the area, switch off the refrigerator before you begin thawing. Take a hair dryer and blow the air towards the water supply line. Maintain a distance to avoid any damage. Once the line is thawed, switch on the refrigerator. The water should be running smoothly into the ice maker.
If the water appears discolored, call a technician to resolve the problem.
4. Turn the switch on and off
The ice maker switch is usually located on the ice maker itself. Check if the switch has been turned off. Make sure the ice panel is clear and not blocked.
Certain refrigerator models have a bail arm at the back of the ice mold that looks like a lever. Take out the ice mold and you will see a lever. Push the bail arm down and the ice maker should function normally.
5. Check the Water Supply Line
This is generally located at the back of the refrigerator. The water supply line can get clogged or the water inlet could be broken.
First, unplug the refrigeration and turn off the valve’s water supply. Unhook the supply line and direct it towards a sink or bucket. Turn the water supply back on the make sure the water is flowing. Check the entry point of the filter to make sure the line is not clogged.
6. Faulty Door Switch
An ice maker is usually controlled by a door switch, which also controls the lights. So, if your refrigerator ice maker is not working, check if the switch is working. If the refrigerator light doesn’t go on when you open the door, the switch may not be working properly.
7. After Market Filters
Manufacturers design their water filters so they work properly with the specific refrigerator model. Most after-market filters will work well with most refrigerator brands and won't cause any issues. However, with an after market filter, the flow rate of the water to the ice maker may be slower than the original water filter of the band. It’s best to use the original filter with your refrigerator unit.
Keep in Mind
- If your refrigerator was installed recently, wait for at least 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize and begin ice production. Once this begins, it may take up to 48 hours to fill the ice bucket.
- Try a hard reset of the icemaker. Use the procedure recommended by the refrigerator’s manufacturer.
Is Your Ice Maker Still Not Working?
If your ice maker is still not working, call a certified technician to identify the problem and resolve it.