What happens when you have trouble with your Bosch ice maker not dumping ice? It can be frustrating, especially if you want a cold drink on a hot day. This article explains how to solve this problem in easy steps.
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Bosch Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice – How to Fix
The first thing you must determine is whether or not there is ice in the ice maker. Sometimes, the machine has not run another ice-making cycle, and there is no ice in the storage bin. This is especially true if you or your household use a lot of ice daily.
So, pull the ice storage bin out from under the ice maker and check it. Also, check the ice mold to see if there is ice. It must also mean the water is connected correctly, the water inlet valve works, and the water filter is not old and clogged.
Ensuring the Ice Maker Works
The first thing to check is the main water supply. If there is no water flowing into the ice maker, it cannot produce ice, although the machine may be running. And if it does not produce ice, there will be none to dump into the storage bin.
The water supply may be affected by a partially open or defective water valve. Therefore, inspect the valve to see that it works well. If it does not, you may have to replace it. Have a plumber fix the valve to ensure you have a properly functioning one for your refrigerator.
But if it works well, turn the valve until it is fully open. This should improve the water supply and pressure, and the ice maker should make and dump ice if every other thing is in good condition.
Another important aspect is the water pressure. Low water pressure can restrict the water flow to the ice maker, and one of the causes is a clogged water filter. But first, check the main source to see if the pressure is sufficient. If not, you will need the services of a qualified plumber.
Water Filter
But if the main source has enough pressure, yet the ice maker does not get enough water or no water, check the filter. Replacing the filter every six months is crucial for proper water system performance.
Refrigerator brands and water filter manufacturers will tell you to replace it because the filter performs poorly and the accumulated dirt blocks the water. Not only does it restricts the water flow, but it also reduces the water quality you consume.
Ensure you use the correct filter for your Bosch refrigerator model, and follow the detailed instructions in the user manual to install it. Using the wrong filter type or size will have the same effect on the water supply as using an old filter.
Water Line
The water line is another essential component in a refrigerator’s water system. A kinked or damaged water line will restrict the water flow or stop it entirely.
Sometimes, pushing the refrigerator too close to the back wall affects the water line if it is not taped to the refrigerator’s cabinet. Other times, the water line is in the way, and stepping on it damages it over time.
Inspect the line to see if it is still in good condition. If not, replace the water line. But if it is, ensure it is not kinked or twisted. Wrap it in a loop and tape it to the back of the refrigerator if it is too long. Additionally, run water through it to ensure there is no obstruction before using it for the ice maker.
Water Inlet Valve
The valve opens for about seven seconds using electric power to supply water to the ice maker. It is a crucial part of the water system because it supplies the ice maker and water dispenser. If it becomes defective, the ice maker will not make ice to dump into the storage bucket.
Therefore, inspect the valve; over months and years of use, mineral deposits and other debris clog the inlet valve. This causes it to stop working as it should. If that is the case, try cleaning or fixing it. This article on a Bosch refrigerator water inlet valve not working explains further how to fix the problem.
Checking the Ice Storage Bin and Ice Maker
Inspect the ice bucket when you pull it out, ensuring no ice is stuck inside it. If there is or ice clumps in the bucket, run hot water into it until the ice melts. Ensure you check the ice dispensing area to see if there are ice fragments obstructing the passage of ice when you use the dispenser.
With the bucket out, washed, and left out to dry completely, inspect the ice maker. There are ejector blades that automatically lift the ice cubes from the mold, loosening them. That way, the cubes can dump into the ice bucket. If the blades are stuck or frozen in place, the ice maker will not dump the ice.
Over time, the ice will melt, refreeze, and form large clumps. Power the ice maker and see if the blades move. If they do not move, even though the ice maker works, there may be a motor problem. That is if they are not stuck together with ice.
Some ice makers have heating elements or coils that warm and loosen the ice from the mold, making it easy to eject it from the ice maker. If the heating element no longer works, the ejector blades may have difficulty lifting the ice out into the storage bin. And if that is the case, you will need to replace the entire ice maker because you cannot replace the heating coil alone.
You must carefully and fully insert the ice bucket into the refrigerator to help the ice maker produce ice. Poorly inserting the bucket may cause the sensor not to detect it, and consequently, the ice maker cannot make ice. If unsure how to put it correctly, use the refrigerator’s user guide for instructions.
Replace the Ice Maker
If nothing else seems to work, the best solution is to replace the ice maker. You may not need to replace the ice bucket if it is in good condition. Contact the Bosch Service Center to request a replacement ice maker or use an independent vendor.
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