Several issues can cause a refrigerator to stop working as it should. This article explains how to solve the problem of a Bosch refrigerator not making ice in simple steps.
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Bosch Refrigerator Not Making Ice – How to Fix
If you find that your Bosch refrigerator has stopped making ice, the problem may be with the condenser coils. The coils are vital to how well a refrigerator works, so they must be in good condition. If they are significantly dirty, it will affect the refrigerator’s capacity to cool. Here’s why:
The condenser coils are typically at the bottom back of or under a refrigerator. The refrigerant flows through the coils from the compressor during the cooling process before entering the evaporator coils.
It is in the evaporator coils that the refrigerant absorbs heat from the refrigerator air and flows back to the condenser coils. Then, these coils dissipate the heat from the refrigerant to reduce the pressure and temperature, so it can start the cooling process again. However, if the coils are dirty, the dirt insulates them, making it difficult to release the heat.
Consequently, it remains trapped within the refrigerator and eventually reduces its cooling capacity. And when this happens, the refrigerator cannot make ice. Therefore, the coils should be one of the first things you check if the refrigerator stops making ice.
Disconnect it from the electric power and move it to access the back. If your coils are at the bottom back, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and debris. Also clean the area around the coils, including the compressor and condenser fan.
But you cannot use a vacuum for this; a rag should do the job. Ensure you clean them again after six or twelve months to keep the refrigerator functioning optimally.
If the condenser coils are clean but the refrigerator does not cool, check the following:
1. Temperature
As simple as this may sound, accidental temperature adjustments are some of the commonest causes of a refrigerator not making ice or cooling. It helps if you can determine whether or not the temperature is correct.
Check the setting on the control panel to see if the freezer’s temperature is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the refrigerator’s temperature is between 33 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, there is a problem with the setting, and it is crucial to adjust it.
Follow the instructions in the user manual for the refrigerator to adjust the setting if you are unsure of the steps. But if your model does not have a digital display, check the temperature control knob inside the refrigerator and turn it to a higher number. The higher the number is, the colder the appliance will get. And the lower the number is, the warmer the refrigerator will be.
2. Location
Where you position the refrigerator may also affect how well it runs. If it is in the path of direct sunlight, the constant heat may impede its capacity to cool. As a result, it cannot make ice. The same is true if there is a heat source close to it.
If that is the case, you may want to move the appliance to another location. Look for a cooler part of the room or another room to position the refrigerator. The room temperature around a refrigerator should be cool enough to encourage cooling.
But it is not always convenient to relocate the refrigerator, so the next best thing is to shield it from the heat source. If the sunlight is the problem, consider using curtains you can close when the sun is high.
And if it is a heat source, such as a radiator, regulate how often you use it. Additionally, keep the ambient temperature moderate and improve air circulation, especially around the refrigerator.
3. Leveling
Get a spirit level and use it to check the refrigerator’s balance. Ensure it does not tilt in the wrong direction; otherwise, the refrigerator may not function well. The door may be slightly ajar because of poor leveling.
If it is not properly leveled, set the level on it and adjust the leveling legs until you achieve the right balance. The bubble should be in the middle to have the balance required to keep the unit running. Therefore, follow the leveling instructions in the refrigerator’s user manual to fix it.
4. Compressor
The compressor must regularly and smoothly run for the refrigerator to produce ice. If the refrigerator appears not to be cooling or producing ice, check how the compressor runs. It may be wearing out, especially if the appliance is old.
It may also be malfunctioning due to overheating. It is crucial to test the compressor to determine whether or not there is a fault. This should be done by a trained appliance technician because of the voltage involved in testing the motor.
There is also a chance that the refrigerant is leaking from the cooling lines, which would cause a drop in the cooling capacity. If you suspect this fault, turn off the appliance and open the windows and doors. Then, hire an appliance technician for further assistance.
Note: The same troubleshooting and repair steps apply if your Bosch freezer does not make ice.
Bosch Ice Maker Not Making Ice – What to Do
First, be sure the ice maker is on; check the wire shut-off arm or power button, depending on the model you own. If that does not apply and the ice maker is on, check the water filter, water inlet valve, and the main water supply.
You can also check the temperature setting to be sure it is correct. Additionally, check for ice buildup and ensure the door switch is not stuck. This article on a Bosch refrigerator ice maker not working explains the steps to find and fix the problem.
Note: The same steps apply if you find that your Bosch ice maker is not making enough ice.
Bosch Ice Maker Only Making Crushed Ice – Quick Fix
We would like to point out that it is normal to see a small amount of crushed ice from the dispenser if you just switched from the crushed option to the cubes option. In other words, if you use crushed ice and watt to use cubed ice, the dispenser will release some crushed ice left in the dispensing area before dispensing cubed ice.
However, if that is not the case, ensure the dispensing area under the ice bucket is not obstructed with ice. You will need to remove the ice bucket and inspect it. An ice buildup in it will block the dispensing area, making it difficult to dispense cubes.
Run hot water into the storage bucket until all the ice melts. Thoroughly dry the bucket before putting it into the refrigerator. Another possible cause of the problem, which is most likely the source, is that the mechanism that switches the dispenser from crushed to ice is stuck.
If you suspect that, remove the ice bucket and look at the back wall of the freezer section. There is a square hole there with a horizontal bar inside it. Use one finger to push the bar down so that it clicks into place.
Then, put the ice bucket back into the appliance and see if it dispenses cubed ice. But if the problem persists, contact the Bosch Service Center to report the issue and request service.
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