Sometimes, a GE ice maker can start making ice slowly, for no apparent reason. If you have this problem, this article shows you how to fix it.
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GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Slow – Solutions
If you find that the ice maker in a GE refrigerator is slow, try the following:
1. Change the Water Filter
The water filter in the refrigerator, if your model uses one, may be old and therefore clogged. It may also be incorrectly inserted or damaged.
If it is a case of clogging, buy a new water filter and replace the old one with it. Ensure you buy one using the model number of your refrigerator. This helps you get the right type compatible with your unit.
Also, strictly follow the instructions on how to change the filter in the user manual that came with the unit.
And if it is a case of damage to the head of the filter or being incorrectly inserted, you still need a new water filter. However, this time, carefully and gently insert the filter, following the laid-out steps for installation carefully.
After replacing the filter, give the ice maker time to run a few cycles. This will flush the system and let you know if the machine is working at a normal speed.
2. Adjust the Temperature in the Freezer
Check the setting of the temperature in the freezer to see if it is above 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is, adjust it to a point between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, allow the unit about 24 hours to stabilize while monitoring the ice maker to see if ice production improves.
If you need fast ice, you can drop the setting to -2 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer will freeze faster and the ice maker will work better. This will actually speed up ice production.
The freezer won’t be cold enough for the ice maker to work optimally if the temperature is high. That would explain why the machine is slow.
We would like to point out here that opening and closing the door of the refrigerator will affect the ice maker’s speed as much as increasing the temperature setting.
This is because warm or humid air gains easy access to the interior of the unit, compromising the cold air within.
Over time, the refrigerator will become unable to maintain a cold temperature. This affects everything inside the unit, including the operation of the ice maker.
3. Increase the Food Load
Add more food or bottles of drinks and water to the freezer. Doing this helps keep the temperature in the freezer more stable. If the compartment is too empty, the temperature is likely to become unstable, affecting the operation of the ice maker.
In the same vein, don’t pack the freezer or even the refrigerator too full. Cold air will have a hard time circulating if the unit is too full. As a result, while some parts may freeze, others may remain just cold.
Besides, if the freezer is too full, one or more items could keep the arm from going down to the On position. This keeps the ice maker working slowly, intermittently or not at all.
4. Increase the Water Pressure
Dispensing water from the dispenser will let you know if the pressure of the water is low. If it takes too long to get ¾ of a water glass, get a certified plumber to adjust the water pressure. Note that the least needed pressure is 20psi.
Low pressure impedes the water valve’s capacity to open and allow water to flow to the ice maker. If it does flow, it may be on trickles. Consequently, the ice maker’s production of ice will become too slow.
5. Inspect the Water Line
Go to the back of the refrigerator and inspect the water line. If there is ice in it, thaw it by rubbing a warm cloth repeatedly on it. You can also thaw it by using a hair dryer.
But if you notice any kink in it, loosen the line to remove the kink. Leaving the kink can actually destroy the water line.
However, if the line has any damage, it is time for a replacement. If you are not sure about replacing it yourself, chat with any of our repair agents here to guide you.
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While you are inspecting and fixing the water line, if need be, you can also check the water valve. Make sure it is open to the full. A partially open valve reduces the flow of water and consequently drops the production of ice.
This video shows steps to correctly troubleshoot a GE ice maker…
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Recap
If your GE ice maker is making ice slowly and you are wondering why, the following are possible reasons:
- Clogged water filter
- High freezer temperature
- Frequent opening of freezer door
- Improper food load
- Low water pressure
- Damaged water line or water valve
However, if none of the above fixes works for the slow ice maker, contact GE Cares to report the issue and request service. Ice makers can be serviced regularly to avoid such issues from springing up suddenly.
Otherwise, chat with us. We have qualified repair technicians who are ready to guide you on how to correctly and permanently fix the problem.
In addition, know when to disconnect the unit from electric power. If you have indepth repairs or troubleshooting to do, and there is no need for power, unplug the refrigerator. If this cannot be done easily, turn off the circuit breaker.
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