Sometimes, you may find that your GE refrigerator does not make ice. If you have such a problem, this article will show you how to easily fix it.
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GE Refrigerator Will Not Make Ice – Solutions
The following are ways to solve the problem of a GE refrigerator not making ice:
1. Set the Temperature Right
Locate the temperature dial on your refrigerator and set each section’s temperature to the right degree.
The ideal temperature for the fresh food compartment is 37 degrees Fahrenheit, while that of the freezer is 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the ice maker must reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit to begin the ice-making cycle.
So, if the refrigerator’s temperature is warmer than usual, it will take a longer time for ice production. Or, the refrigerator will not make ice at all.
It is important to note that the temperature dial is located in different places. This depends on the model of the refrigerator. So, confirm the exact location for your refrigerator’s model from the user manual.
Additionally, after resetting the temperature, it will take the refrigerator about 24 hours to normalize.
2. Stock Up the Unit Properly
Load the refrigerator up to ¾ full. If the appliance is not properly loaded, it may affect ice production. However, if the refrigerator is full, it will maintain a stable temperature and boost ice production.
3. Ensure the Condenser Fan Is Working
Unplug the refrigerator from the power source and move it away from the wall. Remove the lower back panel to access the condenser fan.
Next, use your fingers to turn the fan blades. If they are stiff or don’t move freely, the fan motor is most likely defective and should be replaced.
The condenser fan cools the refrigerant system. So, if it malfunctions, the refrigerant system will heat up, and as a result, affect ice production.
4. Clean the Condenser Coils
Locate the condenser coils on your refrigerator. Then, use a condenser cleaning coil brush to dust off any dirt on it.
Depending on the model of your refrigerator, the coils may be found on the back or top of the refrigerator. Then, on some other models, it is located under the appliance behind the base grille.
It is important to note that dirty condenser coils make the refrigerator work twice as hard. This will cause the compressor to overheat, and in turn, reduce the refrigerator’s ice production.
Doing these few things can get your refrigerator to produce ice again. And these steps are applicable to a GE freezer, too.
However, if the problem persists, contact GE care for further assistance. You also have the option of using the chatbox on your right to chat with our technicians.
GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Will Not Make Ice – What To Do
If you notice that your GE refrigerator ice maker will not make ice, here is what to do:
1. Ensure the Ice Maker Is Plugged In
To ensure that the ice maker is properly plugged in, remove the ice bucket. You will find the machine’s plug on the left-hand side of the rear wall next to the mount. Ensure this plug is firmly fitted because if it is not, the ice maker won’t work.
Furthermore, check the icemaker switch to be sure it is turned on. You may have unintentionally turned it off while loading the refrigerator. This is true if the ice maker switch is not on the control panel.
Additionally, a defective icemaker switch will affect ice production. If this is the case, you may have to replace the ice maker assembly. This is because it is usually difficult to buy most individual components of the ice maker.
2. Ensure the Water Filter Is Not Clogged
To check if the water filter is clogged, replace the old filter with the supplied bypass plug. Run the dispenser tap. If the water flow improves, it means the filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.
Ideally, you should replace the water filter every six months. However, if there are new constructions around your vicinity, you may have to replace the filter more often.
This is because there may be more sediments in the water system which will clog the filter more frequently. And, if the water filter is clogged, it can restrict the amount of water the ice maker gets. Consequently, it affects ice production.
3. Unkink or Unclog the Water Lines
Trace the water supply line from the fresh food compartment to the ice maker. If it is kinked, unkink it. Furthermore, use a hand dryer to melt any ice in the waterline.
In addition, check the house water supply line, and ensure it is not kinked either. A kinked or clogged water line will restrict the water flow to the ice-making machine. This will, in turn, cause the machine to produce little or no ice.
4. Clear the Ice Mold
Check the ice mold and remove piled-up ice cubes. If there is a pile-up of ice cubes in the ice mold, the ejection rake may be stuck. And once this happens, the ice maker will not complete its cycle. It will shut off and not produce any more ice.
Note: The ice mold is usually hot, so apply caution when you want to remove ice from it.
5. Replace a Defective Water Inlet Valve
To replace a defective water inlet valve, disconnect the refrigerator from the power source. Then, pull the unit away from the wall and unscrew the lower rear access panel.
Unmount the valve from the mounting plate holding it in place, remove the wiring harnesses, and disconnect the water lines. Do not forget to remove the house water supply line from the inlet port.
Then, install the new water inlet valve following these steps in reverse order. Note that before reattaching the water lines, you may have to cut off a few inches from their ends. This is particularly for lines that have a weak end.
In addition, remove the cap on the inlet port before reattaching the house water supply line.
Here is a video showing steps to replace a water inlet valve…
Keep in mind that a defective water inlet valve cannot supply water to the ice maker, thereby, stopping ice production.
Another possible reason why your ice maker will not make ice is the unstable temperature within the refrigerator. So, ensure your refrigerator’s temperature is always set right.
The right temperature for the refrigerating unit is 37 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer. Then, the ice maker will reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit to begin its ice-making cycle.
In addition, ensure the water pressure from the supply lines is up to 20 psi. If it is not, there may not be sufficient water supply to the ice maker, hence stopping ice production. You can use the water pressure test gauge to measure the psi.
Most of these solutions will also work for a stand-alone GE ice maker.
Note: Unplug your appliance from the power source any time you want to carry out repairs on it. But, if you are setting the temperature or working with sensor buttons, you may have to leave it plugged in.
Check out these other articles…
GE Refrigerator and Freezer Not Getting Cold [How to Fix]
GE Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Problems [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Quit Working [How to Fix]
How to Clean a GE Water Cooler [Quick Guide]
How Do You Clean a GE Freezer Drain? [Quick Guide]
GE Refrigerator Cooling Issues [Fixed]
GE Ice Maker Not Making Enough Ice – What To Do
Do the following when your GE ice maker stops making enough ice:
- Replace the water filter, then allow the ice maker to run some cycles. Ideally, you should change the filter every six months, but more often if there are new constructions in your area. This should take care of a water filter clog problem.
- Ensure the freezer’s temperature is not too warm. Set it at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or further reduce it to -2 degrees Fahrenheit to increase ice production.
- Increase the food load in the refrigerator to up to ¾ full. A lesser quantity may reduce ice production.
- Do not open the refrigerator frequently. This will help maintain a stable temperature within the compartment and in turn, increase ice production.
- Ensure there is nothing clogging the water lines. It could be ice or another obstruction, restricting water flow to the ice maker. This will affect ice production.
- Unkink the water lines. Apart from clogs, kinks on the water lines also restrict water flow to the ice maker. As a result, reduce the amount of ice produced.
If after troubleshooting and you still find your ice maker not producing enough ice or nothing at all, contact GE. Your appliance may require servicing.
Alternatively, our qualified and experienced technicians can assist you.
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