There are different possible reasons why a GE refrigerator ice maker is not getting water. In this article, we look at them and ways to solve them.
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GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Getting Water – Solutions
The following are parts that cause a GE ice maker not to get water when they fail, and how to fix them:
1. Power
Be sure that the ice maker is on. Check the ice maker’s power cord. It should be plugged right into the back wall or the left side of the freezer compartment.
Then, if the ice maker has a power switch, check to see if it is in the ‘On’ position. If it is not, turn it on. But if it is, turn it off and turn it back on.
Give the ice maker about 24 hours to see if it starts making ice. If it does, it means water is now getting into it.
2. Water Fill Tube
The tube that goes into the ice maker from the back of the freezer is responsible for supplying water to the ice machine. To inspect it, you will have to take the ice maker out of the refrigerator.
The tube could be frozen and if this is the case, water won’t get into the ice maker. You need to thaw it by defrosting the refrigerator and freezer manually.
Do this by emptying the compartments and storing the food elsewhere. Then, unplug the unit from the wall outlet and leave the doors open.
However, you may need the services of a refrigerator technician to remove the ice maker before inspecting the fill tube.
3. Water Filter
If you have never changed the water filter in your GE refrigerator, buy a new one immediately and change it. And if you have not changed the one in it in the last 6 months, it is due for a change.
However, if you recently changed it and have this problem, remove the water filter and put a bypass plug. Then, wait for a little while to see if the ice maker starts getting water.
If this happens, you know the filter was either partially clogged or fully clogged. This is especially true if you live in an area where a lot of construction work goes on.
There is also the possibility you used the wrong type of water filter for the specific model of GE refrigerator you own.
Therefore, always buy a new filter using the model number of your unit.
As much as the ice maker can work without the refrigerator having a water filter, the absence of one can cause different issues. One of them is the inability of water to flow into the ice maker due to insufficient water pressure.
4. Water Pressure
Dispense water, if your refrigerator has a water dispenser, and see how long it takes to fill a glass ¾ full.
If it takes more than 10 seconds, the pressure too low and needs to be increased. The pressure problem could also stem from a clogged or overused water filter.
So, remove the water filter and try to dispense water again. You will know the filter is the problem if the glass fills up in good time.
However, if the filter is good, check the filtration system in your house. If the reverse osmosis type, it could affect the pressure.
Have a qualified plumber fix the water pressure problems for you from the water source, with or without the filtration system.
If the water pressure is too low, below 20psi, the ice maker, as well as the ice dispenser and water dispenser where applicable, won’t work. The water inlet valve cannot open if the pressure is not enough.
Note: If your refrigerator does not have a dispenser, dispense water directly from the supply line. The same ¾ glass in 10 seconds rule applies to it.
5. Water Inlet Valve
Test the inlet valve with a multimeter to determine if it is defective or not. If there is no continuity in the solenoid and there is no power, the valve is defective and should be replaced. It can no longer open to allow water into the ice maker.
6. Ice Maker
To determine whether or not the ice maker is defective, pour 4 ounces of water into the mold manually. Make sure it is powered and on.
Give it 2 hours to see if it would make ice. If it dumps ice into the ice bucket after this time, the machine is functioning well.
But if it does not dump ice after the waiting period, the ice maker is bad and needs a replacement.
Buy the entire assembly, using your refrigerator’s model number, and replace the old one.
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This video is a detailed representation of how to troubleshoot an ice maker that is not getting water. It is done on a Frigidaire refrigerator ice maker but the basics are the same…
Quick Note
Unplug the refrigerator from the wall socket if your GE refrigerator ice maker is not getting water and you are going to test or replace a part. Doing this prevents accidental electric shocks.
Contact GE Cares if the problem persists after you follow all the troubleshooting steps above. You especially need to do this if you have an active warranty.
Otherwise, chat with any of our refrigerator technicians right here for speedy and expert assistance with the problem.
Check out these other articles…
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How to Set Temperature on a GE Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
GE Refrigerator Water Coming Out Slowly [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Handle [Issues and Fixes]
How Old Is My GE Refrigerator? [Solved]
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