Is your ice maker not working? We have looked at various causes of the problem and come up with proven solutions.
Table of Contents
Ice Maker Not Working after Water Shut-off – Quick Fix
You may have loosened some dirt stored in the valve, which is now blocking the water supply line connected to the ice maker. Turn off the water at the source and disconnect the supply line. Blow air through it, and if it does not pass through, the line is blocked. Use a thin sharp object to push the piece of debris out. Then, flush water down the line until it runs free and clear.
In some cases, turning off the water may cause leftover water to freeze since there is no longer any constant flow. If you notice that ice is blocking the line, use a hairdryer to melt the ice. Within a few minutes, the ice mold should fill with water, and the ice maker should produce ice after that.
A few times, the water pressure may drop and affect how well water flows to the ice maker. Turn the ice maker and main water supply valve off in such a situation. Then, turn them back on again and check the ice maker.
Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working – How to Fix
If you discover that the ice maker in your refrigerator is not working, here are a few things to check and fix:
1. Power
The first thing to check is the power button of the ice maker. Ensure it is in the On position. Otherwise, the ice maker won’t work. Locate the button on the ice maker, usually on the front part. Turn it off and back on, and wait for the ice maker to begin working.
Some models don’t have power switches. They work with the arm on the side of the ice maker. So, if you don’t find any button, try the metal arm. When it is down, the ice maker is on and can produce ice. But when it is up, the ice maker cannot make ice because it is off. Therefore, ensure the arm is down for the ice maker to work.
A few ice maker models connect to the back of the freezer with a cord. If your refrigerator’s ice maker is such a model, check to see that the cord is fully plugged into its port. Otherwise, the ice maker will not work.
Additionally, check the ice bucket to ensure it sits fully under the ice maker. If it is not correctly inserted, the ice maker may get the wrong signal and stop ice production. Remove the bucket, clean it, and reinsert it. This time, ensure it hits the back of the freezer and connects with the ice maker.
2. Water Supply Line
Inspect the water supply line that feeds water to the ice maker. Ice may be blocking it and preventing water from getting into the machine. Run warm water over the line to dislodge ice fragments. But if it is debris, poke the dirt out and flush it with warm water.
Also, ensure nothing is resting on the line, and there are no kinks. One tell-tale sign of kinks is a non-functional ice maker because of lack of water. Another sign is leaking water. So, if you notice wetness around the water line, it may be damaged and need a replacement.
3. Temperature Setting
Ensure the freezer is set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the recommended setting not only for the ice maker to work but also for food safety. If the temperature setting is higher than 5 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice maker will stop making ice.
It is important to note that overstuffing the freezer will affect the ice maker’s functionality. Too many items will reduce the flow of cold air, thereby keeping the ice maker from freezing. Therefore, keep the freezer only half or three-quarters full for optimal operation.
4. Water Filter
If the water line has been in use for longer than six months, it may be why the ice maker is not working. But it may also affect the water dispenser if your refrigerator has one. Check the filter change light on the refrigerator, and if it is blinking, it is time to replace the water filter.
Always purchase the water filter with the refrigerator’s model number. Using the wrong type of filter will not only affect the ice maker, but it may also affect the water dispenser. A clogged or wrong water filter may also reduce the water pressure and prevent the ice maker from filling with water.
Ensure it does not have a dirty or damaged head when you get the filter. Follow the refrigerator’s user manual instructions to install the new water filter.
5. Door Switch
Some refrigerator models have door switches that control the internal lights and the ice maker functions. Your user manual will let you know whether or not the switch works that way. But if not, ask the manufacturer.
The door of the freezer usually pushes the switch in when you close it. And when you open the door, it releases the switch, so the light comes on. However, the ice maker is likely not working if the internal lights do not come on when you open the door. Replace the door switch to be sure – it is easy and affordable.
6. Ice Maker Fill Tube
The fill tube that goes into the ice maker from the back of the freezer may be frozen. Inspect it to determine whether or not that is the case. And if it is frozen, thaw it using a hairdryer. Do this carefully and on low heat so that you don’t warp the plastic fill tube or other plastic freezer parts.
7. Ice Maker
When all else fails, consider replacing the ice maker. It may be defective, making it unable to work. If you are unsure, hire an appliance technician to check the machine and determine whether or not it is faulty. Ice makers are typically affordable and easy to replace.
Note: If the ice maker is a new installation, it needs some hours to run and cool. Therefore, it is crucial to give the refrigerator some running hours before you can determine whether or not the ice maker is defective.
Here is a video explaining factors that affect the functions of an ice maker…
Check out these other articles…
Refrigerator Handle [How to/Problems & Solutions]
Cooler Is Not Cooling [How to Fix]
Refrigerator Not Working [Problems Solved]
Freezer Not Working [Problems Solved]
Refrigerator Not Making Ice [Problems Solved]
Ice Maker Not Working After Changing Water Filter – Quick Fix
If you find that the ice maker stops working after changing the water filter, the fill tube and cup may be frozen. Thaw them using a heat source and ensure they are free before stopping. Try the ice maker again and if you get no response, check the water inlet valve. It may be partially closed or clogged with mineral deposits. Clean the valve and ensure it is fully open. But if that does not help, consider replacing the inlet valve.
Changing a water filter should not stop the ice maker from working. Instead, it should get the machine up and running. It is usually other faults that cause this problem. Therefore, ensure the filter is installed correctly and is the correct type. Also, ensure it is clean with no damages.
In some cases, the water filter head takes a long time to soak and work than usual. If you suspect this problem, remove the filter and soak it in water for a few minutes. Then, inspect the O-rings on the filter and make sure the rubber tube is in place. These can cause the filter not to work and impede the ice maker’s functions.
Finally, make sure you flush the system after changing the water filter. There may be air trapped in it, which will affect the water pressure and prevent water flow. Dispense a few gallons of water from the dispenser if there is one or use the water line at the back for the same purpose.
Ice Maker Not Working and Freezer Not Freezing – What to Do
If the ice maker is not working and the freezer is not freezing, it may have to do with the temperature in the freezer. Since the ice maker works with the freezer temperature, a freezer that is not freezing will cause the ice maker not to work.
Therefore, check the following:
1. Condenser Coils
Inspect the condenser coils for dirt and other debris. Dirt acts as a blanket on the coils, preventing the heat from being released. If the condenser coils are dirty, they cannot dissipate heat from the unit. As a result, the freezer will stop freezing or cooling, and the ice maker will stop working.
Clean the coils with a condenser cleaning brush or any other soft-bristled brush. If none is handy, use a vacuum cleaner. Ensure the coils have no leftover dort and make a date to clean them again in the next six months.
2. Start Relay
Find the relay on the compressor. It is usually a small device mounted on the compressor to supply power for the motor to start and run when due. Remove the relay from its place and shake it. If you hear a rattling sound, the relay may be defective. Consider replacing it.
But if you are unsure, run a continuity test on the relay. Take a multimeter and place the probes on the relay’s terminals. If you find no continuity, replace the start relay. The compressor will have a hard time starting and running if the relay is bad.
And if the compressor does not run smoothly, it will affect the freezer. You may find the refrigerator cooling, but the freezer needs the compressor to run for longer before it can freeze. Also, the ice maker will not work because it requires the freezer to freeze before producing ice.
3. Evaporator Fan and Coils
Check the evaporator fan to ensure it is in good working condition. It is attached to the interior back panel of the freezer. Unmount the screws securing the panel and carefully lift it out. Examine the fan and the compartment for any ice buildup. Use a heat source to melt the ice and free the fan if there is. The buildup may bend the blades and stop the fan from working. So, if that is the case, replace the fan blades.
But if there is no ice around the fan, turn the blades to see if they spin freely. If there is any restriction, the motor may be the problem. Use a multimeter to check the motor’s continuity. If it shows no continuity, replace the motor.
The fan should spread cold air in the freezer. It is the cold air that will help the ice maker to freeze water and produce ice. Therefore, it is crucial to see that the fan is in good working condition.
While checking the fan, take the opportunity to inspect the evaporator coils. A buildup of frost on them will prevent the release of cold air. So, even if the fan is working, the freezer will not freeze because of a lack of cold air.
Manually defrost the freezer to thaw the coils by disconnecting it from electric power and leaving the door open. But if it seems like a long process, use a hairdryer to thaw them. Then, clean up the excess moisture before turning the freezer back on. You may want to troubleshoot the defrost system afterward.
Ice Maker Not Working after Vacation – Solved
There may be power issues if you find that your ice maker is not working after a vacation. Check the circuit breaker, power outlet, refrigerator or ice maker power cord, icemaker power switch, and other electrical connections.
In addition, check the water supply line and fill tube. These plastic lines may be clogged with debris or ice. Melt it with warm water or a heat source if it is ice. But if it is debris, push it out using a thin object. Do this carefully so that you don’t puncture the plastic line.
Ice Maker Not Working After Power Outage – Solved
First, ensure the ice maker’s feeler arm is not in the up position. If it is up, then push it down so that the ice maker can turn on. If there is a power switch, press it off and on.
Then, check the water supply line inside the freezer section. It may be clogged with a piece of ice. Try poking it out with a small object. But if it does not work, use a hairdryer or any other heat source to melt the ice. While doing so, ensure the water line at the back and the inlet valve are in good working condition.
Next, check the temperature of the freezer. If it is not low enough, the ice maker will not work. Adjust the thermostat and the setting if you have a control panel. Then, wait 24 hours for the freezer to adjust to the change and freeze the ice maker.
A spike in the voltage may have destroyed one or more components in the ice maker. So, if nothing else seems to be getting the ice maker up and running, you may have to troubleshoot and replace faulty parts. However, most ice makers do not have individual replacement parts on sale. You may have to replace the entire ice maker assembly.
Ice Maker Not Working after Freezer Door Left Open – Quick Fix
Give the freezer some time to cool, about an hour or two. Adjust the set temperature a couple of degrees lower to enable faster cooling if necessary. The temperature may be too high due to the open door. That is because leaving the freezer door open lets cold air out and warm air into the freezer. As a result, the freezer’s cooling capacity becomes compromised.
But if the internal temperature is not the origin of the problem, then the door switch may be faulty. The switch can disable or enable power to the machine. So, if it starts malfunctioning, the light and ice maker won’t work. Push the switch to see if the freezer light goes off. If it does, the switch is in good working condition. But if not, the switch is faulty and needs a replacement.
However, ensure the ice maker is on; an item in the freezer may be pushing the power switch or feeler arm to the off position. Also, make sure the ice bucket sits correctly under the machine.
Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does – How to Fix
The ice maker is not receiving water if you find that it is not working, but the water is. An old water filter, faulty water inlet valve, or a frozen water supply line may be the problem. So, check these parts.
The refrigerator water filter needs to be replaced every six months. If you live in an area with hard water or a lot of construction, you need to replace it more often. An old filter will restrict water flow to the ice maker.
Next, ensure the inlet valve is fully open and functioning correctly. The water valve supplies water to the machine by opening and closing at timed intervals. If it is not open, is faulty, or the water pressure is low, the ice maker won’t get water. Turn the valve and wait for the ice mold to fill with water. If it does not, check the water line.
Blow air through it and see if it goes through. If it does not, the line is blocked. You can tell if it is dirt or ice. Use a hairdryer to warm the line if it is ice. But if it is dirt, try pushing it out of the line and flushing it with water.
Contact the manufacturer or hire a service technician for further assistance if nothing seems to work.
Ice Maker Not Working and Making Clicking Noise – Quick Fix
Remove the ice maker’s front cover, and you will see two gears, large and small. The heating element under the ice maker will heat the mold to release the ice for ejection and dump it into the ice bucket when the ice is ready. During the process, the small gear turns first to move the ice. Then, the large gear pushes the ice all the way out of the ice mold into the bucket. They may make a clicking noise as they turn, but it is normal.
You should worry if the clicking noise has not always been there and is loud. Also, if the teeth of the gears are wearing out, it is time to replace the ice maker.
Ice Maker Not Working after Defrost – What to Do
There may be a piece of ice stuck in the water line. Even though the freezer just went through a defrost cycle, it may not have melted the ice. So, water cannot flow through to the ice maker. Manually melt the ice with a hairdryer or warm water.
Another possible cause is that the freezer is stuck in a defrost mode. Consequently, the freezer cannot cool as it should. So, the ice maker cannot produce ice. You will need to troubleshoot the defrost system to find the faulty component and replace it.
Water and Ice Maker Not Working – Solution
Check the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator. Ensure it is fully open, and if it is not, turn it counterclockwise to open it. Then, check the water inlet valve for the same reason. But with the inlet valve, make sure no deposits clog it. Clean it to see if it removes the dirt, if you find any. Otherwise, water will not flow, even if the shut-off valve is open.
Also, check the water supply tube that feeds the refrigerator. Extremely low internal temperature can cause the tube to freeze. That way, it restricts water from entering the refrigerator. Thaw the tube using a hair dryer or steamer. You can also pour some warm water on the tube until the ice melts.
Next, check the water filter. If it has been a long since the last replacement or you have never replaced it, purchase the correct filter for your refrigerator model. Use the refrigerator’s model number to make the purchase. An old water filter restricts water or reduces the pressure.
Ensure there is no damage on the filter and the filter housing is not cracked. Then, flush several gallons of water from the dispenser to release trapped air and correct the water pressure. The ice maker and water dispenser will not correctly work if you do not flush the system. You may even see the water dispenser leaking due to built-up pressure.
Ice Maker Heater Not Working – Quick Fix
The only way to repair an ice maker with a faulty heating element is to replace the ice maker. The heating element is the coil under it. When the ice is ready in the ice mold, the coil becomes warm to loosen the ice from the mold for easy ejection and dumping. If the coil does not work, you won’t have ice in the ice bucket.
Ice Maker Not Working, Red Light Blinking – What to Do
If an ice maker stops working and you notice a blinking red light, something is wrong with the infrared sensor. However, to determine the origin, you will have to find out what refrigerator model you own.
Models Manufactured Before 2002
Ensure the ice maker is on. Then, remove the ice bucket and reduce any ice in it to a point below the cut-outs on its sides. Close the door of the freezer for about ten seconds before opening it again. Press the door switch as soon as you open the door for about a second and take your finger off. But press it again two more times.
Next, close the door again for about five seconds before opening it. When you open it this time, check the red light. If it blinks twice each time with one-second intervals, take the ice bucket out. Now, look at the wall directly facing the control switch of the ice maker. You will see an emitter switch. Press it and hold it in place with tape.
Close the door, wait about ten seconds, and open it again. If the red light continues to blink in the previous pattern, clean the infrared receiver and emitter switch using a damp, lint-free rag. Then, go through the test again until the red light stops blinking. But if not, replace the infrared receiver and emitter switch.
Models Manufactured in 2002 and Later
Open the door of the freezer and check the blinking pattern of the red light. If it blinks twice each time with one-second intervals, press the light switch. Check the red light while doing so; it should start blinking once each time with one-second intervals.
If that happens, ensure the control switch on the ice maker is on. Next, push the emitter switch in and check the red light. If it blinks twice with short pauses, clean the infrared on both the ice maker control and emitter switch. Rerun the test until the light stops blinking. But if it continues, replace the switch and ice maker control.
Ice Maker Not Working and Leaking Water – How to Fix
To fix an ice maker leaking water and not working, check whether there is an ice jam. The ice may be causing the ejector blades to stick, making them unable to release the ice. The longer the ice stays stuck, the higher the chances of melting. Turn the ice maker off and manually free the ice from the jam. Make sure nothing obstructs the release of the ice.
Next, go to the ice dispenser chute and pour warm water into it. Keep pouring until any ice stuck in it melts. If there is a chunk of ice, try breaking it up with a plastic or wooden spatula until it loosens and dissolves.
Another part to check is the fill cup and fill valve. They may not be aligned, causing the water to miss the mold and pour out the ice maker. Realign and fasten them until they are in place. Next, check the water line. Ensure it is not twisted or kinked. You will find the ice maker leaking if that is the case. You can either patch it with a good seal or replace the entire line.
Now, check the water filter. If you don’t install it correctly, the water entering the refrigerator will miss it and leak out. If the filter is old, the result is the same. Therefore, replace the water filter if you have not done so in over six months. But if you recently replaced it, ensure it is the correct type for your refrigerator model and is correctly installed.
In addition, check that the refrigerator is level. Poor leveling causes many issues with the unit, including a leaking ice maker. So, ensure the unit is level with a laser level reader or a bubble. Adjust the feet to tilt the refrigerator a little to the back if it is not. Or use a wooden wedge to balance the unit.
Note: The freezer temperature should be low enough to freeze the water in the ice maker. The water may sit in the ice mold and eventually leak out if it is high.
Arm on Ice Maker Not Working – Solved
Check to see if the freezer is too full. An overfilled freezer can jam the arm in place and restrict it from moving up and down. In such a case, reduce the freezer content and rearrange what is left. Ensure nothing is sitting too close to the ice maker to prevent the arm from moving.
If that does not work, manually push the arm up and down. Do it gently because the component is fragile. Afterward, wait to see if the ice maker starts working as the arm moves automatically. But if the arm does not move, it may be frozen in place. Use a heat source to thaw the arm before trying it again.
The arm may be out of alignment. Inspect it to see if it is out of its socket. If it is loose on any side, raise it high and gently guide it back into place. Move it to see if it is fixed. If not, try realigning it again.
In some cases, the spring that holds the arm up may be loose or weak. If it is loose, moving the arm up and down may pop it into place. But if it is weak, the only solution is to replace it. You may need the help of an appliance technician to fix it.
Try resetting the freezer. Disconnect it from electric power, wait about thirty seconds, and reconnect it. The internal computer may reset and recalibrate the arm. That may automatically get it up and running again. However, if none of the above works, replace the ice maker arm.
Ice Maker Stops Working then Starts Again – Quick Fix
Press the light switch in the freezer to see if the internal goes on and off when you do. If it does, it is not responsible for the erratic ice maker. But if the light does not respond to the switch, consider replacing the switch. It is causing the ice maker to work only intermittently.
Another thing to check is the emitter switch. You can also check the infrared receiver board while you are at it. If either or both parts become faulty, they may cause the ice maker to work erratically. If you are not sure how to test them, get a qualified appliance technician to do it.
Additionally, the gear behind the ice maker’s front cover may be stuck or have worn teeth. As a result, it will not turn when it should, causing the ice maker to stop and start at intervals. You may be able to replace the gear yourself. Remove the cover, and you will see it. Try pulling it off, but do not force it. If you cannot, let the professionals handle it.
Ice Maker Not Working After Being Unplugged – What to Do
Ensure the refrigerator’s power cord is fully plugged into the wall outlet. You will know whether or not the refrigerator is receiving power if the light is off and no other part seems to be working. Next, check the ice maker’s power button. You may have accidentally switched it off when you unplugged it. Turn it off and back on, and see if there is any change.
Unplugging the unit may have dislodged a fragment of ice into the water line. Therefore, inspect the line for any obstruction. If there is, squirt warm water into the water line until the ice melts. But if none of the above works, your ice maker may need servicing. Hire a service agent to check the machine.
Undercounter Ice Maker Not Working – Solution
If you find that your undercounter ice maker is not working, do the following to fix it:
Ensure you plug the ice maker into an active power source. The source must produce enough voltage to power the unit. Otherwise, it will not work.
Next, ensure the power control is on. If you are not sure, find the control and turn it off. Then, turn it on again.
Check the room temperature. If it is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, try to warm the room up slightly to reach the recommended temperature or a little above it. The bin thermostat in the ice maker may shut the machine off if the temperature is low.
Inspect the drain tube to ensure there are no twists or kinks. A kinked drain tube will stop water from draining from the ice maker, thereby restricting its functionality. Inspect the drain tube to be sure it is not damaged. Otherwise, you may have to replace it.
Ice Maker Valve Not Working – Solved
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and move it to create space at the back if necessary. Turn the shut-off valve off to stop the water flow from the main source. Then, remove the access cover at the bottom back of the refrigerator.
Pull the water line from the inlet valve by loosening the nut that secures both with a wrench. Now, unmount the single screw securing the bracket of the inlet valve to the refrigerator’s frame. Lift the valve out and disconnect the connectors.
Take a multimeter and set it to a scale of R X 100. Then, touch the meter’s probes to the valve’s solenoid coils. You should get a reading between 200 and 500 ohms if the valve is in good working condition. So, if there is no reading, the inlet valve needs a replacement. See if you can get an individual replacement solenoid coil for the valve. If you cannot, replace the entire inlet valve.
However, if the water inlet valve checks out fine, the valve’s filter may be the problem. The good news is that you can clean it. Remove the large nut on the valve’s inlet side. Then, loosen the filter with a small screwdriver. Clean the filter with a small brush and thoroughly rinse it before replacing it.
The water inlet valve is the component that supplies water to the ice maker. It is electrically controlled to open for about seven seconds. Within that time, water fills the ice mold. Then, it shuts so that the ice maker does not overflow.
But with time, mineral deposits and other sediments in the primary water source will pass through the valve. The valve has a small screen that collects all the deposits so that they don’t enter the water. However, the filter will fill up and clog with continuous use, thereby restricting water flow to the ice maker. Then, the valve will stop functioning as it should.
A clogged filter is not the only likely cause of a faulty water valve. A solenoid coil winding may break. This break restricts the flow of current to the valve to open and shut as needed. So, when it happens, the inlet valve and ice maker stop working.
Ice Maker Not Working After Replacing Water Valve – Quick Fix
You may have accidentally turned the ice maker off at the power switch if it has one. Turn it off and on. If the ice maker does not start working, the water valve may not be properly installed or may be the wrong type for the refrigerator.
It may also help to check if water is getting into the refrigerator. That will tell you if the valve is faulty. A new valve can be faulty, so you may have to return it to the store and ask for a replacement. Use your refrigerator’s brand name and model number to pick a new valve. Then, see if there is an improvement.
Countertop Ice Maker Not Working – How to Fix
Check the following if your countertop ice maker is not working:
1. Power Cord
The ice maker may be unplugged. It may sound trivial, but you may have unplugged it or moved the power cord a little out of the wall outlet. Disconnect the power cord and reconnect it. If that does not work, check the power cord for fraying or other signs of damage. Replace the cord if it is damaged.
2. Wall Outlet
Also, check the wall outlet to ensure it is delivering voltage. Try powering the ice maker in another wall outlet. If it works, the original outlet is the problem. You may want to check the circuit breaker that controls the outlet to see if it is tripped. Reset the breaker if it is. Then, try the ice maker in the outlet again. Hire an electrician to check the cause of the problem if the outlet does not work.
3. Water Level
Ensure the ice maker has enough water. Take a look at the water in the reservoir and add more if necessary. These ice makers will automatically stop working if the water level is too low. But keep the water level at the mark indicated inside the tank; the ice maker may not work if the tank is too full. Also, clean the sensor if you get an empty tank signal.
4. Water Supply Line
If you have never cleaned the ice maker, or it’s been a while since the last cleaning, the water line and filter may be clogged. This is especially true if you live in an area with hard water. Mineral deposits can build scale and fill the filter up, restricting water flow.
Remove the filter and water supply line and wash them with white vinegar and water. Afterward, replace the filter and line, and check the water pipes at the connections. They may be blocked, restricting the water flow. Clean the connecting points to remove possible obstructions.
5. Temperature Setting
Check the temperature setting in the ice maker; it may be too low. And if it is low, it will cause the water lines to freeze. Disconnect the ice maker from electric power, and allow it to get warm. Then, reconnect it to see if it starts working.
On the other hand, a high temperature will prevent the ice maker from working. Therefore, check the setting and adjust it accordingly. Give the ice maker time to run a cycle. If it does, you are set to go.
6. Ice Maker
The ice maker itself may be the problem. So, if none of the above fixes works, consider testing the ice maker. But before that, try resetting the ice maker. Follow the instructions in the user manual to rest it. But if that does not work, replace the ice maker.
Ice Maker Not Working with Reverse Osmosis System – What to Do
Remove the water supply to your ice maker from the reverse osmosis water filtration system. The filtration system usually reduces the water pressure to the refrigerator and ice maker, so the ice machine may not get water at all. You may have to use a water filter in the refrigerator to filter the ice maker’s water.
Recap
It is not common to see an ice maker not working. But it is also easy to fix an ice maker problem in most cases. Follow the guide in this article to fix your faulty ice maker; there are extensive repair steps to follow.
Run maintenance checks on your refrigerator and ice maker to prevent errors and faults. Contact the manufacturing brand or a service agent to check the ice maker from time to time.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.