It is a good sign if you find your Kenmore refrigerator making ice. But if the ice production is too little, too much, or non-existent, find a quick solution.
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Kenmore Refrigerator Not Making Ice after Changing Filter – Quick Fix
If you find that the ice maker in your Kenmore refrigerator is not making ice after you changed the water filter, check the water filter type.
Many refrigerator brands design their units to take specific water filter types. So if you use a non-brand type, the water and ice maker may not work in the refrigerator. You may have to buy a new filter and replace it.
But if the filter is the recommended type, then ensure you installed it properly. Follow the instructions in the user manual to correctly install it.
When you uninstall it, check the head for dirt or damage. These can keep the filter from working. If it is dirty, clean it but if it is damaged, replace it.
Some new water filters have a hard time soaking with water and this delay may seem like a fault. It will help hasten the process if you soak the filter head in water for a few minutes so it does not take forever to start working.
In addition to all the above, check the filter housing. The seal or ring where the filter connects may have shifted, making it impossible for the water filter to work. Adjust it if this is the case.
Finally, if none of the above applies, flush the system. Typically, after changing the water filter, you should dispense a few glasses to clear any trapped air. The air can build pressure and prevent the ice maker from working. Another evidence of this issue is a leaking water dispenser.
Kenmore Refrigerator Makes Ice But No Water – How to Fix
The water tank or reservoir behind the crisper drawers may be frozen if you find your Kenmore refrigerator making ice. It supplies water to the water dispenser only so if the ice maker is working, it means the water supply line and water filter are working fine.
To determine this, remove the bottom grille to access the waterline. Pop the quick connect off and try to dispense water from the line. If there is no water from the line, it may an indication that the line is frozen or the reservoir is frozen.
Heat the reservoir and line with a steamer or dryer. This should melt or thaw the ice so water can dispense. But if water does not dispense after heating the line and reservoir, check other components.
1. Water Inlet Valve
If the tube in the door of the freezer that feeds the water dispenser is not frozen, check the water inlet valve. Deposits on it can restrict the flow of water. The same is true if the water pressure is low.
Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator and clean the inlet valve. Afterward, check the water pressure by trying to dispense water out of the water line at the back of the unit. You should be able to fill a glass within 10 seconds if the pressure is up to 20psi.
But the water flow is slow, and the valve is clean, have a plumber increase the water pressure. However, if the pressure is right, test the valve using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the valve.
2. Dispenser Switches
Test each dispenser switch with a multimeter to check for continuity. If one or more of the switches show no continuity, the refrigerator won’t be able to dispense water because they send power to the water dispenser. Replace the faulty switch.
3. Door Switch
With a multimeter, check the continuity in the door switch. If it does not show any continuity, replace the switch. Do this because it has the responsibility of turning the dispenser off once you open the door of the refrigerator. So it may have become defective and locked the dispenser.
4. Dispenser Control Board
Leave the board until you have check other components of the system. While the board controls the functions of the system, it is not the origin of the problem if just one part of the dispenser has failed.
Kenmore Refrigerator Makes Ice But It Does Not Dispense It – Solved
To fix the problem of ice not dispensing from a Kenmore refrigerator, do the following:
1. Check the Auger Motor
Remove the ice bucket and turn the auger in it with your hand. If the auger is stiff, you may have to replace the ice bucket. But if it turns freely, run a continuity test on the motor using a multimeter. If you don’t get continuity from the motor, replace it.
The auger in the ice bucket is controlled by the auger motor to spin and push the ice into the ice chute for dispensing. If the auger or its motor fails, the ice won’t dispense.
2. Check the Dispenser Switch
There is usually more than one dispenser switch and they are responsible for sending voltage to the dispenser. If one of them fails, the dispenser ceases to work. Run a continuity test on the switches, one by one, until you find the defective one. Replace it as soon as you do.
3. Check the Door Motor
Check to see if the door motor is getting enough power and run a continuity test on it to check for continuity. If the motor is getting enough power but does not function well, replace it. And if there is no continuity, replace it.
The motor electrically controls the door and the door keeps the cold air trapped within the unit. If the motor fails, the door will remain shut and ice won’t be able to dispense.
4. Check the Dispenser Actuator
A broken dispenser actuator keeps the dispenser switches from activating and powering the ice dispenser. Replace the actuator if you see it is broken upon inspection.
5. Check the Dispenser Control Board
If you notice that just one part of the ice dispenser is faulty, there is no need to check the control board. This is because it controls everything in the dispenser system so if it is defective, the entire system will fail.
However, if the entire ice dispenser system is defective, replace the dispenser control board.
Kenmore Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works – How to Fix
To fix a Kenmore refrigerator dispensing water but not making ice, do the following:
1. Check the Water Inlet Valve
Make sure the water pressure is up to 20psi for the valve to work. Otherwise, the valve won’t open enough o fill the ice maker with water. And no water means no ice.
If you have a filtration system that runs in your home, you may want to install a separate water line for the ice maker. This is especially true if the system is the reverse osmosis kind. The filtration system tends to lower the pressure of water that flows in the house.
But if the water pressure is not the issue, then test the inlet valve to see whether or not it is receiving power. If it is receiving power and the pressure is right yet it won’t work, replace it.
2. Adjust the Temperature
The temperature in the freezer must be low enough to freeze water in the ice maker. If it exceeds 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice maker will have a hard time making ice.
And if the ice maker is in the refrigerator, ensure the set temperature does not exceed 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it should be at 37 degrees.
3. Replace the Ice Maker
Finally, check the ice maker. One or more of its internal components may be defective, causing the ice maker to stop working.
You may have to replace the entire assembly if you are unable to find individual replacement parts. But do this only if all the other components are in good working condition.
Note: You may want to check the water filter. While it affects both water and ice, it is possible to still dispense water without filling the ice maker with water. Additionally, check the water line that feeds the ice maker.
Why Isn’t My Kenmore Refrigerator Making Ice?
Your Kenmore refrigerator is not making ice for a number of reasons:
1. Frozen Waterline
Check the water line to see if it is frozen. Try blowing air through it and if the air does not pass through, the line is clogged with ice. A dryer, steamer, or some warm water should do the trick of melting the ice.
2. Kinked Line
The water line at the refrigerator’s back may be kinked or twisted. Also, something may be resting on it, preventing water from passing through. Straighten the line and loosen any twist so it can function better. But if you notice that it has broken, replace it.
In addition, deposits in the main water source may clog the line and slow the flow of water. Flush a mixture of water and vinegar down the line to remove the debris.
3. Internal Temperature
The temperature in the freezer determines how well the ice maker works. The ice maker itself does not generate its own temperature.
So if the temperature is too high, above 10 degrees Fahrenheit or -12 degrees Celsius, the freezer won’t be cold enough for the ice maker to work.
Also, check to see if anything is compromising the internal temperature if the setting is correct. Otherwise, lower it a few degrees to fix the temperature issue.
4. Dirty Water Filter
One way to test the water filter is to remove it and replace it with a bypass plug. Now, try dispensing water to check the pressure. If water starts flowing with good force, replace the filter.
If the refrigerator does not have a dispenser, dispense water straight from the waterline. You will achieve the same result.
Make sure you use the right type of filter for your Kenmore refrigerator model. And install it following the instructions in your user manual. Replace the filter every 6 months or more often if the water source is not clean.
5. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
Start with the water pressure; ensure it is up to 20psi. If the water pressure is low, the inlet valve cannot open to deliver enough water to the ice maker. Increase the pressure if it is low with the help of a qualified plumber.
Also, check for deposits on the valve as these impede the water flow to the ice maker. Clean it and run another icemaking cycle. If the deposits still restrict the flow of water, replace the valve.
However, if none of the above applies, run a continuity test on the inlet valve using a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, replace the valve.
6. Broken Ice Maker
Consider replacing the ice maker if all the above are in good working condition yet there is no ice. But before that, reset the ice maker.
Remove the cover of the ice maker and switch it off from the power switch. Next, disconnect the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait 5 minutes, and reconnect it to the outlet.
Turn on the ice maker and allow it to run through one icemaking cycle. If it makes ice, the problem is solved. Otherwise, replace the ice maker assembly.
Check out these other articles…
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Kenmore Refrigerator Door [Problems & Solutions]
How to Level a Kenmore Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
Kenmore Refrigerator Blinking Light [Issues & Solutions]
Kenmore Refrigerator Handle [Issues & Solutions]
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Small Ice Cubes – Solved
If your Kenmore refrigerator is making small ice cubes, check the temperature setting. When the temperature in the unit is higher than the recommended point, the ice cubes in the ice mold won’t have the chance to form fully.
Set the temperature to the correct point and allow the ice maker to make a fresh batch of ice. Ideally, the temperature in the freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
If you are not sure the freezer temperature setting is correct, use a thermometer to check. Place one in the freezer and wait about 12 hours or more. Check the temperature and adjust it accordingly until you reach the desired point.
But if the freezer temperature is set correctly, then check the water supply to the ice maker. The water line may be kinked or the water inlet valve may be defective. Fix the waterline by straightening it or replacing it if it is broken.
Now check the water filter. If it is longer than 6 months since you last changed it, it is time to replace it. The change filter indicator may be blinking but even if it is not, replace the filter and see if the ice cubes improve.
Next, check the inlet valve. Mineral deposits may have clogged it, preventing water from flowing freely. There is also a high chance the water pressure is too low to open the inlet valve properly. So check the valve and clean it if it is too dirty. Otherwise, you may have to replace it.
However, if the valve is clean, check the water pressure. Fix the pressure and the valve may function properly. If you have an in-house water filtration system, it may be affecting the water pressure. Consider running a separate water line to the refrigerator from the main source, away from the filtration system.
Improper Leveling
Check the refrigerator’s leveling and if it is not properly leveled, fix it. The poor tilt of the refrigerator may be affecting the way the ice mold fills with water. As a result, there isn’t enough water to make normal-sized ice cubes.
Kenmore Refrigerator Only Making Crushed Ice – What to Do
Take the ice bucket out and check the opening from where the ice dispenses. There is a rod on the side of the ice maker that moves up and down to either open or close the area under the ice bucket. Move the rod and see if the area opens and closes properly.
If it is stuck in the closed position, it would explain why there is only crushed ice. Make sure there are no ice fragments stuck there and keeping it from moving. Pour warm water through the ice bucket until it flows freely.
Move the rod again and see whether or not the area moves. If it does not, you may have to replace the ice bucket.
If the ice discharge area is working well, you may have to replace the solenoid that controls the rod that goes into the opening in the freezer’s rear. With the solenoid, the rod can raise or lower to give you either cubed or crushed ice.
You may require the services of a qualified refrigerator technician if you find you cannot fix the problem yourself. Otherwise, contact Kenmore.
Kenmore Refrigerator Not Making Ice or Dispensing Water – How to Fix
If you find that your Kenmore refrigerator is not making ice or dispensing water, check the following:
1. Water Filter
A clogged water filter will keep water from flowing to the ice maker or even to the water dispenser. Fix a bypass plug in the place of the filter and see if there is any positive change. If there is, replace the water filter with a compatible replacement part.
2. Water Inlet Valve
If the water pressure is lower than 20psi, the valve won’t be able to open enough to feed the ice maker with water. The same applies to the water dispenser.
Inspect the valve and be sure it is fully open. If it is, ensure it is clean; mineral deposits can clog it, preventing the free flow of water. Replacing the valve may be the only option in this case.
Otherwise, adjust the water pressure to increase it. Have a plumber do the job if you are not sure how to increase it. This is especially true if you have a house filtration system.
3. Water Line
Ensure nothing is resting on the line and it is not twisted or kinked. Straighten it or replace it if it is broken from too much twisting.
Additionally, ensure there is nothing blocking the line, such as an ice fragment or debris.
4. Dispenser Switch
One or more of the dispenser switches may be faulty, causing the dispenser not to work. Take a multimeter and test the switches until you find a faulty one. Replace the faulty one so the dispenser can work.
5. Freezer Temperature
High temperatures can prevent the ice maker from making ice, but the dispenser from dispensing water. Check the temperature setting and if it is correct, place a thermometer in the freezer to check the proper temperature. There may be a need to adjust it by a few degrees if the temperature is higher than needed.
6. Door Switch
Test the door switch of the refrigerator with a multimeter to check whether or not there is continuity. If you find no continuity when you activate the switch, replace the switch.
The switch turns the dispenser off whenever you open the door of the refrigerator. So the dispenser will remain off if the door switch stops working.
7. Ice Maker
A defective is ice maker won’t be able to make ice. If only one component of the ice maker is defective, you may be able to find a replacement part. Otherwise, replace the entire assembly.
8. Dispenser Control Board
The control board handles the dispenser’s functions. If you find that only one part of the dispenser has failed, the control board is not the origin of the problem. But if the entire system has failed, replace the board.
9. Main Control Board
If you find that none of the components of the dispenser is faulty, then the fault may be from the main control board since it controls the functions of the refrigerator. Replace the board and see if there is an improvement.
Kenmore Refrigerator Not Making Enough Ice – Quick FIx
Make sure the freezer temperature is low enough for the ice maker to make ice, about -2 degrees. You may want to check the setting and if it is correct, use a thermometer to check the freezer. You will have to wait about 12 hours for the right results.
If there is a need to adjust the temperature, fix it and check the thermostat and the evaporator coils as well as the fan. The coils should have only a light coating of frost and the fan should be spinning freely without any noise. In addition, the thermostat should be set to the correct point. Consult the user manual for directions on setting the thermostat correctly.
Kenmore Refrigerator Making Ice Slow – Solution
To solve the problem of a Kenmore refrigerator making ice slow, do the following:
1. Check the Vents
Take the food items in the freezer out of the way and check for the vents at the back wall. Make sure nothing is blocking them and clear them if there is any obstruction. Afterward, put the food back but be sure to leave the vents unblocked.
2. Check Freezer Usage
Reduce the number of times you open the door of the freezer. If you open it too often, the temperature in the freezer will rise and inhibit the icemaking capacity of the ice maker.
The freezer temperature should be at 12 degrees Fahrenheit before the ice maker can begin to work. If you are not sure of the exact temperature, use a thermometer to check.
3. Replace the Water Filter
Check the water filter. A clogged or old water filter restricts water flow to the ice maker and slows ice production. If it has been in use longer than 6 months, get a new water filter that fits your refrigerator model and replace it. Follow the instructions in the user manual for the refrigerator to install correctly.
4. Increase the Water Pressure
The water pressure in the waterline in the freezer must be up to 20psi for the ice maker to fill quickly. Adjust it if the pressure is lower than recommended.
If none of the above fixes the slow ice production problem, contact Kenmore or call an appliance technician for further assistance.
Kenmore Refrigerator – How Long to Make Ice?
It takes about 24 hours for a Kenmore refrigerator to produce 3lbs. of ice. Broken down, you will get about 8 cubes of ice every 80 minutes or up to 160 minutes in some cases. If the refrigerator is brand new, it will take up to 12 hours for it to produce the first batch of ice.
Recap
A Kenmore refrigerator making ice is in good working condition. But if it stops making ice, it is best to troubleshoot the refrigerator and find a quick solution.
Fortunately, this article is a guide on fixing problems with a Kenmore refrigerator making ice. But if you can’t find a solution to your problem in this guide, contact Kenmore customer service and report the issue.
We also have appliance technicians who are ready to offer assistance. Chat with us; no appointment is needed.
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