It is beyond frustrating to have an ice maker that won’t produce ice! We depend on our ice makers to provide us with enough ice to keep our beverages cold. There may be several reasons why you may discover your refrigerator ice maker not working. Here are some suggestions on what to check to help you solve the problem. If your troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, it may be time to call a qualified service technician to get your ice maker running properly again.
Most Common Reasons a Refrigerator Ice Maker is Not Working
Below are some of the top 5 reasons to find your refrigerator ice maker not working. Checking these may help quickly determine how to fix the problem.
Freezer Temperature is Too High
If the freezer temperature is too high, the ice maker won’t produce ice cubes efficiently. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15C) for the ice maker to work properly. If you find your freezer temperature is not cold enough, check the condenser coils to make sure they are free of debris and the condenser fan is working properly. You can also check for frost on the evaporator coils, which would indicate the part of the defrost system may have failed.
Defective Water Valve
A defective water inlet valve is a possibility to find a refrigerator ice maker not working. The water inlet valve opens to supply water to the ice maker and dispenser. If this valve is not working properly, there will be little to no water flow, which means the ice maker won’t produce ice. Check to make sure that the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi. If the pressure to the water inlet valve is sufficient, and you’ve confirmed it has power, it may be time to replace the valve.
Ice Maker Module Stuck
The ice maker module is equipped with a motor that ejects the cubes into the ice tray. The ice molds fill, cubes are ejected, the tray is filled. At the end of the cycle, the ice maker module sends power to the water inlet valve to refill the tray with water. If the module isn’t working, the ice maker won’t make or dispense ice. Depending on your model, check to ensure that either the on/off switch is in the on position, or the bail arm is in the down position. If the ice maker module has ejector blades, make sure ice cubes are not stuck in the blades. If you’ve checked everything and still don’t have success, a technician can test further to diagnose the problem.
Insufficient Water Pressure
In some cases, the home may have insufficient water pressure to supply your system with what it needs to run automatically. The water inlet valve supplies water to the ice and water dispenser and requires a minimum of 20 psi to function properly. Check the water flow and test the pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi. If you have insufficient pressure, talk to a licensed technician about your options.
Water Filter Needs Replacement
If your ice maker is still producing ice, but not as much as usual, it may be time to check your refrigerator water filter. With our busy lifestyles, it’s easy to forget to replace your water filter. A clean water filter ensures high water quality from our refrigerator.
When the water filter is too old or gets clogged, it needs to be replaced. A clogged water filter restricts the flow of water to the dispenser and can produce smaller cubes or less ice overall. Water filters should be replaced at least every 6 months for optimum performance.
Ice makers are one of the things that just make life easier. We need our ice makers running well so we can refuel and move on with our day. Click here if you’re wondering how long should it take for your ice maker to fill up or to learn more about how your ice maker should be working.
