Repairing Guides

how to repair my ice maker

by Josie D'Amore Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Break Up Ice Dams. The first step to most ice maker repairs should be to check for ice dams. ...
  • Clean Out the Ice Bucket. If ice is coming out broken or malformed from the ice bin, the problem might be the bin itself. ...
  • Pour Hot Water Through the Ice Mold. Your ice mold is what gives shape to the ice in the first place. ...
  • Inspect the Ice Mold for Damage. If the warm water trick didn’t work and your ice is still malformed, take a closer look at your ice mold.
  • Change the Water Filter. Is your ice too small? One cause for this is that the ice maker is not getting a steady flow of water through the water lines.
  • Check the Water Lines for Blockages. Where you can see, inspect the water line that leads from the filter to the ice maker. ...
  • Reset the Ice Maker Electronically. If your ice maker isn’t performing normally, try resetting it using the control panel, switch, or more mechanical methods.
  • Replace Your Ice Maker. If the ice mold or the ice maker unit are not functioning properly, it’s best to replace the entire ice maker.

Part of a video titled Ice Maker Repair - YouTube
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The two top screws that hang the icemaker to the freezer sidewall. The bottom screw if there is oneMoreThe two top screws that hang the icemaker to the freezer sidewall. The bottom screw if there is one must be removed completely allowing the ice maker to be lifted from the two top screws.

Full Answer

How to temporarily repair an ice maker?

What If It Keeps Making Ice?

  1. Shut off the ice maker by lifting the bail wire up.
  2. Remove the ice maker from the refrigerator. You might have to use a screwdriver to make it work.
  3. Clean the ice maker. You can do this to clear out all the things inside the ice maker. The effort can reset the level that the refrigerator can read.
  4. Place the ice maker back in the refrigerator.

How do you troubleshoot an ice maker?

  • Test the water inlet valve
  • Flush out the supply line
  • Clean the ice mold tray
  • Install a supply line filter if your fridge doesn't already have one

How to troubleshooting an ice maker?

  • Inspect the ejector gear
  • Test the ejector motor
  • Test the holding switch
  • Test the thermostat
  • Test the ice mold heater

How do you fix an ice maker?

We have a really fabulous giveaway this month - a Magimix Gelato Expert ice cream maker worth £500! I absolutely adore home-made ice cream so this is a dream prize. This premium Italian ice cream maker has an integrated cooling system which freezes as it ...

How to fix a frozen ice maker?

How to troubleshoot an ice maker that isn't making ice?

How does an ice maker work?

Why won't my ice maker make ice?

How to tell if ice maker is not making ice?

What to do if your ice maker doesn't turn off?

How to check if ice tray is frozen?

See more

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What causes a ice maker to stop working?

If your ice maker isn't producing ice at all or is producing crescents or cubes that are smaller than usual, it's typically indicative of a clog somewhere along the supply line. Cause: A common cause for a clog is frozen water in the line. Fix: To repair a frozen line, slide the refrigerator and unplug it.

How do I get my ice maker to work again?

It may well start making ice again sooner than you think.Break or Melt Ice Clogs. ... Lower the Control Arm. ... Change the Water Filter. ... Turn The Ice Maker Off and On Again. ... Reset the Ice Maker Settings. ... Rinse Out the Ice Molds. ... Secure Electrical Connections. ... Secure Plumbing Connections.More items...•

How do you fix a non working ice maker?

4:065:02Ice Maker Not Working? - Check these 6 Things first! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the water line you want to make sure it's not kinked it's not clogged. So how to do that is youMoreAnd the water line you want to make sure it's not kinked it's not clogged. So how to do that is you pull the fridge out make sure it's unplugged. Turn the water.

Why is my fridge not making ice?

If your ice maker isn't making ice or if the ice cubes are small or misshapen, the water fill tubes may be the problem. Check the fill cup and the tube at the back of the ice maker. If they are covered in ice, look for a blockage.

How do I manually reset my ice maker?

Unplug the machine and wait 10 seconds. Plug the machine back in and press the ON button. You should see a blue light appear, letting you know that the machine has been reset.

How do I force my ice maker to cycle?

If your gear has a small notch in it, then you may need a flat-head screwdriver. Use it to turn your gear counterclockwise until you hear the mentioned click. In both situations, the click that is heard will force the ice maker to cycle.

Can unplugging refrigerator reset ice maker?

Leave the refrigerator unplugged for 5 minutes. This will allow the ice system to reset. After 5 minutes, replug the refrigerator and turn the switch back on. This should cause the ice maker to start working again.

Where is the reset button on ice maker?

You can find the reset button at the bottom of the ice maker. Remove the ice tray to locate it. Remove the ice tray. The red button you see is the reset button.

How do I test my ice maker water line?

0:302:23How To Test Your Fridge's Water Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe two metal probes together will zero out to test your Bell touch one probe to each terminalMoreThe two metal probes together will zero out to test your Bell touch one probe to each terminal depending on the part your valve canary between 200 and 500 ohms.

Where is the reset button on Frigidaire ice maker?

Where to Find the Reset ButtonIce Maker BrandWhere to Find the Reset ButtonFrigidaireThe reset button is on the front of the ice maker, under the motor housing, past the front coverGESome GE ice makers do not have a reset button. To reset one, try turning the ice maker off at the power source.3 more rows

How long does it take for ice maker to reset?

Leave the refrigerator unplugged for 5 minutes. This will allow the ice system to reset. After 5 minutes, replug the refrigerator and turn the switch back on. This should cause the ice maker to start working again.

Why isn't my ice maker filling with water?

Water may not be reaching the ice maker due to a frozen line, missing filter, or a closed supply valve. Repairing an ice maker that isn't receiving water is a process of elimination.

Where is the reset button on Whirlpool ice maker?

The reset button is usually located at the bottom of the ice maker unit or in some cases at the top or on the bottom of the ice tray. Once located, press the button down for a few seconds until you hear a beep sound. Once you hear the beep sound, let go of the button.

Ice Maker Does Not Make Ice

If the water’s route is blocked or the solenoid doesn’t work—or if the bail wire is lifted—the ice maker won’t make ice. (Also note that your home’...

Ice Maker Does Not Turn Off

If your ice maker doesn’t turn off (it keeps making ice) even when the ice bin is full:1 Lift the bail wire to shut off the ice maker, and remove t...

Ice Maker Repair: Ice Maker Frozen Up

If your ice maker has frozen up, take the following steps to thaw it out:1 Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker that supplies po...

Ice Maker Does Not Eject Ice

If your ice maker is producing ice but does not properly eject it, the problem is with the motor assembly inside it.You can buy an ice maker motor...

About Ice Maker Replacement

If the problem isn’t solvable or the coating inside the ice maker mold is coming off on your ice cubes, you’ll need to replace the entire unit. You...

What are some common ice maker problems and solutions?

Refrigerator ice maker problems can often be tied back to a handful of main components, including water valves and lines, the water filter, the ice...

Ice maker is not working or not making enough ice

An ice maker that doesn’t produce can feel like nothing more than a waste of precious refrigerator or freezer space. Browse some of the common caus...

Ice maker is making ice, but is not dispensing

A dispenser refusing to release cubes into your cup can be frustrating, especially when the ice bin is visibly full. Some of the most common causes...

The ice maker is making too much ice

Ice makers control ams are designed to sense a full ice bin and pause ice production at the right times, so an overflowing ice bin can be a sign th...

The ice has an odd taste

Strange-tasting ice in your favorite drink can be an unpleasant surprise, and may leave you wondering what’s wrong with your ice maker. Some common...

The ice maker is leaking

A leaky ice maker might drip into the ice bin and may cause ice clumps to form, or leak outside of the refrigerator or freezer and create a puddled...

The ice maker is making ice cubes that are too small

Ice cubes that are hollow or too small can usually be traced back to two main factors: water flow and temperature settings in the refrigerator or f...

The ice maker itself is frozen

Determining the cause of a frozen ice maker can seem complicated when you have large chunks of ice blocking your line of sight. Luckily, the common...

How to check water inlet valve?

To check the electrical function of the water inlet valve, unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water supply to it. Remove the back panel and trace the water tube from the ice machine to the valve, to discover the solenoid inlet valve responsible for switching on the water flow. Test that solenoid with a multi-meter to determine ...

How to check if ice is iced over?

If they are iced over, check for a blockage in the tube that could be keeping water from flowing into the fill cup the way it is supposed to.

Why does my ice maker fill tube ice over?

If the ice maker fill tube has iced over, it could be that you need greater household water pressure to keep water flowing into the icemaker, or it could be that there’s dirt or a defect in the water inlet valve. Before you decide to replace the water valve, check to ensure power is reaching it properly. To check the electrical function of the ...

Why is my ice maker not level?

Icemaker is Not Level. A generally overlooked potential problem is whether your ice maker is level. If your ice maker does not hang level inside the fridge , the ice will not be level in the mold and even the ejector assembly may not function correctly. First make sure the fridge is level.

How to get stuck ice out of ice maker?

Turn off your ice maker (flip up the fill bar) and use a pitcher to gently cover the ice maker tray in warm water. The warm water will melt away the stuck ice bits without adding any chemicals to your ice tray – making it safe to immediately begin making ice again in the maker assembly.

How to check if a fridge is level?

First make sure the fridge is level. Use a bubble level and test it on the bottom level of the fridge and the floor of the freezer. If these are not level, adjust the feet of the fridge until the bottom is level. If the fridge is level, check the mounting of the ice maker itself. Ensure the screws are tight and the mounting brackets are flat.

Why is my ice maker stuck in the mold?

Ice Stuck in the Mold. One of the most common problems with an ice maker is misshapen ice, fractured ice, and fluffily frosted ice. This is all caused by ice bits being stuck in the ice mold. If an entire batch of ice gets stuck, no new ice can be formed ant the water line might be creating a problem as well since it cannot fill the try.

Why is my ice maker leaking water?

The water line to your ice maker is essential to making quality ice. If the water line is clogged, water can’t come out and your ice doesn’t get made. Or the lines have something unsavory forming the clog and the ice you get may smell poorly. Leaking water lines are just as bad, if not worse, If a water line is cracked or a seal is broken, then leaks can occur which can form a wet or frozen mess.

Why is an ice maker important?

Your ice maker is one of the most helpful features in the refrigerator. While your fridge is essential to keep your entire home’s supply of perishable foods fresh until they are eaten. But when it comes to day-to-day convenience, that ice maker is an important part of most of our lives. If you use your ice maker every day or even every week, ...

How to turn off ice maker?

Press the ice maker or power buttons, press and hold to be sure, to discover if your ice maker was turned off electronically. The most basic way to turn off an ice maker is to life the fill bar. This is a metal bar that extends from the ice maker and sits over the top of the ice bin. If the ice bin fills up, it’s supposed to push up ...

What to do if you don't have an ice maker?

You can also choose to disconnect and reconnect the wire harness connecting the ice maker to the refrigerator.

How to reset a refrigerator ice maker?

If you don’t, look for a switch on or near the ice maker. If you don’t find that, flip the fill bar up and, an hour later, flip it back down. You can also choose to disconnect and reconnect the wire harness connecting the ice maker to the refrigerator.

How to get ice maker to get bigger?

Water line blockages can fully or partially prevent water from flowing down the refrigerator water lines. With clear lines, your ice maker will have full water pressure to fill the ice tray and your ice will get bigger.

How to clean ice buckets?

If your ice bucket is not pristine for new ice, it can be. Turn off your ice maker by flipping the fill bar upward. Then remove the ice bin, dump it out, and rinse all the old ice out with warm water. Wash with soapy water, then rinse with vinegar, followed by another water rinse.

What is ice mold?

Your ice mold is what gives shape to the ice in the first place. It follows that if the ice mold is damaged or in poor condition, that it would need to be fixed before you can have well-shaped ice again. The most likely possibility is leftover shards of un-dropped ice at the bottom of the tray, causing new ice to form inside an unstable, and irregular form.

What to do if warm water trick doesn't work?

If the warm water trick didn’t work and your ice is still malformed, take a closer look at your ice mold. Get a flashlight, remove it if necessary. There may be a flaw with the walls or adjustable feature of the ice mold. There may be debris in the mold that was not ice and therefore not meltable.

What is the best way to break up ice dams?

The back end of a wooden spoon is the most common and plastic-safe option for the pretty tough job of breaking ice. With a towel to catch the excess, you can also quite easily break up ice dams by pouring warm water into the space where too much ice has built up.

How to fix a frozen ice maker?

If your ice maker has frozen up, take the following steps to thaw it out: Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to it. Remove the ice bin from the refrigerator and remove any loose ice from the ice maker. Find the fill tube.

How to troubleshoot an ice maker that isn't making ice?

How to troubleshoot an ice maker that isn’t making ice: Make sure the bail wire above the ice tray is in the down position. When it’s up, it shuts off the ice maker. Check the water supply line beneath or behind the refrigerator. Be sure it isn’t kinked and is supplying water.

How does an ice maker work?

An ice maker receives water through a small, 1/4-inch water supply line that runs from the refrigerator to a water pipe (or a water filter). The water supply line leads to the water fill valve in the refrigerator, which is controlled by an icemaker thermostat.

Why won't my ice maker make ice?

If the water’s route is blocked or the solenoid doesn’t work—or if the bail wire is lifted— the ice maker won’t make ice. (Also note that your home’s water pressure may not be strong enough to serve an ice maker.)

How to tell if ice maker is not making ice?

Check the water supply line. If the ice maker doesn’t make ice but you can see the arm swing into motion and you hear a buzz for about 10 seconds, the water valve is asking for water that isn’t arriving. This means the valve and the solenoid are probably okay, but the water supply is not.

What to do if your ice maker doesn't turn off?

If your ice maker doesn’t turn off (it keeps making ice) even when the ice bin is full: Lift the bail wire to shut off the ice maker, and remove the ice bin. Using a screwdriver if necessary, remove the ice maker, clean it thoroughly, and then reinstall it.

How to check if ice tray is frozen?

Look for ice in the ice mold and make sure the motor that turns the ice ejection arm is working. Check the tap valve that connects the supply tube to the water pipe. Check the solenoid.

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