Quick checks
- Is it on? Check the wire arm (should be down) or the on/off setting on the control panel.
- Is the freezer at 0°F? Most ice makers will not cycle above about 15°F.
- When did you last change the filter? A clogged filter starves the ice maker. Replace it every six months.
- Does the water dispenser work? If water dispenses normally, the supply and valve are likely fine and the problem is at the ice maker or fill tube.
- Is the fill tube frozen? Look where water enters the ice maker. Ice there blocks every fill.
The causes we find most often
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No ice, water dispenser also weak | Clogged filter, low supply pressure, failing water valve |
| No ice, water dispenser fine | Frozen fill tube, failed ice maker module |
| Small or hollow cubes | Restricted valve or filter, low water pressure |
| Ice compartment full of frost (French door) | Air leak at compartment seal, heater or fan problem |
| Ice clumped together | Low use, freezer running warm, or defrost issues |
| Water leaking from ice maker | Overfilling valve, cracked fill cup, or misaligned ice maker |
Las Vegas water and ice makers
Southern Nevada's water is very hard. Minerals accumulate in the water inlet valve screen, inside the fill tube, and on the ice mold. A water softener or an inline scale-reduction filter extends the life of these parts. Replacing the refrigerator filter on schedule helps too.
What a refrigerator technician checks
- Water pressure at the inlet valve and the valve's screen for mineral scale
- Water inlet valve solenoid operation
- Fill tube and fill cup for ice blockage, and the fill tube heater where used
- Ice maker module cycle, mold thermostat or sensor, and ejector motor
- Freezer temperature at the ice maker
- On in-door ice makers: ice compartment seal, fan and heaters
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a new ice maker to make ice?
After installation or repair, allow 24 hours for the first batch and up to 72 hours for a full bucket. Discard the first few batches.
Why does my French-door refrigerator ice maker keep freezing up?
Door-mounted ice makers are cooled by air ducted from the freezer. When the compartment seal leaks or the heater and fan controls fail, frost builds up and blocks the ice maker. See Samsung refrigerator repair for the most common example.
See also: ice maker repair service.
