For most of us, a cold beverage is an amenity we can enjoy every day; until our ice maker stops making ice. Why is my refrigerator ice maker not working? A freezer temperature that’s too high can decrease ice production. Try these ice maker troubleshooting tips to return to cold drinks on-demand.
Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working? This Could Be Why.
In most cases, a refrigerator ice maker not working is often due to an outside issue and not an ice maker malfunction. This list of common causes can help pinpoint the problem.
Freezer Temperature is Too High
If the freezer temperature is set too high the ice maker won’t produce ice or ice won’t stay frozen because it’s too warm. Make sure your freezer temperature is set between 0-5℉ for optimal ice production.
Is your freezer temperature set correctly but still feels warm? The condenser coils may need cleaning. However, if a coil cleaning doesn’t lower the freezer temperature, a professional service should assess for compressor issues or a defrost system malfunction.
Defective Water Inlet Valve
A refrigerator’s water inlet valve opens and closes as needed so water from your home supply can flow to the ice maker. If the valve fails electronically or a component is defective, the valve may only open partially or remain closed. When this happens, the ice maker won’t make enough ice, or any at all, due to a lack of water supply.
If multimeter testing of the water inlet valve shows a lack of continuity or it appears damaged, it should be professionally replaced.
Insufficient Water Pressure
In addition to the refrigerator ice maker not working, is the kitchen sink and water dispenser showing reduced water flow? A lack of water pressure to the water inlet valve may be reducing the water supply. The water inlet valve requires a pressure of at least 20 psi to open and close properly. If you can’t increase the water pressure on your home water supply it requires a professional plumbing assessment.
Water Filter Needs Changing
Water filter malfunctions can also result in limited ice production due to reduced water flow. Water from your home supply flows through the filter, where contaminants are screened out before supplying the ice maker.
The following water filter problems can result in an ice dispenser not working properly:
- Clogged filter: If the filter isn’t changed regularly, it can become clogged with sediment and mineral deposits that block water flow to the ice maker. Changing the filter every 6 months can prevent blockages.
- Filter installed incorrectly: Incorrect installation can cause leaks or restrict water flow to the ice maker. Refer to your refrigerator user manual’s instructions to make sure the filter is properly installed.
- Wrong filter brand: Using a non-OEM filter could result in an improper fit or reduced function that limits water flow to the ice maker. Always use the manufacturer-recommended brand when replacing the filter.
Faulty Ice Maker Component
If you find your refrigerator ice maker not working after trying these troubleshooting tips, it’s possible that one of its components has failed. A faulty ice maker module may not rotate the ejector arms or ice tray to dispense ice. If the ice level control board fails, it won’t signal the ice maker when more or less ice is needed.
Since these components aren’t typically sold separately, a refrigerator repair service may need to replace the entire ice maker assembly.
The professionals at Dependable Repair Services can perform any refrigerator repair to restore ice production. Schedule your expert service today!
