When an ice maker stops working, the cause is usually simpler than people expect: the ice maker has been switched off, the freezer is too warm, or water isn’t reaching it. Work through the checks below in order. Most of them take a minute and need no tools.
Step 1: Make Sure It’s Turned On
- Wire bail arm: on many ice makers, a metal arm stops production when it’s raised. Lower it.
- On/off switch or button: some models have a switch on the ice maker, others a setting on the control panel. On many refrigerators it’s easy to turn off by accident during cleaning.
- Bin sensor: if the ice bucket isn’t pushed fully into place, the ice maker thinks the bin is full and stops.
Step 2: Check the Freezer Temperature
Ice makers need a cold freezer. Set it to 0°F and check with a thermometer. If the freezer is warmer than about 10°F, the ice maker will slow down or stop. That is a cooling problem, not an ice maker problem. See why a refrigerator stops cooling.
Step 3: Check the Water Supply
- Is the water dispenser working? If it isn’t either, the problem is upstream: the supply valve, the line or the filter.
- Make sure the shut-off valve behind or under the fridge is fully open.
- Pull the fridge out gently and check that the water line isn’t kinked or crushed.
Step 4: Replace the Water Filter
A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons for an ice maker producing little or no ice, or very small cubes. If the filter is past its replacement date, change it, then run water through the dispenser to flush out air. If ice production comes back after the new filter goes in, the old filter was the cause.
Step 5: Look for a Frozen Fill Tube
The fill tube carries water into the ice mold. If it freezes, the ice maker cycles but no water arrives. You may see ice in the tube or the inlet at the back of the ice maker. Low water pressure and a leaking inlet valve make this happen. You can thaw it carefully with a hair dryer on low: unplug the fridge first, keep the dryer away from water, and don’t overheat the plastic parts. If it keeps freezing, the water inlet valve likely needs to be replaced.
Step 6: Clear Jams and Clumps
Ice clumps or a cube stuck in the ejector arm can stop the cycle. Empty the bin, break up clumps and remove any jammed cube. If you rarely use ice, the cubes fuse together over time. Empty the bin every couple of weeks.
Common Symptoms and What They Usually Mean
- No ice at all: turned off, freezer too warm, no water (valve, line, filter, frozen fill tube) or a failed ice maker module.
- Small, hollow or crescent-shaped cubes: not enough water, usually low water pressure or a clogged filter.
- Ice tastes or smells bad: an old filter, food odors in the freezer, or ice that has sat in the bin too long.
- Water leaking into the freezer or onto the floor: a leaking inlet valve, a fridge that isn’t level, or an overfilling ice maker.
- Clicking or buzzing, but no ice: the inlet valve is trying to open with no water, or the ice maker motor is stuck.
When to Call a Technician
Call a technician if the freezer is cold, the water supply is fine, the filter is new, and the ice maker still doesn’t work. The usual repairs are the water inlet valve, the ice maker assembly, or a control or sensor fault. On models with the ice maker in the door, such as many French-door refrigerators, an iced-up compartment or a failed fan in the ice box is also common. We repair ice makers in refrigerators from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, Sub-Zero and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a new ice maker take to make ice?
Usually up to about a day after the freezer reaches temperature. Throw out the first few batches.
Why is my ice maker making small cubes?
Not enough water is reaching the mold. Replace the filter and check the water pressure and the line for kinks.
Can I reset my ice maker?
Many models have a reset or test button on the ice maker. The manual shows where it is. Turning it off and on again or unplugging the fridge for a few minutes can also reset the cycle.
Why is the water dispenser working but not the ice maker?
Then the supply is fine. Check the freezer temperature, the on/off switch or bail arm, the bin position and the fill tube. If all are fine, the ice maker or its part of the inlet valve has likely failed.
Do you repair ice makers in Sacramento?
Yes, in Sacramento, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Dixon, Vacaville, Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova. Same-day service is available.
Get Your Ice Maker Working Again
Top Town Appliance Repair Service has certified technicians with more than 10 years of experience. See our appliance repair services, call (510) 677-7166 or book an appointment online. The service call is $80.
