How to Fix a Fridge Ice Maker That’s Not Working

There’s nothing better than a cold iced drink on a hot summer’s day. But what if the ice machine stops working?

We’ve all been there – that sinking feeling when you realize your ice bin is suspiciously light or that water puddles are forming around your fridge.

Is your ice machine not working? Not sure how to fix it? If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over some common ice maker problems below so be sure to read on.

The Role of the Control Arm in Ice Production

A jammed control arm can cause your ice maker to stop working.

It works like this – most mechanical refrigerator ice makers pump water from the water line connection behind the fridge into a freezer tray.

This arm rests atop what we call the ‘ice cube storage bin’; its job is to tell the system to stop making more cubes once it senses that there’s enough.

But if something jams this part, there will be no more ice cube production.

Dealing with No Ice Production Issues

If the ice maker in your fridge isn’t producing any ice cubes despite being at the proper freezer temperature and having enough water, you may want to inspect the following parts:

The water inlet valve: This valve opens up to fill the ice tray, where freezing occurs. If it’s clogged or broken, no water will be able to get in.

Ejector Arm: This arm pushes out fresh ice into a collection bin but can get stuck if it’s blocked by an oversized cube or hardwater buildup.

Dealing with Low Ice Production or Small Ice Cubes

Various things can cause your ice machine to produce fewer or smaller cubes than normal. Don’t worry though, these issues are fixable.

Fixing Cube Size By Adjusting the Water Flow

Your ice maker works by pumping water into an ice mold where it then freezes into cubes. If the water flow is too low, however, you may run into problems.

Step 1: Turn the Valve

Try turning the water inlet valve a bit more; that will let in more cold water, which will increase cube size and quantity

Step 2: Check the Temperature

If turning the valve doesn’t fix the issue, check the refrigerator temperature settings – remember the optimal freezer temperature for making ice is around 0° Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Check the Water Filter

Check to see if the water filter is clogged with residue or buildup; that can also reduce the pressure of the water going into the machine

Supply:

• None

Fixing Leaking Water Problems

A malfunctioning water filter can result in leaks.

Supplies:

• None

Step 1:

Check the water filter. This part usually sits between the water supply line and the ice maker.

Step 2:

Make sure the water filter is properly sealed. If it’s noticeably damaged, consider replacing it altogether.

Step 3:

Check to see if there are any loose connections where the water filter attaches to the water supply line and ice maker.

Troubleshooting Other Potential Leak Sources

Not all leak issues come from filters though; sometimes they stem from within.

Supplies:

• Flashlight (optional)

Step 1:

Check the water reservoir for any cracks as they can lead to leaks. Use a flashlight, if necessary.

Step 2:

Consider replacing the tank if it’s visibly damaged – that will help prevent issues further down the road.

Removing Ice Stuck in the Ice Maker

Sometimes, chunks of ice can become lodged in the small crevices and corners of the ice maker. But don’t worry – these issues are usually easy to fix.

Unfreezing the Water Intake

If your ice maker stops making ice, it might be due to a blocked water intake. Here’s how you can fix the problem.

Supplies:

• Hair dryer

Step 1:

Start by unplugging the refrigerator. Remember, safety first.

Step 2:

Check for stuck ice around the water inlet valve. If you see any, use a hairdryer on low to melt the ice.

Be careful not to let any of the melted droplets seep into the electrical connections.

Dealing With Low Water Pressure Issues

Low water pressure can also prevent your ice machine from producing ice.

Inspecting Your Home’s Water Line and Valve

The first thing you need to do is check the home’s water line. For example, it might be twisted or blocked, which can hinder the water supply.

Supplies:

• Flashlight (optional)
• Water valve replacement (optional)

Step 1:

Check the water supply line using a flashlight. Straighten out any kinks and clear any blockages.

Step 2:

Inspect the water valve. If it’s defective, that can prevent adequate water from reaching the ice maker.

If necessary, consider getting a replacement unit.

Addressing Temperature Issues Affecting Ice Production

Improper freezer temperatures can also affect the machine’s ice production.

For example, the ice maker tray won’t be able to freeze properly if your freezer’s temperature dial isn’t set properly.

Temperatures that are too high or too low will also lead to small ice cubes or halt ice production altogether.

To fix these issues, simply adjust the temperature using the digital display in the fridge. Just remember that getting it right might require some trial and error, as every model has its unique quirks.

Dealing with Mineral Deposits and a Clogged Inlet Valve

These pesky build-ups can block the water inlet valve, preventing your appliance from making ice.

But don’t worry. You can fix this issue yourself without needing a professional repair service. All you need to do is clean out those mineral deposits.

Cleaning Your Water Inlet Valve

For the best results, we recommend cleaning the water inlet valve once every two months.

Supplies:

• Water (optional)

Step 1:

Turn off your home’s water supply at the main valve. That will prevent any leaky while you’re cleaning.

Step 2:

Disconnect the water pipe leading into the fridge or standalone unit. Refer to the owner’s manual, if necessary.

Step 3:

Once disconnected, check for visible signs of clogging in both ends of the tube and within its connecting valves.

If there are clogs, remove them by gently flushing the parts with cold water.

Preventing Ice Machine Problems with Regular Maintenance

The secret to keeping your ice machine in tip-top shape is regular maintenance. That means cleaning it regularly with a dedicated cleaner like the one by ACTIVE once every six months.

Supplies:

• ACTIVE Ice Machine Cleaner
• Microfiber cloth

Step 1:

Turn off the ice machine and empty all the ice before draining the water pan. You can also let the ice melt off the evaporator grid.

Step 2:

Add 2-4 oz. of ACTIVE Ice Machine Cleaner to the water pan, then run two cleaning cycles, according to the instructions for your ice maker.

Step 3:

Using a clean cloth, wipe the interior areas to remove any remaining water and debris.

How to Fix Refrigerator Ice Makers – FAQ

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