Todd for Model Number Maytag refrigerator MSD2356AE Every so often the water filling the ice mold does not shut off and runs out the bottom of the freezer. Then it works fine for awhile, then does it again. Since the arm will not stop it from making ice, I see you told someone else the unit needs to be replaced, but will that stop the intermittent overflow? I also replaced the valves in the back of the refrigerator some time ago but still have the same intermittent problem.
Answer Hello Todd, This sounds like it may not be a dispense issue. If the water runs out in a small quantity every 8 to 12 hours, it may be the defrost drain stopped up. This can usually be fixed without any parts, just some time consumption. Remove the baskets from the bottom of the freezer compartment and look at the bottom of the back wall. There should be a grill you can look through to see the drain hole. if an ice build-up is present, this is a stopped up drain. You will need a 1'4 inch bit driver to remove the two screws that hold the back wall in. You will also need a hair dryer and a screwdriver, (any style as you will use this to heat with the hair dryer and transfer the heat to the ice in the drain hole). To avoid any damage to the unit, do not pull on the wall if ice is in the bottom of the unit. Use the hair dryer to melt the ice from it and then remove it. Now you have all of the access you need to clear the drain. Stand the screwdriver over the hole area and aim the hair dryer at the screwdriver shaft. Do not force the screwdriver down in the hold! This will puncture the drain hose and cause water to go in the floor instead of in the defrost drain pan. Once the ice in the hole has dropped and the screwdriver won't drop down on it's own any more, you can aim the hair dryer down the hole until the water in the drain area will disappear down the drain. Now pour a cup of hot water down the drain to remove any remaining ice. At this point, I like to chase the hole with a piece of weed eater line. Never push anything like a wire down the drain hole to avoid puncturing the drain hose which is made of rubber. After this whole process is complete, put one tablespoon of white vinegar in the drain to prevent the formation of algae which is a common cause of the drains restriction. At this point the job is done. Re-install the rear wall and be sure to set the freezer temperature at least one number warmer. Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Friday, June 29, 2012