How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Kenmore Ice Maker That’s Not Producing Ice

Ice makers have become indispensable in modern kitchens by providing the convenience of ice-cold beverages at a moment’s notice. If you own a Kenmore refrigerator with an ice maker, you understand the benefits of having ice cubes readily available. But when that trusty ice maker suddenly stops producing ice, it can be frustrating.

Before you call in a professional, we hope you can use the following information to empower yourself and gain the confidence to diagnose and resolve the issue yourself.

In this guide, we’ll explore common reasons why your Kenmore ice maker isn’t producing ice and delve into troubleshooting steps you can take to fix it.

Why a Kenmore ice maker isn’t making ice

Understanding these common reasons for a malfunctioning Kenmore ice maker is the first step in diagnosing your ice maker and getting it back in action.

• Low Water Supply: Your Kenmore ice maker relies on a steady flow of water to create ice cubes. When the water supply is compromised, ice production can come to a halt for these reasons: Clogged water line: Blockages in the water line can restrict water flow.
• Faulty water inlet valve: If the valve fails to open properly, it can limit water intake.
• Insufficient water pressure: Low water pressure can impede the ice-making process.

Faulty ice maker assembly: The ice maker assembly is the heart of your ice-making system and is responsible for forming and ejecting ice cubes. Any of these malfunctions within the assembly can lead to ice-making problems:

• Electrical issues: Wiring problems or damaged components within the assembly can disrupt its function.
• Mechanical failures: Physical components like the motor or ejector arm may break or become stuck.

Defective water inlet valve: The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the ice maker. If it doesn’t open or close correctly, it can hinder ice production for the following reasons:

• Electrical malfunction: Wiring or solenoid issues can prevent the valve from operating properly.
• Sediment buildup: Mineral deposits can accumulate in the valve and affect its performance.

Gather the required tools and equipment

Having these tools and equipment ready will enable you to perform the necessary tests and, if necessary, assist with repairs to your Kenmore ice maker.

• Multimeter: A multimeter is a versatile electronic tool that measures various electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and resistance. It’s essential for testing and diagnosing electrical components.
• Screwdriver: A Phillips or flat-head screwdriver may be required to access and disassemble certain parts of your ice maker for testing and repairs.
• Pliers: Pliers, specifically needle-nose or lineman’s pliers, can be useful for gripping and manipulating small wires or connectors during testing and repairs.

SAFETY FIRST: Before starting any troubleshooting, it’s important to protect yourself by disconnecting the refrigerator from the power source and following appropriate precautions to avoid electrical hazards.

Step-by-step testing with a multimeter

Performing these step-by-step tests with a multimeter will help you diagnose the specific issue with your Kenmore ice maker. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can proceed with the appropriate repairs or replacements to get your ice maker working again.

READ MORE: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts

Test the water inlet valve

1. Before testing, unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet.
2. Locate the water inlet valve, which is usually located at the rear of the refrigerator where the water supply line connects.
3. Turn on your multimeter and set it to the resistance (ohms) setting.
4. Carefully disconnect the electrical wires connected to the water inlet valve terminals.
5. Using the multimeter probes, touch one probe to each of the valve’s terminals. You should see a resistance reading on the multimeter display.
6. Interpret the reading. A functional valve should show a resistance reading within the specified range for your particular refrigerator model. Refer to your refrigerator’s user manual for the correct resistance values. Compare your multimeter reading to the specified range. If the reading is outside this range, it indicates a faulty water inlet valve that needs replacement.

Test the ice maker assembly

1. Make sure the refrigerator is still unplugged.
2. Locate the ice maker assembly. It’s usually located inside the freezer compartment.
3. Access the ice maker. Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to remove the ice maker’s cover or access panel to expose the internal components.
4. Set your multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting.
5. Locate the thermostat within the ice maker and test it by touching the multimeter probes to its terminals. A functioning thermostat should show a specific resistance within the expected range. Consult your refrigerator’s manual for the correct values.
6. Test the motor for continuity. Refer to your manual for the appropriate resistance values.
7. Compare your multimeter readings to the specified values. If any component shows a reading outside the expected range, it’s likely defective and requires replacement.

Making repairs or replacements

Depending on your diagnosis, you may require replacement parts for components that are found to be faulty during testing. Make sure you have access to these parts before starting any repairs.

Compatible OEM replacement parts can be shipped to you quickly from Appliancepartspros.com.

Replace the water inlet valve

1. Make sure you have the necessary tools and a replacement water inlet valve compatible with your Kenmore refrigerator model.
2. Locate the faulty water inlet valve (as determined during testing) at the rear of the refrigerator.
3. Carefully disconnect the water supply line from the valve.
4. Remove the valve by using a screwdriver to remove any screws or clips securing it in place. Carefully disconnect the electrical wires.
5. Attach the new water inlet valve by reversing the removal steps. Reconnect the water supply line and electrical wires.
6. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks at the connections.
7. Plug the refrigerator back in and monitor the ice maker for ice production.

Repair or replace ice maker assembly components

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for repairs or replacements on your ice maker.

1. Based on your multimeter tests, identify the specific faulty components within the ice maker assembly such as the thermostat, motor, or ejector arm.
2. Obtain replacement parts for the identified faulty components and make sure they’re compatible with your refrigerator model.
3. Disassemble the ice maker. Access the components by following the instructions provided in your refrigerator’s manual or online guides specific to your model.
4. Carefully remove the faulty components and replace them with new ones.
5. Put the ice maker assembly back together following the reverse order of disassembly.
6. Plug in the refrigerator and observe the ice maker to ensure it starts producing ice cubes as expected.

Additional information

By following the step-by-step testing procedures using a multimeter and understanding the results, we hope you’ve been able to identify the root cause of the problem with your ice maker and work to resolve it without the need for professional assistance.

Thanks for reading! If you have any appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other resources and guides available at AppliancePartsPros.com. In addition to selling over two million original equipment manufacturer parts, we offer free tech support on our website, tutorials on our YouTube channel and 24/7 customer service.