Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice: Top 3 Reasons and Fixes For Kenmore, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, and Other Brands (With Video!)

Is your refrigerator’s ice maker not doing its job, leaving you high and dry? You’re not alone, and we’ve got just the solution! Dive into our simple guide—and don’t miss the handy how-to video below—designed to get your ice maker back on track with minimal hassle.

If the ice maker on your refrigerator isn’t working correctly, the components inside could be causing the issue. Before you start inspection of the parts, though, making sure the area is safe is essential. Take a few moments to turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the refrigerator. The water supply under the sink should also be turned off. Once your refrigerator is in safe working condition, proceed with this easy guide to diagnose which refrigerator ice maker parts may be causing the problem.

When you have identified the part needed for your refrigerator, search below using your specific fridge model number to identify the exact part needed:

Ice Maker

The first component to look at if the ice maker isn’t working is the ice maker itself. This is where the refrigerator makes the ice that is dispensed into a glass when you need it. Ice makers come in several styles, including the half-moon style, flex tray style, and more. These ice makers typically work the same way and include a control section to control the ice maker cycles as well as a tray where the ice is made. The location of your ice maker can vary depending on your refrigerator but is typically in the freezer. Check to be sure the ice maker arm is facing down and the switch is in the on position. The freezer should also be set below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If the freezer is slightly warm, check to see if the condenser coils need to be cleaned.

Water Inlet Valve

The second component that should be checked when a refrigerator ice maker isn’t working is the water inlet valve. This part is tasked with controlling the water that is used in the refrigerator. The water inlet valve includes a solenoid that closes and opens to take water to the ice maker and water dispenser. Most refrigerators have the water inlet valve behind the access panel on the back of the refrigerator, but sometimes it might be in the fresh food section.

If there is no ice coming out of the ice dispenser, the water inlet valve could be having problems. This can be caused when there is a clog in the valve, a plunger that is jammed, or a bad solenoid. Determining whether the home water pressure is good is the first thing to do. Check the user manual to determine what pressure the refrigerator needs. If the pressure is low, the water might not make it to the ice dispenser. When the solenoid of the water dispenser fails, the water inlet valve might not open to send water and ice to the dispenser. Once you find the valve, figure out which of the solenoids is associated with the dispenser. This is typically a 5/16 inch line and it should be tested for continuity. Set a multimeter to the right settings and touch the probes together to make sure it is working.

Next, the wiring harness should be removed from the solenoid before a probe is placed on each terminal. If there isn’t a reading, the solenoid has gone bad and the water inlet valve will have to be replaced. If there is a reading, the valve needs to be checked for a clog or jam. Turn the power and water on and put a bowl under the valve to catch water. Then disconnect the water line and press on the dispenser. If water doesn’t come out, the valve is clogged or damaged and should be replaced.

Water Filter Assembly

The last part to look at if your refrigerator isn’t dispensing ice is the water filter assembly. It filters the water when it comes into the refrigerator. While there are several kinds of water filter assemblies, most will consist of a water filter head and water filter or a water filter housing and water filter. Most of the time, this component is found near the kick panel or in the fresh food section of the refrigerator.

Sometimes the water filter will become clogged, which means that water can’t flow into the refrigerator to make ice. If the head has been damaged, typically, there will be no water flow. To check on this component, the water and power will need to be turned back on for a short time. Press the ice dispenser and see if ice comes out. Try the water dispenser the same way. If a small flow of water is present, the water filter may need to be replaced.

If this doesn’t help, the check valve might be stuck in the filter housing. The valve is what turns the water off if the filter is removed or something fails. Typically the valve has one or two pins that will need to be pressed like if a filter was there. Put down a bowl or towel and then use screwdrivers to press the pins before using the dispenser. If water and ice do not come out, the valve is likely bad and the water filter head will need to be replaced.

For parts that have no visible pins, you can go to the back of the refrigerator and disconnect the water filter return line. Place a towel or bowl before pressing the dispenser on the door and see if water and ice flow out. If there isn’t any water, the broken filter head should be replaced.

Where To Find Us

Still have questions after reading this guide? Please reach out to AppliancePartsPros.com, we are always happy to help you fix your appliance yourself. Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free tech support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service! Visit our site at https://www.appliancepartspros.com or call us at 877-477-7278. Over 90% of orders delivered in 1-2 days with guaranteed overnight shipping available! 365 days to return any part. Expert, friendly, US-based customer support team.