How to Fix Ice Maker
An ice maker failure is one of the most common fridge problems. Finding out what the problem is can be very easy.
A lot of the time you can do it yourself without ever having to call a repair man. Check out the rest of this guide in our “How to Fix” series, “How to Fix Ice Maker”. This guide focuses on FrigidAire and Electrolux style ice makers; however, many of the tips are relevant to all types of ice makers.
Refrigerator Problem Causing Ice Maker Failure:
- Check to make sure the fridge is turned on.
- Check to make sure that the IM plugged in correctly.
- Check to make sure the water supply hooked up correctly.
- Check to make sure that the temperature of the freezer is cold enough (at least 0 Fahrenheit)
Ice Maker Causing Failure:
Doesn’t Work Initially
Ice Cubes are in the Mold but not ejected
- Make sure that the On/Off switch is turned on (if the ice maker model comes with one). Sometimes it is turned off, making the user think that something is wrong when nothing really is wrong. Also, check your front panel user interface. Some have the option of turning on and off the ice maker.
Image source: LG
Make sure that the bail arm is not lifted up into its off position. If this is the case, push it down to turn the ice maker on.
Double check to make sure that both the fridge and the ice maker are properly plugged in.
Double check to make sure that the water supply is reliable.
Check if motor works (always put in the freezer). To do this, move the ejector arm 90 degrees (facing 12 o’clock). If the motor runs, then it is ok. If the motor doesn’t run, then you should replace the ice maker.
No Water or Ice
- Perform Steps 1-5 from “Ice Cubes are in the Mold but not ejected”. Focus on step 4 and making sure that the water supply is working.
Works Initially then fails
Do steps 1 and 2 from the previous section, “Doesn’t Work Initially-Ice Cubes are in the mold but not ejected”.
Check if there is ice in the tray. If there is no ice check the water supply. If there is ice, continue onto step 3.
Check for ice cube size. Small ice cubes can get stuck in the stripper and cause stalling of ice maker. Small ice cubes can be caused by 2 things.
3.1. Water fill time problem. You can use a screw driver to adjust it. Regardless of your ice maker type, you are looking for around 125-150 mL to be deposited. You can use a cup in front of the fill tube to check.
3.2. Ice maker not installed horizontally thus some ice cubes are to small even with correct water fill time.
How to Fix Ice Maker Check Flow Chart
Click this picture below to show a flow chart that easily shows the steps to check your ice maker.
Some more info on How to Fix Ice Maker
How to Fix Ice Maker by Replacing It
If none of the above fixes solve your problem, the best solution is to completely replace your ice maker. Check out the guide below to find out how to do it.
It is important to make sure that your are replacing the ice maker with the proper part. You can find the part number for the ice maker on the sticker on the ice maker control housing body.
Replacement Ice Maker Chart
If you didn’t find the one your were looking for, check out this list of ice makers and see if you can find the one you are looking for.
We hope that “How to Fix Ice Maker” in our “How to Fix” series has been helpful. Please leave comments and suggestions. If you have any specific problems that wasn’t directly addressed in this guide, please contact us.
