Troubleshooting a Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker

There are many things that can go wrong with a Kenmore refrigerator ice maker. Your ice maker may be leaking. It may not make any ice at all, or the ice that comes out smells or has an odd appearance. The problem may have an easy solution, or it may require a technician's expertise. The troubleshooting tips in this article will minimally make you aware of what is likely the source of the problem. You may be able to fix the problem yourself and save a bundle. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Ohm meter
• User manual
• Water filter
• Hair dryer
• Drill
• Replacement parts as indicated by the problem

Instructions

When it Won't Make Ice

1. Get a thermometer and see how cold it is in there. If your freezer is fewer than 17 degrees F, it won't make ice. The freezer temperature setting may be too high or the thermometer is broken and not calibrated correctly. If adjusting the temperature fails to work, call a Kenmore technician.

2. Determine if your water fill spout in the freezer is plugged with ice. If so, no new ice can be made. Try clearing it out or melting the ice by running a hair dryer on it for a few minutes.

3. Turn your refrigerator around to look at the back side to see if water is getting to the water inlet valve behind the fridge. If the water is not properly connected, there's no water to make ice.

4. Use an ohm meter to test for coil continuity. If the ohm meter shows there is no continuity, then you will need to replace the water inlet valve.

When the Ice Maker Leaks

1. Refer to your user manual to determine where your fill volume adjustment dial, is and turn it down. One-half to one full turn usually is approximately equal to 20 to 40 cc, and the correct fill is usually 130 to 150 cc ( 4.5 to 5.0 oz ).

2. See if there are icicles hanging from the fill spout and/or on the ice maker's sides. If there are, this means your water inlet valve is leaking and will need replacing. Refer to your user manual for a part number, or call a technician.

3. Check to see if the ejector seal is cracked. If it is, replace it. Refer to your user manual for a part number, or call a technician.

When the Ice Smells

1. Replace water filters every 6 months to avoid musty odors from getting into your ice. If you don't replace the filters, they become clogged with the chemicals they have been removing from the water. In addition to smelly ice, you may see a drop in water pressure if you have a water dispenser, and possibly a decrease in ice cube size.

2. Remove the cap from the new filter.

3. Place the cartridge inside the holder, and twist to the right.

When the Ice Maker Produces Hollow Ice

1. Replace the fill and shut-off valve for problems with both parts. Hollow ice cubes usually indicate a low water problem. This is generally the result of an excess buildup of calcium and other deposits.

2. Replace the self-piercing shut-off valve with a drill-type shut-off valve.

3. Drill a 1/4-inch hole into the pipe and install the shut-off valve the same way you would have installed the self-piercing valve.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to review the Kenmore user manual that came with your refrigerator when you purchased it. If you no longer have a copy you can get it online at Kenmore's website. The user manual that came with your appliance has information that is specific to your particular model. It may have additional suggestions to help fix your ice maker problem that is unique to your Kenmore refrigerator model.

• If after troubleshooting, you are not able to fix your ice maker on your own, it may be time to call in a repairman. Be sure that whomever you arrange to take a look at your ice maker is skilled at working on Kenmore refrigerators. No two refrigerators or ice makers are created equal, and each refrigerator comes off the line complete with quirks specific to that manufacturer. It is important that the technician working on your ice maker have knowledge of Kenmore's quirks.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Kenmore user manuals and spare parts