How to Reset a Kenmore Ice Maker

If the Kenmore ice maker is not working, then a little investigating and troubleshooting may be able to alleviate the issue. From an ejector arm that refuses to budge to a kink in the water lines that run behind the fridge, there are a few reasons that can prevent ice from dropping out of the Kenmore Elite's dispenser.

Remove the front plate that covers the ice maker. The cover plate should come off with a simple tug. Find the on and off switch on the front of the ice maker's PC board and turn the machine off. Unplug the refrigerator and wait five minutes before plugging it back in.

Turn the ice maker back on and return the cover plate. Close the freezer and allow the machine to cycle through and fill ice trays before further troubleshooting.

If the ice cubes have slowly begun to reduce in size and shape, then the water flow has more than likely been restricted. A Kenmore ice maker that is not filling with water may have a frozen or clogged water line.

Check the water lines in the back of the refrigerator to see if there is a visible kink or clog from the hard water that flows from the house line system. Flush the lines with a solution of one-part vinegar and one-part water. A refrigerator water line that is choked with frozen water can be defrosted with a hair dryer held six inches from the water line.

When the Kenmore Elite refrigerator is not making ice, it could be due to the water filter, according to Repair Clinic. The water filter can get clogged with hard water deposits and other impurities that flow from the water lines. A Kenmore water filter should be changed out at least every six months to keep the water flowing freely to the ice maker and tasting good.

Ice shouldn't suddenly stop dropping from the trays, but if it has, more than likely the Kenmore ice maker pause feature may have been put into place by accident, according to Sears Home Services.

If ice has ceased being made all of a sudden, then there could be ice stuck in the ejector arm. This can happen accidently from people reaching in and grabbing ice. The ejector arm can get stuck in the off position and go unseen until no ice drops from the trays.

When water is making it to the ice maker, but not staying in the machine, the appliance may be off-kilter. Puddles of water under the refrigerator could be due to a refrigerator that isn't properly leveled. Adjusting the rollers or leveling feet on the bottom front of the fridge can fix the issue.

The refrigerator doesn't function well when it is not level from side to side. This can restrict the water flow to the ice maker. Place a level on the top of the refrigerator and remove the front grille, the covers over the wheels or leveling feet. Consult your owner's manual in how to adjust the rollers or feet. Typically, it requires an adjustment of a screw with a tool or turning adjustment discs clockwise to level each wheel or foot.