How to Troubleshoot GE Refrigerator Icemakers

Many GE refigerators feature ice makers.

General Electric makes a variety of refrigerators with ice makers, including energy efficient refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerator/freezers and refrigerators with freezers at the top. While getting ice from the refrigerator typically involves little more than pushing a button, problems sometimes can occur with GE refrigerator ice makers. Being able to troubleshoot these problems can increase the probability of being able to figure out how to fix them.

Instructions

1. Press and release the "Ice Off/Lock" pad on the outside of the freezer door if the automatic ice maker does not seem to be working properly. This will turn off the "Ice Off" feature and an icon of a cup that reads "Ice Off" will appear. Try to use the ice maker again. If it still does not distribute ice, check to make sure the water line is installed into the back of the refrigerator. If the line is installed, make sure there are no holes or kinks in the hose that might be causing water to stop flowing or leak before it reaches the ice maker. If there is a mound of ice cubes in the ice maker, turn the ice maker off and level the cubes with your hand or remove them. Then turn the ice maker back on and try to use it again.

2. Do a better job of wrapping up foods that are in the freezer if you find that the ice cubes from the ice maker have an unpleasant taste or smell. Consider changing the hose that connects the refrigerator with the water source. An old hose can cause less-than-tasty ice and water. If the hose is new and food is wrapped well, place an open box of baking soda in the freezer and replace it around every three months.

3. Change the temperature settings if the ice maker is taking too long to produce ice. The lower the temperature is set for, the faster the ice maker will freeze water and create ice. Also check to make sure the freezer door completely closes when it is shut. The door should seal shut. Make sure there are no holes in the insulation around the door that would allow cold air to escape and warm air to seep in.

4. Check the filter if no ice is being produced and no water is coming into the freezer. If the filter is old, remove it and replace it with a newer filter that will allow for water to flow more freely into the ice maker. If the filter is fairly new, check to make sure it is in the proper place. You should hear a locking sound when you put the filter into its place. Make sure the blade at the end of the filter cartridge is positioned vertically.

Tips & Warnings

• A beeping alarm in some GE refrigerators means the refrigerator or freezer door is open. Ice cannot be produced when the freezer door is not closed.

References

• GE Appliances: Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
• GE Appliances: Refrigerator Types

Resources

• Reader's Digest: How to Install Plumbing for a Refrigerator