How to Fix an Ice Maker Inside a Refrigerator

Ice is a key ingredient in many cocktails and frozen drinks.

Ice cubes are refreshing in a glass of white wine or soft drink in summer, but if your refrigerator's automatic ice maker isn't cooperating you will find yourself making ice with molds and trays instead. Fixing a broken ice maker with no specific symptoms other than a lack of ice requires that you diagnose the problem with a process of elimination. Start by ensuring that the appliance is set up properly and receiving water.

Instructions

1. Turn the ice maker on -- it might have been switched off by accident. There's usually a switch on the side of the mechanism or a button on the control panel powering the ice maker. Some ice makers turn off when the wire or plastic shutoff arm is raised a certain height above the ice cube tray -- this keeps cubes from overflowing into the freezer. Make sure the shutoff arm isn't iced up and is able to move up and down, and lower the arm so the mechanism will resume making ice.

2. Check the freezer door -- something might have fallen into the path of the shelves, blocking the door open. Keep your food organized so the door gaskets make an airtight seal between the freezer compartment and the outside air. Ice will melt or stick together in blocks if the door is propped open.

3. Turn your freezer down to 0 F (-18 C.) Manufacturers recommend keeping your freezer compartment at this temperature to keep your food safely frozen. A warmer temperature setting causes ice cubes to stick together when warm air enters the freezer as the freezer door is opened.

4. Investigate the water line behind the refrigerator for kinks, sharp turns or other restrictions. Another appliance could be resting on or crushing the water pipe, restricting water to the ice maker. Ensure that the shutoff valve is turned to the open position. The valve is usually within the water supply pipe or attached to the wall or sink near the refrigerator. Call a plumber if you suspect problems with the water supply.

5. Use a wooden chopstick to remove cubes stuck inside the mechanism. A stuck cube can block the dispenser or jam the freezing mechanism. Alternatively, remove and empty the ice bucket and switch off the ice maker. The stuck cube will eventually melt and free the mechanism.

6. Replace the water filter (if fitted) -- it could be blocked by mineral deposits or other matter. The water filter is usually inside the refrigerator compartment behind a plastic cover. You will need to shut off the water supply in some cases before you change your filter.

References

• General Electric: Profile Series Side-by-Side Refrigerator Manual (PDF)
• Manage My Life/Sears: Kenmore: Side-by-Side Refrigerator Manual (PDF)
• Amana: Refrigerator User Instructions (PDF)