Why Doesn't My Ice Maker Make Ice?

Certain ice makers can crush the ice before it is dispensed.

An ice maker automatically makes and dispenses ice from the outside of your refrigerator door. Some models have control panel buttons to increase ice production, to choose cubed or crushed ice, and to turn on the ice dispenser light when the dispenser bar on the refrigerator door is pushed. Advanced ice maker tasks mean that there are more things that can go wrong with your appliance. Fortunately, you can fix some of these problems yourself.

Power

The ice maker will not make any ice if its power button is in the "Off" position or if there is a blown house fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Check the ice maker's power button, and turn it completely to the "On" position. Examine the refrigerator's power cord to determine if it is fully plugged in. Check your home's electrical box for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker if needed.

Water Line Valve

Your refrigerator has a water line that taps into your house's water supply. There is a shutoff valve on this line to facilitate refrigerator installation and repairs. Ensure that the valve is open and not blocked so that water flows into the ice maker compartment to make ice. The valve should be turned fully counterclockwise to open up the refrigerator's water line to make ice.

Saddle Valve

The saddle valve is located on your house's water pipe, which feeds into the refrigerator's cold water line. If the saddle valve is clogged or blocked with debris, water will not flow through the refrigerator's cold water line and up into the ice maker compartment to make ice. Turn off the water to the refrigerator, and unscrew the saddle valve. Clean it out with a bristle brush or replace it.

Filter

Some ice makers will have an indicator light on the refrigerator to show if the water filter is functioning properly or if it needs to be replaced. The ice maker will not make ice if the water filter needs replacement. If your refrigerator does not have a filter indicator light, press the chilled water bar to dispense water. The filter may need replacement if the unit does not dispense any chilled water.

References

• Manage My Life: Sears Kenmore Side by Side Refrigerator