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A: A broken ice maker can be incredibly frustrating, especially when all you’re looking for is a cold drink to quench your thirst. A multitude of factors can lead to an ice maker in the freezer that is not working, so you’ll want to understand the reasons behind the issue so you can fix it quickly. Read this guide to discover what caused the ice maker not working and how to get it up and running again.
If there is ice in the tray, the ice maker might need to be reset.
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If ice cubes are forming in the ice tray but they haven’t dropped down into the collection bin, this means the ice maker is receiving water. The presence of ice signals that a mechanical or electrical problem, rather than a water supply problem, is most likely to blame.
The first refrigerator troubleshooting step to take is to check whether the control arm or wire is in the “off” (up) position, which stops the production of ice. (It’s easy to inadvertently bump into this while rummaging in the freezer.) If the control arm or wire is “off,” simply move it to the “on” (down) position. For refrigerators with ice makers controlled by touch panels, try toggling the power to reset it.
If the ice maker is switched to “on,” the tray is filled with ice, and ice cubes still won’t come out, the ice maker may need to be reset. First, seal all electrical connections, then turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the refrigerator from power. Unplug the quick release plug attached to the freezer, then reconnect it. After clearing the ice tray, reconnect the refrigerator from power. Lift, then lower, the control arm or wire; wait ten seconds for the ice tray to refill with water.
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If there is no ice in the tray, the ice maker’s water flow may be to blame.
If the ice machine is not working altogether—meaning there’s no ice in the tray—water flow issues may be to blame. A clog, leak, or damage in the water line may cause the ice maker to shut off automatically or otherwise stop working.
Check the ice maker inlet valve and water supply tubing for any leaks, damage, or blockages. Then, tighten any loose connectors, repair any broken seals or cracks in the water line, and remove anything blocking the water flow. A common culprit of clogs is frozen water in the line; in this case, simply shut off the valve and defrost the water line to get everything working again.
While a handy homeowner can often make these repairs and replacements themselves, those who aren’t comfortable or familiar should consider reaching out to a professional appliance repair service when the ice maker won’t work.
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The water filter might be dirty and need replacing.
Another potential reason behind an ice maker that quit working is a dirty water filter. Smart fridges will often indicate when the filter needs to be changed, but a good rule of thumb is to replace it every 6 months. Telltale signs of a dirty water filter include changes in the smell or taste of the ice and water and a slower flow from the fridge’s water dispenser. In some cases, the refrigerator may even be designed to stop dispensing ice or water when the filter is past its “replace by” date, which could make it seem like the ice machine in the fridge is not working.
Changing a water filter is usually fairly straightforward—homeowners can often simply remove the filter cover, twist out and remove the old filter, and twist in the new filter. It’s recommended to consult any refrigerator-specific instructions to ensure proper filter choice and installation.
The water dosage can be adjusted for cubes that are too big or too small.
In some cases, an ice machine will form cubes that are too small (in the absence of a water line clog) or too big. In this case, a small adjustment to the water dosage can get cubes back to that just-right size.
To change how much water fills the ice cube tray with each cycle, first remove the ice maker cover. Underneath the cover, homeowners can see a plus and minus indicator with a screw and spring assembly. Screwing in, or toward the minus symbol, will decrease the amount of water per cycle; screwing out, or toward the plus, will increase the amount of water per cycle. If all other issues with the ice maker have been resolved, the next batch of cubes should be at the proper size.
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Hiring a reputable appliance repair service might be the easiest and fastest way to get your ice maker working again.
Whether the ice maker in the fridge is not working or there’s frost in the freezer, kitchen appliance issues might be best left to a professional—especially for those who don’t have experience with plumbing, electrical, and other types of repairs. The most reputable appliance repair services will hire qualified, knowledgeable professionals who can quickly and easily fix the issue at hand.
When seeking a an appliance repair company, make sure the technician is properly licensed and certified as per federal and state laws. A reputable repair technician should also be up-to-date with a variety of technologies and procedures, as well as offer service warranties for their work. Asking the company directly about licensing, certification, and warranties can help homeowners make an informed choice.
Don’t let trouble with your ice maker give you brain freeze! Take a look at the easy steps to reset your ice maker in this article!
To reset any ice maker do the following
- Adjust the feeler arm
- Press and hold the reset button
- Unplug (or turn off) the refrigerator and wait 15 minutes before plugging it back in again
There’s nothing like an ice-cold drink on a hot day. But what if your ice maker has stopped playing ball? Then make sure you check out the extended instructions for resetting your ice maker coming up next!
1. Adjust the Feeler Arm
The first step to resetting your ice maker is for you to adjust the feeler arm. Now, I know what you’re thinking, the feeler what? What is that?
The feeler arm is the metal or plastic rod on the side of the ice maker. This rod moves up and down according to the level of ice in your ice maker. It stops it from making too much ice. If this rod is all the way up, that means that the ice maker will not make any more ice.
What can you do if your ice maker’s feeler arm is stopping it from working? Here are some simple instructions.
- If the feeler arm is stuck, push it down
- Once you push the arm down, water should start flowing to the ice maker’s water reservoir. If it does, you can stop here. If it doesn’t or if the feeler arm isn’t stuck, continue to the next section.
2. Press the Reset Button
Have you tried adjusting your ice maker’s feeler arm but had no success? Then you should press the reset button.
Holding the reset button down for 10 seconds is sufficient. Your ice maker should then reset. If it doesn’t, move on to the next section.
3. Restart the Refrigerator
When it comes to restarting your refrigerator, you have two easy options. They are the following.
- Turning the refrigerator off at the on/off button then turning it back on again
- Unplugging the refrigerator at the mains and then plugging it back in
Does your refrigerator have an on/off button? Then press the button to turn the fridge off. Leave it off for 15 minutes. The refrigerator should reset the ice maker during this time.
What if your refrigerator doesn’t have an on/off button? Then you should plug it out at the mains. Keep it plugged out for 15 minutes before plugging it back in. The refrigerator should reset the ice maker during this time.
But what if you don’t hear your ice maker immediately kick into gear? Then try pushing the feeler arm down a couple of times. This should force water into the ice maker and make it start working normally again.
Tips for Resetting Different Ice Maker Brands
Every ice maker is different. So you might need some more detailed instructions for resetting yours. Here are some tips for resetting the following ice maker brands:
- Manitowoc
- Whirlpool
- Samsung
- Frigidaire
- GE
Where to Find the Reset Button
If you want to reset your ice maker, it’s best to start with the reset button! But hang on, where is that located again? Of course, you could consult your manual to help you find the reset button. But…where on earth did you put the manual? Now, we’re just going around in circles.
Here’s the easiest way. The following is a mini-guide that will help you find the reset button for your particular ice maker. Once you’ve located it, make sure you follow the reset instructions that are included in this article.
| Manitowoc | Some Manitowoc ice makers do not have a reset button. To reset one, try turning the ice maker off at the power source. |
| Whirlpool | You can find the reset button at the bottom of the ice maker. Remove the ice tray to locate it. |
| Samsung | Remove the ice tray. The red button you see is the reset button. |
| Frigidaire | The reset button is on the front of the ice maker, under the motor housing, past the front cover |
| GE | Some GE ice makers do not have a reset button. To reset one, try turning the ice maker off at the power source. |
How to Restart the Refrigerator
Do you have a kitchen with a built-in refrigerator? If so, then getting behind your refrigerator and pulling it out to unplug it may be more hassle than it’s worth. Refrigerators are bulky, and heavy, – especially ones with an ice maker. So, what can you do to save yourself (and your back) from pulling the refrigerator out of place to unplug it?
Most modern refrigerators come with an on/off button. Pressing this button makes it easier for you to restart your refrigerator. But how can you be sure if your refrigerator and ice maker come with an on/off button? Take a look at the following power button guide.
| Manitowoc | Yes | Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn it off. WhirlpoolYesPress the button to operateSamsungYesSome Samsung refrigerators have a separate on/off button for the ice maker. This will allow you to turn the ice maker off without powering the refrigerator off. |
| Frigidaire | Yes | Some Frigidaire refrigerators have an on/off button for the ice maker alone. You can find it on the front control panel. Press to operate. |
| GE | Yes | Press the power button |
Tips for Resetting a Manitowoc Ice Maker
A Manitowoc ice maker doesn’t typically have a reset button. So, what can you do to reset yours? Here are some simple steps that are specific to these types of ice makers.
- Adjust the feeler arm. If water doesn’t immediately start filling in the reservoir, go to step 2.
- Press and hold the off button for 3 seconds.
- Keep the ice maker unplugged for 15 minutes
- Turn the machine back on. If a blue light appears, you have successfully reset it.
Tips for Resetting a Whirlpool Ice Maker
Some Whirlpool ice makers come with a reset button. This could be located in one of the following places
- Under the ice tray
- Under the ice tray and cover plate
Tips for Resetting a Samsung Ice Maker
Most Samsung ice makers have handy TEST buttons. These buttons allow you to make sure that your ice maker is working properly, and will prompt it to do so if it isn’t. You might find using this button easier than unplugging your Samsung refrigerator.
Are you keen to try out this method? Then here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Remove the ice bucket
- Press the “TEST” button. It might say “TEST” on it or have an arrow pointing at it.
- Press and hold the “TEST” button until you hear a chime
- Put the ice bucket back in the ice maker
Tips for Resetting a Frigidaire Ice Maker
Most Frigidaire ice makers have an on/off button for the ice maker compartment. Here are all the instructions you need to reset yours.
- Press the on/off switch until the LED light turns red
- Wait 15 minutes
- Press and hold the on/off button again until the LED light turns green
Tips for Resetting a GE Ice Maker
Some GE ice makers do not have a reset button. So, what can you do to reset yours? Take a look at the following steps.
- Adjust the feeler arm. If water doesn’t immediately start filling in the reservoir, go to step 2.
- Press the on/off button
- Keep the ice maker unplugged for 15 minutes
- Turn the ice maker back on
TIP! Is the red “Check Water” light flashing? Then that might indicate that there is a problem with the water supply, not the ice maker.
Have None Of These Tips Worked?
Unfortunately, sometimes internet guides just can’t solve an issue with a major appliance.
If you’re still stuck, we recommend getting in touch with an appliance repair professional. A small repair fee might save you the cost of a breakdown, or even a new ice maker. Fill in the form below to get a free repair quote from our partnered appliance repair experts.
Conclusion
If your ice maker stops making ice, you may wonder whether you’ll need to call a technician to come and look at it for you. But the truth is, simply resetting your ice maker might solve the problem! I’m sure this article has provided you with easy step-by-step instructions for you to reset yours.
Has this article been useful to you? Then make sure you check out some of our other free guides and articles on our website!
Have a great day!
-Craig
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