How to fix a refrigerator ice maker if it stops working

One of the advantages of a modern refrigerator is that you no longer need to manually fill and refill ice trays. The manual work of refillable ice trays is replaced by an automatic ice maker that dispenses ice cubes whenever you need them. However, these ice makers are not as foolproof as they are meant to be, and when they fail to function as intended, it can cause a lot of frustration.

The cause for your ice maker’s failure to function can be tied to a number of components that function in tandem to deliver ice cubes automatically. When it fails to dispense fresh ice when you need it, it is a sign that you need to troubleshoot the cause and may even need to call a technician. However, before you call one, here are some troubleshooting steps to try and fix an ice maker. 

How does a refrigerator ice maker work?

Let’s recap how the manual ice-making on a traditional refrigerator worked. You poured water into the cells of an ice cube tray and left it in the cold to freeze. Once frozen, you would twist the ice tray by hand to make the ice cubes release from the cells. The ice cubes could then be used to chill your favourite drink or for other preparations.

The automatic ice makers work in the same way, where a rear intake valve pumps water from the water line connection behind your fridge and into the freezer tray. This water flows through a water filter before reaching the cells in your ice maker. A thermostat built into the refrigerator then detects once the ice cubes have frozen and a gentle heater beneath the tray turns on to loosen the ice cubes.

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Most refrigerators use a motor that spins a shaft with arms and the ice cubes are moved from the tray into the storage bin. These refrigerators also include a rigid metal bar that rests atop the ice cube storage bin and drops after a batch of ice cubes arrive into the storage bin. When the bin prevents the bar from falling beyond a certain point, the ice maker shuts off and the full ice bin is thus prevented from overflowing and filling your freezer unit. When the bar falls all the way, the ice maker begins to start working on the next batch of ice cubes.

How to fix an ice maker if it stops working

The fundamental concept behind an ice maker is similar to the manual process of filling and refilling an ice tray with water and then manually ejecting the ice cubes onto an ice tray. However, the automation leads to a complex set of parts that could lead to the ice maker failing to work effectively. Here are some fixes you can do to troubleshoot the ice maker.

1. Inspect the level

2. Check the control arm position

3. Check your freezer’s temperature

4. Clean or replace the water filter

5. Inspect the valve

1. Inspect the level

An often overlooked aspect of a refrigerator is whether it is installed level. Similarly, your ice maker should be level too. You should also check whether your ice maker is screwed in well and undamaged.

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The position and placement could well be the cause of your ice maker not working properly.

2. Check the control arm position

If your ice maker fails to produce ice even when there is no ice in the bin then the first thing to do is to check the control arm. It would help if you saw whether the control arm is raised or caught in something. A common cause for ice maker failure is that the control arm gets jammed when it is raised, forcing the ice maker to shut off. If your refrigerator has a power switch then you can fix this issue by checking whether the power switch is accidentally turned off.

3. Check your freezer's temperature

Another common cause for your ice maker’s failure to make ice cubes is refrigerator temperature issues. If your freezer is unable to maintain an adequate temperature then the result will be the inability to prepare ice. You can check if your freezer has a temperature control dial, set the optimum temperature, and check if the issue is resolved. If the ice maker still fails to make ice then you may have a bigger issue.

4. Clean or replace the water filter

There is a possibility that the water filter between your water supply line and the ice maker is clogged with mineral deposits. This results in your ice maker not getting enough water and hence cannot make ice. You can clean or replace the water filter to fix this issue, and if you have a smart refrigerator, you should pay attention to the notification regarding when the filter needs changing.

5. Inspect the valve

Refrigerators with automatic ice makers usually rely on an electromagnetic solenoid water valve. This valve connects to your home’s water supply line, and when triggered, it opens to allow water into the system.

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If your water supply line or the solenoid valve fails to function, your ice maker will stop as well. It is recommended to unplug your refrigerator and check your home’s water connection line for any issues.

If none of these steps solve your ice maker’s issue then you can call a technician or replace an ice maker outright. It might be simpler to replace your ice maker than to repair it.