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Ice Maker in Refrigerator Compartment Not Working

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Ice Maker in Refrigerator Compartment Not Working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

Most Frequent Causes for Ice Maker in Refrigerator Compartment Not Working

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Cause 1Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to supply water to the dispenser and ice maker. If the water inlet valve is defective, or if it has insufficient pressure, it won’t allow water to flow through. As a result, the ice maker won’t make ice. The valve requires at least 20 psi to function properly. Make sure that the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, use a multimeter to check for power to the water inlet valve. If the water inlet valve has sufficient pressure and is getting power, but the ice maker won’t fill with water to make ice, replace the water inlet valve.

Parts
Cause 2Dispenser Solenoid

The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.

Parts
Cause 3Fan Motor

The refrigerator ice maker compartment fan motor assists in keeping the air temperature in the compartment cold enough for the ice maker to make ice. If the fan motor has failed and isn't running, the temperature will rise high enough that the ice maker will be unable to make ice. The fan motor can be inspected to see if it's running when the ice maker should be working. The component can also be tested for electrical continuity to help determine if it's faulty. A faulty fan motor will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 4Dispenser Door Motor

The dispenser door motor opens and closes the dispenser door to prevent cold air from escaping the refrigerator. If the dispenser door motor is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. As a result, the dispenser will not dispense ice. To determine if the motor is defective, first determine if the motor is getting power. If the motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the dispenser door motor does not have continuity, replace it.

Parts
Cause 5Motor

The refrigerator ice maker compartment fan motor assists in keeping the air temperature in the compartment cold enough for the ice maker to make ice. If the fan motor has failed and isn't running, the temperature will rise high enough that the ice maker will be unable to make ice. The fan motor can be inspected to see if it's running when the ice maker should be working. The component can also be tested for electrical continuity to help determine if it's faulty. A faulty fan motor will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 6Dispenser Funnel Guide

The dispenser funnel guide is the component that allows the ice from the ice maker to be properly dispensed. If the guide is obstructed or broken, the ice may not dispense as expected. Inspect the funnel guide or any obstruction or damage and replace if necessary.

Parts
Cause 7Low Water Pressure from House Supply

The home may have insufficient water pressure. The water inlet valve supplies water to the ice and water dispenser. The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to function properly. Check the water flow and test the pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi.

Cause 8Confirm icemaker is On

Make sure the icemaker is turned on and the arm or paddle is able to move freely. On in-door ice-dispensing models, with the door open make sure the indicator light stays on steadily when the ice dispenser flap and door switch are pressed.

Cause 9Dispenser Door

The dispenser door is opened by a motor, solenoid or actuator arm to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.

Parts
Cause 10Control Board

The refrigerator's control board controls the voltage being sent to the ice maker. If the control board is defective, the ice maker may not work at all. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to determine if voltage is reaching the ice maker after reviewing the refrigerator's wiring diagram.

Parts
Cause 11Main Control Board

The refrigerator's main control board controls the voltage being sent to the ice maker. If the control board is defective, the ice maker may not work at all. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to determine if voltage is reaching the ice maker after reviewing the refrigerator's wiring diagram.

Parts
Cause 12Dispenser door stuck open

The dispenser door will typically have a closing mechanism to shut the door after the ice is dispensed. If the door sticks open warm air can enter the ice maker compartment causing frost buildup and potentially stopping the ice maker. Remove any items that may be keeping the dispenser door from closing.