HOW TO POSSIBLY FIX AN ICE MAKER THAT’S NOT WORKING
If you’re encountering ice maker problems, there’s no need to panic. While there may be a problem that’s keeping the ice maker from working properly, troubleshooting these issues can be relatively easy. Use this guide to help you find why your ice maker is not making ice and steps you can take to try to fix it.
What causes an ice maker to stop working?
There are several reasons your ice maker may suddenly stop working, including a blocked water dispenser, issues with your water supply line or a clogged water filter.
- Turned off or paused ice maker: Depending on the type of ice maker your refrigerator has, you may need to switch on a button or push down a lever for ice production to resume.
- Blocked dispenser: If your dispenser is blocked, it may be due to ice buildup. Low water pressure or a freezer thermostat that is set too low could be the cause.
- Clogged water filter: To keep your ice maker in top condition, replace the water filter when the filter indicator light turns on, or at least every six months, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Check your owner’s manual for the location of your filter.
- Temperature set too low: Ensure the thermostat is set to the recommended level by your refrigerator's manufacturer. If the thermostat is too low, the water may freeze before reaching the ice mold.
- Water line problems: A frozen or kinked water line on a refrigerator can restrict or stop water flow. Ensure the house water line is turned on and free of kinks.
- Water valve issues: The water valve requires a pressure of at least 20 psi to function properly. Using an incorrect valve adapter can slow or halt water flow. Refer to the installation instructions to ensure you have the correct parts for the water valve and know how to install them.
Ice Maker Troubleshooting: 5 possible problems and solutions
Some of the most common ice maker problems that you’ll encounter include an ice maker that is leaking, producing little to no ice, or producing ice that is either too small or tastes funny.
1. Not Dropping Ice
If your ice maker is not dropping ice, it could be that there’s a blockage in the ice tray, or an ice cube is jammed between the bin and the lever. If this happens, here are some things you can do:
- Double-check that the lever is pushed down and/or the ice maker is switched on. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where your lever or switch is located.
- Remove the ice bin to see if there’s ice accumulation.
- Remove any blocked ice by carefully chipping at it with a plastic knife.
- If the ice is too large, you may have to let the ice melt by defrosting your fridge.
2. Not Making Enough Ice
There could be several reasons your ice maker may not be making enough ice, including low water pressure or a kink in the water line. To check if that may be the case, follow the steps below.
- Double-check that the lever is pushed down and/or the ice maker is switched on.
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Carefully move your refrigerator to access the water line.
- Disconnect the water line and place it in a bucket or in your sink.
- Turn on the water supply again.
- The stream should be a steady flow with a good amount of water pressure (30–120 psi).
- When replacing the water line, make sure everything is connected tightly and that the water inlet valve is fully open and free of any debris.
If you notice that the water stream is weak, check your water line for any kinks, brackets that could be affecting the flow, clogs or damage. Ensure that the water supply is also turned on all the way. Additionally, if your water filter hasn’t been replaced in over six months, it could affect the amount of water reaching your ice maker. Your owner’s manual will have details on what water filter to use and the location of the filter.
3. Not Making Any Ice
If your ice maker isn’t making any ice, follow these troubleshooting steps to identify and fix the issue:
- Make sure your freezer’s thermostat is set to 0ºF for maximum ice production. Your ice maker won’t make any ice if the temperature exceeds 5ºF. Learn more about the best refrigerator and freezer temperatures with this guide.
- If your freezer has an arm lever, make sure it’s pushed down. If the arm is up, your ice maker won’t make any new ice. Additionally, if your ice maker is controlled through your refrigerator’s settings or has a switch, make sure it’s on.
- Check for blockages like ice buildup or jammed ice cubes. If you find any, remove them with a plastic knife or let your freezer defrost.
- Change your water filter if it’s older than six months or has any clogs or debris.
- Check your water dispenser’s water stream. If the stream is weak or if no water is coming out, there could be a problem with the water line.
- The water line might be blocked or damaged. Use the same steps as above to check the water line.
- Ensure that your water valve is fully open and has no blockages.
4. Leaking into Freezer or On Floor
Water leaking from the ice maker could mean that either your refrigerator or ice maker isn’t level. A faulty water line could also be responsible.
- Level your refrigerator if you find that it’s unlevel or wobbly. Not sure how to do that? Use this guide on how to level a refrigerator or refer to your owner’s manual.
- Your ice maker should also be level inside the freezer. Adjust the bin if you see that it’s crooked or out of place.
- Check your water line the same way as you would if your ice maker wasn’t making any ice using the instructions above.
- Ensure that the water fill tube is also positioned properly. The location of your water fill tube will vary by model, though it’s generally above the ice maker tray or inside the water fill cup.
5. Ice is Too Small or Tastes Funny
Ice that has a weird taste or ice cubes that come out too small could be caused by the water line or food odors from your freezer being absorbed by the ice.
- Check your water line and look for any kinks, bulges or damage. If you see any, you might need a replacement.
- If possible, try to use a copper water line. Some materials could interact with the water, giving it an unpleasant taste.
- Store food in airtight containers and wrap tightly in plastic to avoid any odor transfer.
- Make sure to regularly clean your ice maker to avoid any unwanted odors or unpleasant tastes.
FIND REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR YOUR MAYTAG® ICE MAKER
If you’re a Maytag owner and are in need of new parts for your freezer’s ice maker, shop Maytag® ice maker parts and accessories.
Still not sure what’s wrong after troubleshooting your ice maker? Schedule a service call.
Shop Maytag® refrigerators
You can trust a Maytag® refrigerator to store your favorite foods with its hardworking, dependable design. Select models are equipped with features like PowerCold®, which quickly cools and helps keep things fresh. Browse the entire collection of Maytag® refrigerators and freezers to find the right fit for your home.
