Find local pros for your project
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll show you pros right for the job, with prices.
Why is my fridge not making ice?
Updated
By Vanessa Wolf
Picture this: You open your freezer on a sweltering hot day, ready to enjoy a refreshing glass of ice-cold water. However, you find there's an empty ice bin inside.
If your refrigerator's ice maker stopped working, you're not alone. It's a common fridge repair issue, and the good news is that you might be able to troubleshoot and fix it yourself.
In this guide, we'll explore some common ice maker problems and reasons yours might be on the fritz. We also have practical troubleshooting tips to get it back to producing those refreshing ice cubes again.
1. Make sure the ice maker is turned on.
Sometimes, the fix is as easy as making sure your ice maker is plugged in and turned on. If your fridge is new, perhaps you haven't switched the ice maker settings to ON.
Pull out your user's manual, and follow the instructions to properly plug in or turn on the ice maker. If it's on, you can also try resetting the ice maker. Consult your owner's manual to identify and locate the reset button.
Related: My freezer is working, but not my fridge. What’s going on?
2. Check the water line.
A functioning water supply is essential to your ice maker. If the water supply line is crimped, blocked, or detached, your refrigerator's ice maker is left high and dry. There are a few things you can do to address (or rule out) this issue. For example, try the following:
- Ensure the water supply line is properly connected.
- Examine the tube for kinks, twists, or obstructions. (If you find any, turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line before addressing it.)
- Confirm that the water inlet valve is fully open and able to provide a steady flow of water to the ice maker.
If the water line is working properly, move on to the next step.
Compare prices from appliance service specialists near you.
3. Replace your water filter.
Your refrigerator's filter helps remove sediment from the water that flows to the water dispenser and ice maker. Over time, the filter can become clogged with sediment. When it becomes clogged, water will become restricted and your ice maker won't be able to produce ice.
Ideally, you should change the filter every 6 months or so. If it's been a long time since you've last changed it, replace it now to see if that fixes your faulty ice maker.
4. Address low water pressure.
Low water pressure can prevent an ice maker from receiving an adequate amount of water. This can significantly hinder the ice-making process. To troubleshoot this problem, complete these two steps:
- Consult your refrigerator's user manual to determine the optimal water pressure setting.
- Check the water pressure flowing to your refrigerator ice maker, and make sure it's within the recommended range.
If it turns out the water pressure going to your refrigerator is not at the suggested level, consider hiring a plumber to address the underlying issue.
Related: Why is my fridge not cooling?
How to fix ice makers by brand.
If you own a Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, or GE fridge, you're in luck. These brands offer comprehensive resources to help you troubleshoot and fix common issues, empowering you to take control and restore the ice-making functionality in your appliance.
Keep reading for tips on how to get your ice maker working again.
Troubleshooting a Samsung ice maker.
If your Samsung fridge is not making ice and you've ruled out the causes above, there are a few more things you can try. For example, if your model has a dispenser, start by removing the water filter and retesting the water pressure to determine if you need a replacement filter.
Additionally, power cycle the refrigerator by turning it off for two minutes and then plugging it back in. If error codes appear, refer to Samsung's error code guide or consider hiring a fridge repair technician to help.
Troubleshooting a Whirlpool ice maker.
If you have a Whirlpool fridge that's not making ice and you've determined that the cause is neither the water line nor pressure, there's still hope.
For example, a control arm in the wrong position on certain Whirlpool models can disrupt ice-making. The control arm gauges ice levels and halts production when the bin is full. Confirm that it's set to the ON position.
If you've tried all these tips and there's still no ice, it might be time to hire a professional.
Get free estimates from top-rated appliance service specialists.
Troubleshooting an LG ice maker.
For those with an LG fridge not making ice, the brand has an informative video dedicated to troubleshooting. Its resource covers a range of reasons an LG ice maker control stops working properly and how to rectify those issues to keep your ice production steady.
Troubleshooting a Maytag ice maker.
If your Maytag ice maker is not working and you've tried the suggestions above, look for jammed ice and blockages, such as an accumulation of ice or a clump of cubes. Then, gently remove the obstruction using a plastic knife, or defrost your freezer.
Should problems persist, Maytag's online guidance can help you troubleshoot.
Troubleshooting a GE ice maker.
If your GE fridge is not making ice, the manufacturer can help. After you've eliminated any issues with getting water into the ice maker, you can review GE's detailed blog post and an informative video with troubleshooting tips.
When to hire a pro to repair your ice maker.
If your attempts to troubleshoot and fix your refrigerator's ice maker aren't successful, it might be time to call in the experts. Professional appliance repair technicians have the knowledge and skills to diagnose complex issues that might be beyond your DIY capabilities.
Help is just a click away. Use the Thumbtack app to hire a professional and ensure a swift resolution to your ice maker woes.
Related Articles
Related Services