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Fixing an Ice Maker

Ice maker not working? Fortunately, icemakers are relatively simple in operation and easy to fix when they don't work. You can do it!
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Components of a typical icemaker unit for a refrigerator freezer. (click to enlarge)

An icemaker is a small appliance that fits inside a refrigerator's freezer and makes ice cubes. The water flows through a tube to an inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator. When water is needed, the valve lets the water flow into an ice cube mold, where it freezes. When a thermostat senses that the ice is cold enough, a heater melts the ice surface so that ejector blades can push the cubes into a bin. The cycle repeats until a shutoff arm stops it when the bin is full.

Disassemble an icemaker:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Remove the icemaker's front cover by unscrewing or prying it off as needed (refer to the owner's manual for specifics).
  3. Remove the ice bin, shelves, and vertical partition.
  4. Remove remaining screws, disconnect the icemaker wires from the harness connector or socket, and remove the unit from the freezer.
  5. Remove the back access panel (see Fixing a Refrigerator) and any fasteners that hold the inlet valve to the refrigerator.

Service the water inlet valve:

  1. Turn off the water supply at the saddle valve on the pipe.
  2. Disconnect the inlet valve from the refrigerator (see above).
  3. Unscrew the tubes from the valve, letting excess water drain into a bowl.
  4. Unplug the wires from the valve.
  5. Use a multimeter on RX10 (resistance times 10) to probe both terminals on the valve solenoid. An infinite reading means the valve solenoid is bad; a reading of 1,000 ohms or less means it is probably good.
  6. Remove the plate and filter screen from the water inlet. Wash a clogged screen with a toothbrush under running water. Replace the screen if it is rusted or damaged.

Text by Dan & Judy Ramsey - from "If It's Broke, Fix It!"
Artwork by Dan & Judy Ramsey
Copyright Fix-It ClubŪ © 2004


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