How to fix a refrigerator that's not making ice

Fast fix

• Confirm the ice maker is switched on and not paused.
• Make sure the feeler arm is down and not blocked, or the ice maker will assume the bin is full.
• Check the water line for kinks or ice buildup restricting water flow.
• Ensure the freezer is below 5°F (–15°C) so it can freeze water fast enough.

Is your ice maker not making ice? During a hot day, it can be frustrating when you reach for a cold, refreshing cocktail or smoothie, only to realize your ice maker isn’t working. You check the power switch and the water supply is on, but still, there’s no ice. Don’t worry. A fridge not making ice is a common issue you can often diagnose and fix with several simple solutions.

At Asurion, we know appliances. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to clean your refrigerator water line or need professional refrigerator repair, our experts can help. Here are some reasons why your ice maker is not working and how to troubleshoot them.

Check your water supply line and inlet valve

If your ice maker is not making ice at all or is producing unusually small or crescent-shaped cubes, the water supply line could be the problem. Kinks in the supply line or ice buildup in the tube reduce the amount of water reaching your ice maker.

Inspect if your refrigerator water supply line is the issue:

• Shut off the water supply and unplug your fridge. Troubleshooting the water supply line and inlet valve shouldn’t take long, so you don’t need to worry about the perishable items in the fridge as long as you keep its door closed.
• Move the refrigerator slightly away from the wall.
• Check for kinks or bends in the water supply line that could restrict water flow.
• If you suspect the line is frozen, gently thaw it using a hair dryer on a low setting. Keep it at a safe distance to avoid damaging the plastic components of the water supply line.

If the water flow is normal but your ice maker still isn’t working, test the water inlet valve. A faulty valve may not open correctly during the fill cycle, even when the water line is clear. Listen to a click when the ice maker signals a fill. If there’s no sound, your valve may be stuck and need to be replaced.

Inspect and replace the water filter

Is your ice maker still not making ice even after you’ve verified there’s no clog in the water supply line? Chances are an old or clogged water filter is restricting the flow of water to your ice maker. Most manufacturers recommend water filter replacement every six months for proper water flow and clean, fresh-tasting ice.

To check your filter:

1. Grab your manufacturer's manual to guide you on how to replace your filter. If you can’t find a physical one, look it up online using your refrigerator’s model number.
2. Locate the water filter inside your fridge (usually in the upper right corner).
3. Inspect for debris or buildup that could block water.
4. Replace the water filter if it is older than six months, then reset the ice maker.

Verify freezer temperature and feeler arm position

Your ice maker might struggle to produce ice at its intended production rate when refrigerator temperatures are too high. A high temperature can slow down or stop ice production. Set your refrigerator’s temperature to 0–5°F (–18 to –15°C) because when the freezer is too warm, the ice tray won’t freeze water quickly.

If your ice maker is still not making ice at the ideal temperatures, the issue may be the feeler arm. The feeler arm detects when the ice bin is full to stop production. If the arm is stuck in the up position or blocked by ice, the ice maker will stop producing ice, thinking the bin is already full. Verify that the feeler arm moves freely.

Troubleshoot the ice maker mold and motor box

Your ice maker still can’t produce ice even after trying all of these fixes? The culprit could be other issues that control the ice-making cycle and water fill process. Try the following ice maker troubleshooting steps:

• Inspect the ice maker module for visible signs of damage or corrosion.
• Check that the motor spins freely and the ejector arm is not stuck.
• Verify that the inlet valve isn’t faulty.

Persistent failures of the module or water inlet valve could indicate something is broken. If your appliance is covered under an appliance protection plan, contact your provider to have a repair or replacement handled safely.