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Refrigerator ice maker not working

If your refrigerator ice maker not working, start with the most likely trouble spots so you fix it fast. The main control board is often the culprit because it supplies voltage to the ice maker, so check the board for burned components and use a multimeter to confirm voltage. Next verify freezer temperature; if the freezer is above about 10°F the ice maker will struggle, and it should be around 0 to 5°F for reliable ice production. A faulty or low-pressure water inlet valve is another common cause—it needs roughly 20 psi and proper electrical signal to fill the tray. If those systems check out, the ice maker assembly itself may be defective and often gets replaced as a unit. Less common issues include a bad dispenser solenoid that won’t open the ice door and a frozen or damaged fill hose that you can often thaw with a hair dryer. If you need parts, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get back to making ice.

01 - Refrigerator Main 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.
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02 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)

If the freezer temperature is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius), the ice maker will not produce ice cubes efficiently. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius) for the ice maker to work properly.
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03 - Refrigerator Water 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 th...e water inlet valve.
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Highly Likely

04 - Refrigerator Dispenser 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.
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05 - Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly

One component of the ice maker assembly might be defective. Since many of the ice maker components are not sold separately, you may need to purchase and replace the entire ice maker assembly. Before replacing the ice maker assembly, check the water inlet valve, water line, and fan. If none of these parts are at fault, and the freezer temperature is at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit, replace the ice maker assembly.
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Common

06 - Refrigerator Fill Hose

If there is low water pressure coming into the refrigerator, or the water inlet valve is defective, the ice maker's fill tube can become clogged with ice and prevent water from entering the ice maker tray. You can use a hair dryer to thaw out the frozen fill tube, but you should confirm the home has sufficient water pressure and the water inlet valve is functioning properly. If the fill tube appears damaged, you should replace it with a new fill tube.
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Common

07 - Refrigerator Dispenser 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.
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

My refrigerator ice maker is not making ice — what should I check first?
How can I tell if the water inlet valve is bad or if I have low water pressure?
The ice dispenser won’t release ice — is the dispenser solenoid the likely cause?
Could the refrigerator main control board stop the ice maker from working, and how do I check it?
How do I use my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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