If your GE refrigerator ice maker is not working or your refrigerator is not making ice, start with the likely electrical and temperature issues before replacing parts. The main control board is the top culprit because it supplies voltage to the ice maker, so check the board for visible damage and use a multimeter to confirm voltage. Next, verify the freezer temperature; the ice maker stalls when the freezer is above about 10 degrees F, and it should be between 0 and 5 degrees F for reliable ice production. Low water pressure or a defective water inlet valve is a common cause too, since the valve needs roughly 20 psi and power to fill the tray. If those checks pass, the ice maker assembly itself often fails and many internal pieces are only available as the whole assembly. Don’t forget the dispenser solenoid and the fill hose; a bad solenoid can stop dispensing and a frozen or clogged fill tube will prevent filling. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - GE 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 - GE 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.
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.
The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won't open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.
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.
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.