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Is your Kenmore refrigerator ice maker not working? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
A few common reasons your ice maker might not be functioning properly are a failed water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, or a faulty ice maker.
Let’s look at each issue and explore how you can fix them.
Failed Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve joins your refrigerator to the house’s main water line. There is a mechanical valve that is electrically controlled, and it is located behind the refrigerator where the water supply pipe connects.
The refrigerator sends a signal to open the valve whenever the ice machine requires water. When there is no danger of water shortage, the valve will close.
The ice maker will only receive its water supply if the valve is rusted or opens all the way. The valve may not open when the refrigerator tells it to because of a short circuit.
How To Fix?
A leaking water input valve requires a new valve. With any luck, your Kenmore fridge’s valve is easy to get to. To begin, turn off the water and disconnect the hose from the inlet valve.
The valve will be exposed after the panel concealing it is removed. Remove the water input valve and any associated piping and wiring, and install a new one. Replace the valve and reconnect the hoses and wires in the same way you did before.
Clogged Water Filter
Through the water inlet valve, water is filtered before entering the fridge. This filter will purify the water such that humans can safely consume it. Once the water has been filtered and is safe to drink, it will move on to the ice maker.
Because they are not meant to be disassembled and cleaned, the contaminants that water filters remove remain inside the filter indefinitely.
These filters become clogged with sediment and other debris over time, reducing water pressure. If the filter is allowed to become clogged, the ice maker will not receive any water.
How To Fix?
The water supply to the fridge must be cut off before any repairs can be made. To do this, turn off the water supply, which is normally located beneath or underneath the fridge.
Once the water has been turned off, the filter must be located. Typically, a refrigerator’s filter will be concealed behind a panel on the front, bottom, or rear of the appliance. If you need help finding the filter in your Kenmore refrigerator, please consult the owner’s manual for your model.
Carefully take apart the water filtration system and discard the old filter. To learn how to properly remove a filter, check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see if it needs to be twisted or pushed.
After the old filter has been taken out, a new one should be installed. If your Kenmore refrigerator needs a new filter, be sure to get one that is compatible with it. Insert the new filter into the housing with the arrows pointing in the correct direction.
Turn on the water in the fridge once you’ve changed the filter. To make sure your ice maker and water dispenser are working properly, check that water is getting to them.
If you want the best performance from your Kenmore refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser, you need to change the water filter on a regular basis. Every six months, or as directed by the manufacturer, you should change the filter.
Faulty Ice Maker
In order to make ice, a Kenmore refrigerator freezes water and then expels the frozen cubes into a container. Those who regularly use ice for beverages or other purposes will find this an indispensable item.
There are a number of potential causes for an ice maker malfunction in a Kenmore refrigerator. The common problem is that it doesn’t realize when the water has frozen; thus the ice cubes don’t get ejected.
The internal ice maker arm may be at fault if the ice cube tray is not emptied. The ice maker may not work if there is electrical damage, such as a power surge or a short circuit.
How To Fix?
Use a damp, soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the sensor area. If the issue persists, a new ice maker may be necessary.
Check for damage or obstacles by gently moving the arm in different directions. Replace the arm or the ice maker itself if necessary.
The ice maker’s fuses and electrical connections should also be inspected. Seek professional help for repairs or think about getting a new ice maker if the damage is obvious.
Why Won’t Your Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Fill In Water?
Let’s understand why your Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker is not filling with water and what you can do about it:
Taking a Look at the Fridge’s Settings
If your ice maker isn’t producing ice, you should examine the refrigerator’s settings as a first step in troubleshooting. You may just need to flip a switch or tweak a setting to get your ice maker working again.
Issues with the Water Supply
If the ice maker is switched on but still isn’t filled with water, the next step is to ensure there are no issues with the water supply. You can check the water supply by filling the dispenser with water, as most refrigerators with ice makers also have water dispensers.
If your refrigerator does not have a water dispenser or if water is not dispensing, the water supply may need to be checked.
Be sure the water supply valve to the fridge is open. If the water supply to the refrigerator and ice maker has been cut off, turn the valve back on. The water line leading to the fridge should also be checked for water flow.
Turn off the water supply and remove the hose from under the refrigerator. To temporarily stop the water flow, place the line’s end in a bucket and open the shutoff valve. The refrigerator is getting water from the water line if water pours out of the end of the line.
It may be required to call a plumber to fix the water supply flowing to the refrigerator if there is no water coming from the water supply line.
Frozen Fill Tube
Frozen fill tubes are another typical reason ice makers don’t work properly. In many cases, this can be fixed by simply defrosting the fill tube.
To remove the ice blockage, squeeze the fill tube. If the fill tubing is constructed of flexible plastic and within easy reach, you can break up the ice plug by squeezing the tube with your fingers. You may hear a crunching sound as you squeeze; if you’ve done it right, the ice maker should begin producing ice again.
The fill tube can be defrosted using a hair dryer. Use a hair dryer set to low heat and direct it at the fill tubing if you can reach it. Don’t risk ruining any parts by letting them become too hot. Once the ice maker’s fill tube has been thawed, water can be added.
For one day, please disable the ice maker. Turning off the ice maker for a full day may be all that’s needed to defrost the fill tube in some French door refrigerators. The issue has been resolved if the ice maker starts making ice again after being turned back on.
Why Isn’t Your Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Cycling?
Here’s why your Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker is not cycling and how to fix the same:
Rebooting the Electronic Control Boards
Faulty electronic control boards are a common cause of an ice maker that won’t cycle in a Kenmore refrigerator. Follow these steps to reboot the control boards and see if that helps fix the problem:
Turn off the breaker for the refrigerator’s circuit or remove the plug from the wall. This will prevent electricity from reaching the device.
Allow the control boards to fully reset for around 5 minutes. This time frame is significant since it allows for any temporary problems to be fixed.
Reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical outlet or flip the circuit breaker back on after 5 minutes.
Check on the ice maker to see if it starts producing ice again. Restarting the appliance may be all that’s needed to restore the normal operation of the ice maker.
It’s worth noting that while this tip has helped many people, it may not be appropriate for everyone. It’s a quick and simple remedy, but it’s worth attempting before diving into more in-depth debugging.
Resetting the Ice Maker Using the Control Panel
If restarting the electrical control boards doesn’t work, trying resetting the ice maker from the control panel is another option to try. The steps are as follows:
Find out how to reset the ice maker by consulting the owner’s manual for your Kenmore refrigerator. The button placement and functionality of the control panel may vary slightly from model to model.
Learn where the ice maker’s panel is. Depending on the model, it may be within the fridge or on the ice maker’s exterior.
To switch off the ice maker, use the control panel as directed in the manual. In most cases, this requires pushing a button or series of buttons.
For around 5 minutes, ice won’t be made, so switch off the ice maker. After this time, the ice machine should be functioning normally again.
After the five minutes have elapsed, restart the ice machine. Please read the handbook provided by the manufacturer for further instructions.
Keep an eye on the ice maker to see if it starts cycling. When performed correctly, this reset procedure usually fixes technical issues that prevent the ice maker from cycling.
It may be essential to call Kenmore’s customer service or consult a professional technician if restarting the electronic control boards or performing a reset from the control panel does not resolve the problem.
In the event that more assistance is required, they can offer more in-depth troubleshooting advice or schedule a repair call.
Other Common Ice Maker Problems and Solutions
Let’s take a look at some other Ice Maker Problems that you can come across with your Kenmore Refrigerator and how to fix the same:
Blocked Dispenser
A blocked dispenser is a common problem with ice machines. When this happens, pressing the dispenser lever won’t cause any ice to come out, even when there is ice in the chute.
The dispenser chute may be clogged, so make sure to inspect it. Once the obstruction is removed, the ice machine should function normally again.
Thermostat Set Too Low
When the freezer’s thermostat is set too low, it can also impede ice production. The ice maker module may fail to recognize the frozen ice cubes, preventing it from starting the ice production cycle.
The water supply line to the ice maker can freeze if the thermostat is set to an excessively low temperature, preventing water from entering the ice maker mold.
The ideal temperature for ice production is around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore lowering the freezer’s temperature to that range should solve the problem.
Water Line Problems
Due to issues with the water supply, the ice maker’s mold may not always be able to be filled. A frozen fill tube in the freezer or the ice maker could be the cause of a cycling ice maker that doesn’t create any ice.
The frozen water line must be thawed before the problem can be fixed. The ice maker can be turned off, the fridge unplugged, and the ice allowed to melt. The ice maker should begin producing ice again after the water line is thawed.
Clogged Water Filter
A clogged water filter is a typical cause of ice maker failure. Sediment can accumulate in the water filter over time if it is not routinely adjusted. The ice maker may stop working altogether if the water supply is impeded by silt.
The simple remedy to this problem is to change the water filter in your refrigerator every six months, or as directed by the manufacturer. If the water filter is regularly cleaned, then the ice maker will continue to receive water even if the filter becomes blocked.
Water Valve Issues
Water valve issues are another frequent occurrence with ice makers, as mentioned above. A malfunctioning water valve could prevent water from filling the ice maker’s mold.
The faulty water valve must be replaced if it is to be repaired. The water valve should be replaced if it leaks or is difficult to open and close. This will keep the water from overflowing or freezing in the ice maker and keep it running smoothly.
Ice Tastes Funny
There are a few potential explanations and treatments if the ice from your ice maker has a peculiar or poor flavor. The ice in your freezer may be absorbing aromas and flavors from the food you’ve put there, which might cause it to taste terrible. When this occurs, it is generally sufficient to remove the current ice and let the ice maker manufacture new ice.
