Common Reasons for Ice Maker Failures

The ice maker will have trouble making cubes if the freezer is set to the wrong temperature.

An ice maker that creates ice to add to refreshing drinks during hot summer days is a must. Therefore, it's disappointing to go to the machine and fail to see a single cube in the tray, a sign there may be something wrong. There are many causes of an ice maker's failure. Narrowing down the causes is the first step to finding a solution and getting ice for that cold drink you crave.

Here are some potential causes of a malfunctioning ice maker, how to troubleshoot the problem, and how to know when to call a professional.

Wrong freezer temperature

The ice maker will have trouble making cubes if the freezer is set to the wrong temperature. Homeowners might not notice that their freezer is too warm since the food inside the freezer could still be perfectly frozen. However, for the ice maker to create cubes, it must be set to a specific temperature range—ideally, between zero and five degrees Fahrenheit.

Fixing this issue is the easiest on the list and only requires setting the thermostat inside the freezer to the right temperature.

Problems with the ice mold

If there's ice in the mold, but it's not being ejected, there could be a problem with the cubes themselves. The ice cubes could be distorted or fractured, blocking the dispenser and creating no new ice cubes.

One can solve this problem by pouring warm water over the ice tray and melting the stuck ice cubes to free any new ice.

Uneven ice maker

The other cause of misshapen ice cubes that can't be ejected could be an ice maker that isn't level. To create nicely shaped cubes and keep the ice maker working correctly, ensure that the fridge and the ice maker are parallel to the surface below.

Old water filter

The water filter is the component that most homeowners forget to change over the years. Before it reaches the ice mold, the water must be filtered and cleaned of substances that might harm the household. Older ice makers might have a water filter covered in residue that is so built up that it won't let water pass through.

Fortunately, fixing this problem only requires a water filter change.

Water inlet malfunction

No ice cubes in the tray might mean the water isn't flowing through its designated inlet and reaching the tray. Potential causes include the failure of the valve that connects to the water inlet, low water pressure, or a clogged valve.

Fixing a water inlet malfunction can be complicated, so it's best to leave its repairs to a professional.

Faulty ice maker module

The ice maker module is the part that works the hardest. It sends signals to the valve, supplies water to the entire system, and gives the ejector power to release the ice cubes. If the module is malfunctioning, homeowners might have a problem with too little or too much ice production.

Since determining whether the module is the cause of ice maker failure requires inspecting many elements, calling a professional is highly recommended.

Forecast Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration serves residential and commercial customers in Summerlin, Anthem, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Las Vegas. Call us at 702-919-4546.