Icemaker operation cycle
First, the icemaker signals the water-fill valve to open and allow water to flow into the icemaker tray. The amount of water is timed by an internal motor and switch, and the flow rate is predetermined in the water valve.

Once the tray is full, it is allowed to rest until the water freezes. When the water tray thermostat senses the ice tray has reached a certain temperature, it signals the icemaker to begin ejecting cubes into a holding bin. The cycle stops when the bin is full, which is usually determined by a metal bar being pushed up by the ice cubes filing the bin. When ice is used and the wire goes back down, the icemaker refills with water and repeats the cycle.

Answers to common questions about icemakers
Here are the most common questions and answers about icemakers. If you have an icemaker-related question that's not addressed here, check out our icemaker repair help section. You'll find helpful troubleshooting, repair and maintenance information along with a detailed illustration of a common icemaker.

1. Why do my ice cubes taste/smell bad?
Even if the water produced by your household water source tastes good as drinking water, it probably tastes and smells a bit unpleasant when frozen into ice cubes. A water filter can reduce the taste and odor problems. If your icemaker already has a water filter, be sure you change it regularly to keep your ice cubes fresh. RepairClinic.com suggests replacing water filters twice a year for frequent use and once a year for less frequent use. You can find most common water filters in our water filter accessories section.

Note: Ice cubes can also pick up odors from inside your refrigerator/freezer - especially from open food containers. To minimize this problem, empty the ice cube bin from time to time, and start with a fresh set of ice cubes.

2. How can I change the shape of my ice cubes?
You can't change the shape. It's determined by the manufacturer when they design the icemaker.

3. Can I add an icemaker to my refrigerator/freezer?
Most refrigerator/freezers made in the past 20 years are wired to accommodate an add-on icemaker. Many do-it-yourselfers tackle this straight-forward task. Each of the manufacturer icemakers we sell comes with detailed instructions.
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4. Why won't my icemaker make ice?
Are you sure it's turned on? Look for a thin, metal bar on the right side or front of your icemaker. When this bar is up, the icemaker is off. When the bar is down, the icemaker is on. During normal icemaker operation, the bar will cycle up and down as ice is made. If the ice bin is full, the bar will rest on the ice cubes and turn the icemaker off. If the bar is up but is not resting on ice cubes, gently lower it to begin making more ice.

5. How often should I change my icemaker water filter?
Change it whenever you start detecting a disagreeable taste or odor. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it at least twice a year. If you use a lot of ice or water from the refrigerator, you may need to replace it more often. You can find most common water filters in our water filter accessories section.

6. How many years should my icemaker last?
Most icemakers last six to 10 years. It is rarely worth repairing a broken icemaker. We usually recommend replacing the entire unit if it fails.

7. How long should it take to make a batch of ice?
Your icemaker turns out a new batch when the water in the icemaker freezes, which usually happens in 75 to 120 minutes. Exactly how long a batch of ice takes depends on the freezer temperature, the temperature of the room in which the freezer is located and the humidity level.

8. How can I get clear ice cubes from my icemaker?
You can't. The cloudiness is caused by entrapped air bubbles. The clear ice cubes you get at a store or a restaurant are rapidly frozen by commercial equipment that traps little or no air.