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Ice Maker in Refrigerator Compartment Not Working

If the ice maker in your refrigerator compartment is not working, the usual suspects are the water inlet valve, the dispenser or door solenoids, and cooling fans, in that order. Start by checking the water inlet valve for proper pressure and power since the valve needs about 20 psi and an electrical signal to fill the mold; low pressure or a dead valve is the most common reason the ice maker is not making ice. Next check the dispenser solenoid and dispenser door motor or actuator pin; if the dispenser door won’t open the ice won’t dispense. Also verify the compartment fan and related refrigerator motors are running because poor airflow can let the ice maker warm up and stop making ice. Inspect the funnel guide for jams or damage if ice is produced but not dispensing. A few quick multimeter checks for continuity and a visual inspection will narrow it down. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator and get step by step parts and instructions.

01 - 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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Common

02 - Refrigerator Dispenser Solenoid

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.
Common

03 - Refrigerator Fan Motor

The refrigerator ice maker compartment fan motor assists in keeping the air temperature in the compartment cold enough for the ice maker to make ice. If the fan motor has failed and isn't running, the temperature will rise high enough that the ice maker will be unable to make ice. The fan motor can be inspected to see if it's running when the ice maker should be working. The component can also be tested for electrical continuity to help determine if it's faulty. A faulty fan motor will need to be replaced.
Common

04 - 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.
Common

05 - Refrigerator Motor

The refrigerator ice maker compartment fan motor assists in keeping the air temperature in the compartment cold enough for the ice maker to make ice. If the fan motor has failed and isn't running, the temperature will rise high enough that the ice maker will be unable to make ice. The fan motor can be inspected to see if it's running when the ice maker should be working. The component can also be tested for electrical continuity to help determine if it's faulty. A faulty fan motor will need to be replaced.
Common

06 - 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.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my ice maker not making ice?
Ice dispenser not dispensing ice: is it the dispenser solenoid or the dispenser door motor?
How do I test the water inlet valve on my refrigerator?
Can a failed fan motor cause the ice maker to stop making ice?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my refrigerator on RepairClinic.com?