So, you’ve noticed your Kenmore refrigerator not making ice? Ah, what a drag, especially when the summer heat is kicking in. Don’t worry though! It’s actually a pretty common issue with various causes behind it. Here, we’re gonna dive into a few potential problems that might be stopping your fridge from dishing out those ice cubes.
Common Causes of a Kenmore Refrigerator Not Making Ice
Having your functioning ice maker turns into an unresponsive one can be frustrating, especially in the heat of summer. Let’s look at some possible issues that could be preventing your Kenmore fridge from making ice.
Ejector Arm Issues
Why is my Kenmore refrigerator not making ice? It might be because of your ejector’s arm. It’s the part responsible for pushing ice from the trays into the ice bucket. If it gets stuck or if it’s blocked by ice, well, your ice-making operation is on pause. If you’re wondering, “How do you reset the ice maker on a Kenmore refrigerator?” This is likely your best solution.
Here’s the remedy:
- Take a look at the ejector arm. See any blockage? Get rid of it.
- Check if the arm is stuck in the “off” position. If it is, just nudge it gently back to “on”.
- How do you turn on the ice maker on a Kenmore refrigerator if the bar is up already? Some refrigerators may have a button on the front for on/off, check for a button if your fridge has no arm or if it’s up already.
- Where is the reset button on a Kenmore ice maker? There is usually no reset button, but if you press the on/off button and leave the ice maker and the refrigerator powered off for 5 minutes, this will usually reset the ice maker.
Water Supply Problems
A lack of water flow to your refrigerator’s ice maker assembly can also be responsible for poor or no ice production. This often points to a clogged or frozen water line, which can stop your ice dispenser from getting the water it needs.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check out the water lines at the back of your fridge. Spot any kinks or clogs?
- You can clean out the lines using a mix of vinegar and water.
- If frozen water is the culprit, defrost the fridge, or grab a hairdryer. Hold it about 6 inches above the water line to defrost it.
There’s also the simpler problem to fix of an old refrigerator water filter that’s become clogged. Replacing the filter might be all that’s needed to fix the problem! And be sure to replace your filter every 6-12 months to avoid clogs and the potential for contamination.
Freezer Running Hot
If your freezer’s temperature goes above 10 degrees F (minus 12 degrees C), the ice maker might throw a fit. Keeping the temperature in check is key to making sure your ice maker is happy.
This is how to solve it:
- Make sure the freezer temperature is chilling at 0 to 5 degrees F.
- Check the condenser coils for any dust and clean them if needed.
- Make sure the condenser fan is working like a charm.
Frosted Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils can cause your freezer’s temperature to skyrocket. Even worse? If your evaporator fan motor decides to take a vacation, it’s just adding fuel to the fire. Your ice maker might act like everything’s normal, but under the surface, it’s a whole different story.
Here’s how you tackle this frosty problem:
- First, you’ll need to defrost those coils. Unplug the fridge, leave the freezer door open, and let the ice melt naturally.
- If your evaporator fan motor is the culprit, you might notice a loud noise or find that the motor doesn’t run when it should. This will might need a replacement.
- Next up, a technician can test the defrost thermostat, control board, heater, and temperature sensor using a multimeter.
- And finally, don’t forget to check the defrost timer. If it’s not working right, it won’t activate the defrost heater, causing those coils to frost over.
Water Inlet Valve Acting Up
The ice maker and water dispenser get their water through a water inlet valve. If this valve is acting up or the water pressure is low, the ice maker won’t get water, and you’re out of ice.
How to handle this:
- Before you start, unplug the fridge and turn off the valve’s water supply. Safety first, right?
- Find the valve and check the screen for clogs.
- Give the line that feeds the valve a once-over. Look for bulges or constraints.
- Consider replacing the water inlet valve if need be.
Door Switch Broken
The door switch is your fridge’s way of telling you the door’s open and stops the ice and water dispenser from working. If the switch has gone bad, the dispenser won’t know to turn on, even with the door closed.
Here’s your game plan:
- Verify your fridge is able to close all the way.
- See if the lights are going off when the door is closed.
- If not, a technician can test the door switch using a multimeter for continuity.
- If the switch is the problem, you’ll need to replace it.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your fridge’s thermostat is not functioning correctly, it may not signal the ice maker to start the ice production process.
Here’s how you can deal with it:
- Check if the thermostat is set to the right temperature by using a thermometer in the fridge.
- If the temperature doesn’t match your set temperature there may be an issue.
- A technician can also test the thermostat for continuity using a multimeter.
- If the thermostat is defective, you might need to replace it.
Worn-Out Ice Maker Assembly
Sometimes, the issue could be with the ice maker assembly itself. One or more parts could be worn out or damaged, preventing ice production.
Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect the ice maker assembly for any visible damage.
- If you spot any worn-out components, consider replacing the entire ice maker assembly.
Now, if you still have a Kenmore refrigerator not making ice after following these tips, it might be time to call in the pros. Luckily, our team at J & B Appliance is standing by and ready to help! We’ve got years of experience with Kenmore refrigerator service issues and can get your ice maker back in the game in no time at all!
