Ice Maker Not Making Ice? Here's How to Fix It

Ice Maker Not Making Ice? Here's How to Fix It

Your ice maker has stopped producing ice and you're not sure why. Whether it's making no ice at all, producing very little, or the ice is small and hollow, most ice maker problems are caused by a few common parts you can replace yourself.

✓ Common Causes of Ice Maker Not Making Ice

1. Frozen Water Line

The water supply line to the ice maker can freeze, especially if the freezer is set too cold. A frozen line prevents water from reaching the ice maker.

2. Failed Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve controls water flow to the ice maker. If it fails or doesn't get enough water pressure (needs at least 20 psi), the ice maker won't fill with water.

3. Ice Maker Assembly Failure

The ice maker assembly includes the motor, mold, thermostat, and ejector mechanism. If any component fails, ice production stops.

4. Ice Level Sensor Failure

If the ice level sensor fails, the ice maker thinks the bin is always full and won't make ice.

5. Freezer Temperature Too Warm

The freezer must be at 0-5°F for the ice maker to work properly.

6. Ice Maker Turned Off

Check that the ice maker switch or wire arm is in the on/down position.

✓ Troubleshooting Steps (Do These First)

  1. Check the ice maker switch - Make sure it's turned on
  2. Verify freezer temperature - Should be 0-5°F
  3. Check for frozen water line - Unplug fridge, use a hair dryer on low to thaw the water line
  4. Replace the water filter - Old filters restrict water flow. Replace every 6 months
  5. Test water pressure - Should be at least 20 psi

✓ Find Your Ice Maker Parts

We stock Complete Ice Maker Assemblies, Water Inlet Valves, Ice Level Control Boards & Sensors, Water Filters, and Ice Maker Thermostats for all major brands: Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and more.

✓ Why Choose XPart Supply

  • 30+ Years Experience - Helping Canadians fix appliances since the 1990s
  • Expert Phone Support - Real appliance techs who can help diagnose your ice maker problem
  • Fast Canadian Shipping - Get your part quickly, no cross-border delays
  • Guaranteed Fit - We'll make sure you get the right part or your money back

Need a replacement instead of a repair?

Sometimes the repair cost isn’t worth it. XPart Supply carries Certified Pre-Owned washers, dryers, and major appliances that have been inspected, repaired, cleaned, and tested — available for local pickup or in-town delivery in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and Hamilton.

View Certified Pre-Owned Appliances

✓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an ice maker to start making ice after repair?

After replacing parts or fixing the problem, it typically takes 6-12 hours for the ice maker to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the first 2-3 batches to flush out any impurities.

Is it worth fixing an ice maker?

Absolutely - if your refrigerator is less than 10 years old and otherwise working well, fixing the ice maker is far more cost-effective than buying a new refrigerator ($1,500-$3,000+). Most ice maker repairs cost under $150 in parts.

Need Help? Our appliance parts experts are here to help you diagnose the ice maker problem and find the exact part you need. Call us or use the chat - we're Canadian-based and ready to help.