Fixing your Danby freestanding ice maker when it quits running
If the ice maker has no power at all, there could be problems with the electrical outlet or circuit breaker. First, check the electrical outlet by plugging a small appliance into the outlet to see if it has power. If not, reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet. If it still doesn't have power, have an electrician repair the outlet. If the electrical outlet is okay, unplug the ice maker and check the power cord for damage. Replace the power cord if it's damaged.
If the ice maker will not run even though it has electrical power (the control panel powers up but the compressor and fans won't run), there could be a problem with the electronic control board, ice bin thermistor, evaporator thermistor or internal ice maker wiring.
A power surge through the electrical lines may have disabled the electronic control board. Try resetting the electronic control board by unplugging the ice maker for one minute and then restoring power. If the ice maker doesn't run after restoring electrical power, you may need to replace the electronic control board.
A failed ice bin thermistor can also prevent the ice maker from running. Unplug the ice maker and check the wiring connections on the thermistor. Reconnect loose wires or repair broken wires. If the wires are okay, check the resistance of the ice bin thermistor using a multimeter and replace the thermistor if you don't measure correct resistance. Refer to your ice maker's tech sheet for the ice bin thermistor's resistance specifications. The tech sheet is often located inside the control panel or on the back of the ice maker.
How to figure out what's wrong with your Danby freestanding ice maker when it makes loud noises
A failing compressor, bad condenser fan motor or faulty drain pump can cause loud noise from the ice maker. If the compressor is making a loud noise, a service technician should repair the ice maker because a compressor repair involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant, which is tightly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If the condenser fan motor is making noise, unplug the ice maker and replace the condenser fan. If the drain pump is noisy, unplug the ice maker and clear any debris you find in the drain pump. If the drain pump is clear, then you'll likely need to replace the pump because the motor is failing.
The recirculation pump can be noisy if water level in the reservoir is low. A problem with the water supply or a failed inlet water valve can cause this problem. If water level in the reservoir is low, check the water supply. Unplug the ice maker and shut off the water supply cut-off valve. Disconnect the water supply line from the ice maker and place the end of the water supply line in a container. Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve and check for water flow from the end of the water supply line. If no water flows through the end of the supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the ice maker. If water does flow through the supply line, you'll likely need to replace the water inlet valve because it's not opening to allow water to flow into the reservoir.
If the recirculation pump is noisy and the reservoir is full, you'll likely need to replace the recirculation pump because its motor is failing or its impeller is damaged.
