How to install an ice maker kit in a top-freezer refrigerator

This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for installing an optional ice maker kit in a compatible top-freezer refrigerator in a refrigerator without a factory-installed ice maker. The ice maker kit includes the ice maker module, water inlet valve, ice maker water supply tube and hardware.

The kit shown in this video fits Kenmore and Frigidaire top-freezer refrigerators. This basic installation procedure is common for installing ice maker kits in Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Gibson, Crosley, LG and Electrolux top-freezer refrigerators.

Instructions

1. Connect the water supply line

Connect the water supply connection line to your house water supply.

2. Shut off the power

Safely store any food that could deteriorate while the refrigerator is off.

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

3. Prepare the freezer compartment

Remove the spacer in the freezer shelf.

Push the shelf to the left to release the right side of the shelf from the holes.

Pull the shelf out of the freezer.

Pry out the two plastic plugs from the freezer side wall using a putty knife.

Release the locking tab and pull off the plastic cover over the wire harness connector and fill tube opening on the evaporator cover.

4. Prepare the back of the refrigerator

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.

Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.

Punch out the cutout for the water supply line in the rear compartment cover.

5. Install the ice maker water supply line

Peel off the label over the ice maker water line opening on the upper right corner of the outside back panel of the refrigerator.

Pull the foam plug out of the water line opening.

Insert the water inlet tube into the cabinet hole and lock the water inlet tube into place.

Push the black tube seal onto the water tube threads.

Thread the water supply line nylon compression nut onto the threaded end of the water inlet tube.

Tighten the compression nut to finger tight and then tighten the nut another 1/2 turn using a wrench. Do not overtighten the compression nut.

Tip: Insert the water inlet tube through the cabinet hole until the flat surface of the inlet tube is tight against the back of the refrigerator. Slightly rotate the tube and until it catches and locks in place.

6. Install the ice maker in the freezer

Install the adjustable leveling bracket on the bottom of the ice maker. Leave the mounting screw loose; you’ll tighten it later.

Install the mounting screws into the side freezer wall leaving enough clearance to hang the ice maker bracket on the screws.

Plug in the ice maker wire harness.

Push the plastic wire harness cover over the plug and snap the cover into place.

Hang the ice maker on the mounting screws. Make sure the fill tube sits inside the fill cup.

Tighten the mounting screws.

Adjust the leveling bracket so the gap between the freezer wall and the ice maker is equal at the top and bottom of the ice maker.

Tighten the leveling bracket mounting screw when the ice maker is level.

7. Install the ice container

Reinstall the freezer shelf in the lower position.

Set the ice container on the shelf under the ice maker.

8. Install the inlet water valve

Push the ice maker water supply line firmly into the outlet fitting on the inlet water valve until the water line hits the bottom. Tug the water line to make sure it's locked into the fitting.

Connect the wire harness to the inlet water valve.

Align the valve mounting bracket with the mounting holes and attach the valve using the mounting screws.

9. Install the water supply line clamps

Clean the mounting area for the plastic supply line clamps using rubbing alcohol or soapy water. Dry the areas thoroughly before installing the clamps.

Install the plastic supply line clamps on the cabinet.

Mount the plastic water tubing to the rear of the cabinet using the two plastic clamps.

10. Connect the refrigerator water supply line

Position the rear compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator and reinstall the mounting screws.

Remove the black rubber cap from the water supply line fitting.

Connect the water line onto the water inlet valve fitting and firmly tighten the compression nut.

Open the water supply cut-off valve.

If the fitting leaks, tighten the compression nut and check again.

11. Restore electrical power

Plug in the refrigerator and push it back into place.