How to replace a freestanding ice maker recirculation pump

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the recirculation pump in a freestanding ice maker. The recirculation pump sends water from the reservoir over the top of the evaporator plate where ice forms. If the recirculation pump stops working, water no longer reaches the evaporator plate. Replace the recirculation pump with the manufacturer-approved freestanding ice maker part.

Use these repair steps to replace the recirculation pump in Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Frigidaire and GE freestanding ice makers.

Instructions

1. Disconnect power

Remove any ice that is in the storage bin of the ice maker and store it in a separate container during this repair.

Cover the drain hole at the bottom of the ice storage bin with a cloth to prevent hardware from falling inside.

Unplug the ice maker or shut off the house circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power.

 

2. Drain the reservoir

Unscrew the drain cap from the bottom of the reservoir and let the water drain out. 

3. Remove the recirculation pump shield

Remove the screw from the recirculation pump shield.

Pull out the recirculation pump shield and set it aside.

4. Remove the reservoir

The drain pump is attached to the bottom of the reservoir.

Disconnect the drain pump wire harness from the connection plug above the recirculation pump.

Remove the 2 thumbscrews from the reservoir and pull the reservoir (with the drain pump attached) out of the ice maker.

5. Remove the recirculation pump

Remove the recirculation pump outlet tube.

Remove the screws from the pump mounting bracket and pull the bracket down to access the wire harness connections for the pump.

Disconnect the recirculation pump wire harness and the sensor wire harness from the connection plugs.

Pull the pump and bracket out of the ice maker.

Pry the recirculation pump out of the bracket.

6. Install the new recirculation pump

Snap the new recirculation pump into the bracket.

Position the bracket and recirculation pump in the ice maker and plug in the wire harness connections for the recirculation pump and the sensor.

Reinstall the bracket and secure it with the mounting screws.

Reconnect the pump outlet tube to the recirculation pump.

7. Reassemble the ice maker

Reinstall the reservoir and secure it with the 2 thumbscrews.

Plug in the wire harness for the drain pump.

Position the recirculation pump shield over the pump and reinstall the mounting screws in the shield.

Reinstall the drain cap on the bottom of the reservoir.

Remove the cloth that was used to cover the drain hole in the ice storage bin.

8. Restore power

Plug the ice maker back the wall outlet or reset the house circuit breaker to restore power.

9. Fill the ice storage bin

Fill the ice bin with ice that was stored in a separate container during this repair.

Note: If you have a Frigidaire ice maker and need help completing this repair, schedule [Frigidaire ice machine repair](https://www.searshomeservices.com/repair/frigidaire/ice-maker-freestanding) and we'll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.