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 and GE freestanding ice makers.
Instructions
- 01.
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.
- 02.
Drain the reservoir
Unscrew the drain cap from the bottom of the reservoir and let the water drain out.
PHOTO: Remove the reservoir drain cap.
- 03.
Remove the recirculation pump shield
Remove the screw from the recirculation pump shield.
Pull out the recirculation pump shield and set it aside.
PHOTO: Remove the recirculation pump shield screw.
PHOTO: Remove the recirculation pump shield.
- 04.
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.
PHOTO: Disconnect the drain pump wire harness.
PHOTO: Remove the reservoir thumbscrews.
PHOTO: Remove the reservoir.
- 05.
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.
PHOTO: Disconnect the recirculation pump outlet tube.
PHOTO: Remove the recirculation pump bracket mounting screws.
PHOTO: Disconnect the recirculation pump and sensor wires.
PHOTO: Pull the recirculation pump and bracket out.
PHOTO: Pry the recirculation pump out of the bracket.
- 06.
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.
PHOTO: Install the new recirculation pump in the bracket.
PHOTO: Connect the recirculation pump and sensor wires.
PHOTO: Reinstall the recirculation pump bracket.
PHOTO: Connect the recirculation pump outlet tube.
- 07.
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.
PHOTO: Reinstall the ice maker reservoir.
PHOTO: Plug in the drain pump wire harness.
PHOTO: Reinstall the recirculation pump shield.
PHOTO: Reinstall the reservoir drain cap.
- 08.
Restore power
Plug the ice maker back the wall outlet or reset the house circuit breaker to restore power.
- 09.
Fill the ice storage bin
Fill the ice bin with ice that was stored in a separate container during this repair.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding ice makers
Choose a symptom to see related ice maker repairs.
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Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, faulty bin thermistor, bad eva…
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