Freestanding Ice Maker: Why won't my freestanding ice maker run?
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.
A failed evaporator thermistor can also prevent the ice maker from running. Disconnect electrical power to the ice maker and check the wiring connections for the evaporator thermistor. Reconnect any loose wires or repair any broken wires. Check the resistance of the evaporator thermistor using a multimeter and replace the evaporator thermistor if you don't measure the correct resistance. Refer to the ice maker's tech sheet for the evaporator thermistor's resistance specifications.
Some ice makers flash an error code on the control panel when the electronic control board detects a problem such as a failed thermistor. Most ice makers won't operate when an error code flashes on the display. Refer to the tech sheet for your ice maker to determine the cause of the error code when the control flashes control lights in a repeating pattern or displays a code on the digital display. Correct the cause of the error code and the ice maker should start working again.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR FREESTANDING ICE MAKER PROBLEM
Replace the ice maker electronic control board
The electronic control board manages the various ice maker functions such as filling, running the compressor, and harvesting the ice. If the electronic control board is not operating properly, replace it.
Ice maker electronic control board
How to replace a freestanding ice maker electronic control board
If your freestanding ice maker stops making ice or doesn't work at all, the electronic control board could be the problem. This repair guide has step-by-step instructions for how to replace an ice maker electronic control board.
Replace the ice maker bin thermistor
The bin thermistor is inside the ice storage bin at the Full level. When the bin thermistor senses cold from the ice at the Full level, the ice maker shuts down ice production to keep the bin from overflowing. If the ice production continues when the bin is full, replace the bin thermistor.
Ice maker bin thermistor
Replace the ice maker power cord
The power cord can deteriorate over time. Check the condition of the power cord insulation for cracks or bare spots. Replace the power cord if it's damaged or broken.
Ice maker power cord
Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding ice makers
Choose a symptom to see related ice maker repairs.
Main causes: failing compressor, bad condenser fan motor, faulty drain pump, bad recirculation pump, water supply proble…
Main causes: dirty evaporator plate, untreated water supply, food items being stored in ice storage bin…
Main causes: cracked water supply line, leaky drain line, broken drain pump, cracked water reservoir, leaky ice bin…
Main causes: wiring failure, broken cutting grid, faulty electronic control board…
Main causes: bad electronic control board, water supply problems, faulty recirculation pump, sealed system failure, brok…
Main causes: water supply problems, control board failure, weak recirculation pump, clogged water distributer, faulty cu…
Main causes: bad bin thermistor, condenser fan failure, faulty control board…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, faulty bin thermistor, bad eva…
Most common repair guides to help fix your freestanding ice makers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your ice maker.
How to replace a freestanding ice maker cutter grid
When the cutting grid is broken, ice cubes don’t drop into the ice bin. Use the steps in this repair guide to replace a…
How to replace a freestanding ice maker electronic control board
When the electronic control board won’t activate the ice maker components, follow these steps to install a new one.…
How to replace a freestanding ice maker recirculation pump
If your ice maker isn’t making ice, the pump could be the problem. Here’s how to replace it. …
Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding ice makers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your ice maker.
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…
See what troubleshooting steps to take with your freestanding ice maker before calling for repair.…