Why is my KitchenAid side by side not making ice?
If your KitchenAid KSSS42DBW00 side-by-side refrigerator is not making ice, the most common causes are no water supply to the ice maker, a frozen or blocked fill path, or an ice maker that is switched off or has failed. Start by confirming the freezer is cold enough and the water line is delivering steady flow.
- Make sure the ice maker is turned on (bail arm or switch in the ON position).
- Confirm the freezer temperature is set cold enough (target about 0°F).
- Verify the shutoff valve to the refrigerator water line is fully open.
- Dispense water at the door (if equipped); weak flow points to a supply or valve issue.
- Look for a frozen fill tube at the back of the ice maker (ice blockage stops filling).
- Check the ice bin for clumped cubes that can jam the ejector.
If water dispensing is slow or the ice maker mold stays dry, the inlet valve may not be opening fully, or the supply pressure is low.
- A failing valve can hum but not pass enough water.
- Sediment can restrict flow and reduce ice production.
If symptoms match, the model-compatible refrigerator inlet valve 4318046 is a common repair part for water-fill problems.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No water in ice mold | Water supply, frozen fill tube, or inlet valve | Check valve, line, and fill tube; consider replacing inlet valve |
| Water in mold but no harvest | Ice maker module/assembly issue | Test/replace ice maker assembly |
| Small cubes or slow production | Low water flow | Check supply valve, inlet valve, restrictions |
If the mold fills but the unit never cycles, replacing the ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 is often the most direct fix.
An ice maker needs two things to work reliably: freezer temperatures cold enough to harvest ice and consistent water flow to refill the mold. Fixing the root cause prevents repeat freeze-ups, hollow cubes, and intermittent ice production.
We list model-specific replacement parts for KSSS42DBW00 on this page, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are comparing options.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a KitchenAid refrigerator?
Most KitchenAid refrigerators last 14 to 17 years on average. For a built-in model like KitchenAid KSSS42DBW00, lifespan depends most on condenser cleanliness, door seal condition, and steady temperatures; replacing wear parts on time helps you reach the upper end of that range.
- Average: 14 to 17 years
- Common overall range: 10 to 17 years
- Built-in units: often reach the higher end when maintained consistently
| Appliance type | Typical lifespan | What shortens it fastest |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in side-by-side refrigerator (like KSSS42DBW00) | 14 to 17 years | Dirty condenser, poor airflow, warm door gaskets |
| Standard freestanding refrigerator | 10 to 15 years | Overloaded cooling system, frequent door leaks |
- Vacuum and brush the condenser area regularly (dust buildup makes the compressor work harder).
- Keep door gaskets clean and sealing tightly; warm air leaks cause longer run times.
- Set stable temps (about 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer) and avoid frequent large adjustments.
- Keep vents inside the compartments clear so air can circulate.
- Address water and ice issues early to prevent leaks and icing.
If performance drops, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Refrigerator door gasket 2188318A (air leaks, frost, warm temps)
- Refrigerator cold control thermostat WP1113466 (temperature regulation issues)
- Refrigerator heater WP2000631 (defrost problems that lead to ice buildup)
- Refrigerator inlet valve 4318046 (water dispenser or ice maker fill problems)
A refrigerator that runs longer to hold temperature uses more energy and puts extra wear on the sealed system. Simple upkeep and timely replacement of common wear parts can prevent “slow failures” that shorten the service life.
For model-specific replacement parts for KSSS42DBW00, use the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Does KitchenAid make a side-by-side refrigerator?
Yes. KitchenAid makes side-by-side refrigerators, and your KitchenAid KSSS42DBW00 is a built-in side-by-side refrigerator model. If you are shopping or repairing, we list model-matched replacement parts for KSSS42DBW00 so you can keep the refrigerator cooling, dispensing water, and making ice reliably.
A side-by-side refrigerator has the fresh food compartment on one side and the freezer on the other, with two full-height doors. This layout typically includes:
- A freezer-side ice maker and ice bin
- A door dispenser for ice and water (on many models)
- Separate airflow paths and fans to move cold air
- Door gaskets that seal each compartment
If your KSSS42DBW00 has issues like no ice, weak water flow, warm temperatures, or frost buildup, these are some of the most commonly involved parts we see on side-by-side designs:
- Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 for no ice or intermittent ice production
- Refrigerator inlet valve 4318046 for no water dispensing or no ice due to lack of water fill
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 for warm refrigerator/freezer or poor airflow
- Refrigerator door gasket 2188318A or refrigerator door gasket 2188320A for moisture, frost, or temperature swings from air leaks
| Symptom | What to check first | Part examples for KSSS42DBW00 |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker not making ice | Water supply, fill valve, ice maker | 4318046, 4317943 |
| Warm temps, weak airflow | Evaporator fan area, frost pattern | WP2169142 |
| Frost or sweating around doors | Door seal condition, door alignment | 2188318A, 2188320A |
| Dim or no interior light | Bulb and door switch | WP22002263, W11384469 |
Side-by-side refrigerators depend on strong door sealing and consistent airflow. When a gasket leaks or the evaporator fan cannot move air, temperatures drift and you can see frost, odors, and poor ice production.
For more KitchenAid refrigerator help and maintenance tips, we also recommend how to replace the water filter in a KitchenAid refrigerator. If you need to order parts beyond what is listed for KSSS42DBW00, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a KitchenAid refrigerator?
The most common KitchenAid refrigerator problems are ice maker issues, weak or warm cooling from poor airflow, and water leaks. On the KitchenAid KSSS42DBW00, these symptoms most often trace back to the ice maker system, the evaporator fan area, or the water supply components.
- Ice maker not making ice, slow ice production, or hollow cubes
- Refrigerator section too warm while freezer seems OK
- Clicking, buzzing, or rattling noises (often from the fan area)
- Water leaking under the unit or inside the fresh food section
- Water dispenser flow is weak or sputters
- Confirm the freezer is cold enough for ice production (target is 0°F).
- Make sure vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean condenser coils and verify the condenser fan area is clear of dust.
- Check the water supply shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- If the dispenser sputters after a filter change or water line work, follow how to purge air from a refrigerator water dispenser video.
When the symptom matches, these are the model-relevant parts on this page that we see used most often:
| Symptom | Common cause | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| No ice or intermittent ice | Failed ice maker module or internal ice maker fault | Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 |
| Warm fridge, noisy airflow | Damaged fan blade or airflow restriction at evaporator | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 |
| No water to dispenser or ice maker | Weak or stuck water inlet valve | Refrigerator inlet valve 4318046 |
Ice maker, airflow, and water inlet problems can look like “the refrigerator is failing” even when the sealed cooling system is fine. Catching the root cause early helps protect food temperatures, prevents repeat leaks, and avoids unnecessary part replacement.
We recommend matching parts by the full model number KSSS42DBW00 and comparing your original part markings before ordering. You can order from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my KitchenAid side by side refrigerator leaking water?
Water leaking from a KitchenAid KSSS42DBW00 side-by-side refrigerator is usually caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain, a cracked drain pan, or a water supply leak at the inlet valve or tubing. Start by checking whether the water is coming from inside the freezer (defrost drain) or from the back/bottom (water line). You can order model-matched parts on this page or search by model at Sears PartsDirect.
- Water on freezer floor or under crisper drawers: defrost drain likely clogged or frozen.
- Water under the front grille area: drain pan may be overflowing or cracked.
- Water behind the refrigerator: inlet valve, coupling, or fitting may be leaking.
- Leak only when dispensing water or making ice: water inlet valve or connections are the top suspects.
- Ice buildup on freezer back wall: defrost system issue can lead to drain freeze-ups.
- Unplug the refrigerator before inspecting internal panels or wiring.
- Pull the unit forward and look for drips at the valve and tubing connections.
- Inspect the drain pan for cracks and confirm it is seated correctly.
- Clear a frozen drain by thawing the freezer area and flushing the drain with warm water (a turkey baster works well).
- Check door sealing; warm air leaks can increase frost and contribute to drain icing.
| Leak symptom | Common cause | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Drips from back/bottom | Seeping valve body or fittings | Refrigerator inlet valve 4318046 |
| Slow seep at tubing joint | Worn quick-connect | Refrigerator coupling WPW10169511 |
| Leak at connection point | Damaged connector/fitting | Refrigerator fitting (white) WP4388152 |
| Puddles plus poor cooling | Frost buildup leading to drain freeze | Refrigerator heater WP2000631 |
Even a small leak can damage flooring, cause moldy odors, and create ice buildup that restricts airflow from the evaporator. Fixing the root cause (drain, valve, or connection) helps protect cooling performance and prevents repeat puddles.
For step-by-step troubleshooting, we recommend our DIY guide: how to get rid of refrigerator puddles.
Last updated: February 2026





