KitchenAid Ice Maker Not Working? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve gotten accustomed to your KitchenAid refrigerator ice maker supplying you with ice on demand, it can be frustrating when it starts to malfunction. Before you give up and call in a professional, however, it’s worthwhile taking a look at the issue yourself. There are a few simple, DIY fixes you can try that will have your ice maker up and running in no time. Let’s take a look!

This guide applies to all common models of KitchenAid refrigerators, including:

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Check the Water Supply Line

If your ice maker isn’t working, the first thing to check is the water supply. Most fridges with ice makers also have a water dispenser, which is hooked up to a water supply line that connects to your home’s water supply. Here’s how to check if your water supply is obstructed:

• Press the button for the water dispenser to see if water is flowing from the dispenser nozzle. If nothing comes out, there may be a supply issue. 
• Use a furniture dolly to pull your KitchenAid fridge away from the wall. The water supply line is usually connected to the back of the refrigerator. 
• Check to make sure the supply line is properly connected at both ends. If not, connect the line according to the instructions in your KitchenAid Manual. 
• If the supply line is properly connected, it may have become frozen, preventing water flow. Feel along the length of the supply line hose. If it feels frozen or partially frozen, you can try defrosting it to get water flowing again. Use a hairdryer on a medium setting and warm the hose until it feels flexible. 
• Test the water dispenser to ensure water is flowing. Then wait to see if the ice maker starts working again as normal. 

Change the Water Filter

Another aspect of the water dispenser system that can affect the ice maker is the water filter. Ideally, it’s best to change your water filter every six months. Failure to do this can lead to minerals and debris building up in the filter and restricting water flow. If the filter is left for long enough, this can end with water flow being completely obstructed. Here’s what to do:

• First, check to see if water is flowing from the water dispenser nozzle. If the nozzle is obstructed, the filter may be to blame. 
• Purchase a replacement filter, ensuring it is the correct filter for your refrigerator model. 
• Locate the filter. In most models, it’s inside your refrigerator in the upper right-hand corner. 
• Lift the filter door then pull out the old filter and discard it. 
• Remove the protective coverings from your new filter, then slot it into place, ensuring it’s properly aligned. 
• Run four gallons of water through the dispenser to flush the system and ensure it’s working properly. 
• Wait a few hours to see if the ice maker resumes normal operation. 

Inspect the Control Arm

The ice maker control arm is the part that senses when the ice bin is full and when it needs more ice. If the arm is jammed or in the wrong position, it may be sensing that the ice bin has sufficient ice, even if the bin is empty. Here’s what to do:

• Make sure the control arm is in the right position. If the ice bin is empty, the arm should be fully down. 
• If the arm is in the wrong position, try to gently move it so that it points downwards. 
• If the arm is broken or damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can either contact a repair technician or source a replacement control arm online and replace it yourself. 

Check for Jammed Components

Sometimes your ice maker can malfunction because the entire unit has become jammed with ice. This is most likely to happen if your freezer has briefly become too warm, leading to excessive condensation. The condensation can then freeze, leaving the ice maker components frozen in place. This is a good thing to check if your home has recently experienced a power outage or if your freezer door has been accidentally left open for an extended period. To fix:

• Inspect the ice maker unit for frost or ice buildup. 
• Check that you can move the individual parts manually. If they are frozen, they’ll need to be manually defrosted. 
• Use a hairdryer on a medium setting to melt any excess ice. Make sure you dry away any moisture with a towel to avoid the condensation issue recurring. 
• Close the freezer door and wait a few hours to see if the ice maker starts functioning normally again. 

Check the Freezer Temperature Settings

If the water supply and the ice maker components all appear fine, there could be an issue with the freezer temperature. If this is the culprit, you’ll likely notice that the food in your freezer isn’t as cold as it should be. There could also be frost or condensation buildup on the freezer’s internal walls. Here’s what to do:

• Check the freezer thermostat. It should be set to 0° F to ensure optimal performance. If the setting is higher, then adjust the thermostat and wait to see if the icemaker resumes normal performance. 
• If the thermostat is set to the right temperature but it seems like it’s not cold enough, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your freezer. If there’s a discrepancy between the actual temperature and the thermostat reading, then you may have a faulty thermostat. You can either purchase a replacement part online and install it yourself or enlist the help of a professional refrigerator repair technician.