Bosch Refrigerator: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Bosch refrigerator is not making ice, it can be frustrating. This issue may arise even when the freezer is operational, leading to an empty ice bin. Common causes include a turned-off ice maker, insufficient water supply, or a warm freezer temperature. This guide will help you identify and resolve the problem quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch ice makers may have hidden on/off switches and control lock features that stop ice production without obvious indication
  • Bosch recommends minimum water pressure of ~0.2 MPa (2 bar) (~20 psi) for ice/water functions

Possible Causes

Ice maker is turned off or control lock engaged

How to Identify: Ice maker switch in the off position or control lock icon lit on display; no ice production but freezer otherwise cold.

Part: Ice maker switch / control panel

Insufficient water supply (water line issues)

How to Identify: No water delivered to ice maker; line may be kinked, frozen, or blocked; water dispenser weak or dry.

Part: Water supply line / inlet valve

Freezer temperature too warm

How to Identify: Freezer above ~0–5°F; ice production absent or slow despite correct supply and settings.

Part: Thermostat / temperature control

Frozen fill tube or water line within fridge

How to Identify: Ice visible in fill tube; melts and refreezes; no water enters ice mold.

Part: Fill tube

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: Adequate water pressure externally but no water enters ice maker; multimeter shows no proper function.

Part: Water inlet valve

Internal ice maker component failure

How to Identify: All other systems function; ice maker does not cycle or respond; unusual noises or no response on reset.

Part: Ice maker assembly/module

DIY Solutions

Check ice maker power and switch settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate the ice maker’s on/off switch or control panel control.
  2. Ensure ice maker is turned on (switch to 'on' or hold ice button per model).
  3. If control lock is engaged, disable it as per user manual instructions.

Inspect and replace water filter

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Replacement water filter
  1. Locate the water filter inside the refrigerator compartment.
  2. Remove old filter and install a new Bosch‑compatible filter.
  3. Run water dispenser to clear air and check if ice production resumes.

Straighten or thaw water line

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Hair dryer or warm towels
  1. Unplug refrigerator and turn off water supply.
  2. Access water line and inspect for visible kinks.
  3. If line appears frozen, carefully apply warm air (hair dryer) to thaw ice blockages.
  4. Reconnect water supply and restore power; check ice production.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid excessive heat near plastic parts.

Adjust freezer temperature

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check current freezer temperature using built‑in display or thermometer.
  2. Adjust freezer setting lower.
  3. Wait 24 hours to observe changes in ice production.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace ice maker assembly/module

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Service main control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Water supply line or inlet valve failure after DIY checks
Ice maker assembly appears non‑responsive or physically damaged
Suspected electrical/control board issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter: Clogged filters that reduce water flow and stop ice production
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Clean freezer interior and water line area: Ice/clog build‑up in fill tubes and water line blockages
    Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Refrigerator not making ice?
Common causes include a turned-off ice maker, insufficient water supply, or warm freezer temperatures.
How do I fix Bosch Refrigerator not making ice myself?
Check ice maker settings, replace the water filter, and ensure the freezer temperature is low enough.
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a major component failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Ice maker motor malfunction (1 mentions)
  • Water supply issues (valves, filter, feed line) (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Troubleshooting E2 error code

    Success rate: 17.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Bosch 800 Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working < 1 YO
  2. Ice Maker Not Working - Bosch b22cs30sns / 02
  3. Bosch 800 Series Fridge/Ice Maker

Community Discussions

Ice maker not making ice, blinking green light

Changing the water filter improved water flow, but the ice maker still has issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped making ice

Troubleshooting steps for E2 error code provided in a video.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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