Bosch Refrigerator: not producing ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Bosch refrigerator not producing ice? This common problem can arise from several factors, including a turned-off ice maker, clogged water filters, or ice blockages. While your freezer may still be cooling, addressing these issues promptly can help restore ice production efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch UK official support specifically notes checking that the ice maker is switched on and water supply meets minimum pressure for ice and water functions.
  • Reset button location and procedure varies by model; generally a 10‑second press of a reset/test button inside the ice maker can clear minor glitches.

Possible Causes

Ice maker turned off or control lock engaged

How to Identify: Ice maker switch in “off” position or lock symbol lit on control panel; no ice cycles occur even though freezer is cold.

Part: Ice maker on/off switch or control panel lock

Clogged or frozen water filter

How to Identify: Reduced water flow to dispenser/ice maker, ice production stops after some time, filter not replaced in ≥6 months.

Part: Water filter

Ice or water line blockages inside ice maker

How to Identify: Ice jams or frozen fill tube visible; ice cubes stuck together; ice maker rattles without producing ice.

Part: Ice chute / fill tube

Faulty ice maker assembly or electrical control

How to Identify: Ice maker does not cycle at all despite correct temp and water; no motor movement, possible error codes.

Part: Ice maker module / control board

DIY Solutions

Ensure ice maker is on and control lock is disabled

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Locate the ice maker on/off switch; ensure it’s in the ON position.
  2. Check the control panel for any lock indicators and disable the lock using the appropriate button sequence.
  3. Wait 24 hours if the ice maker was just turned back on for ice production to resume.

Replace water filter

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: New Bosch‑compatible water filter
  1. Locate the water filter inside fresh food compartment or at the base grille.
  2. Remove old filter according to manual instructions and install new filter.
  3. Run water dispenser briefly to clear air and confirm flow.
  4. Wait for ice production to resume over several hours.

Inspect and correct water supply line

Moderate 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Pull refrigerator out to access water line.
  2. Check for kinks or sharp bends; straighten the line if needed.
  3. Verify the shut‑off valve is fully open.
  4. If low water pressure is suspected, test home pressure or consult plumber.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply before manipulating lines.

Clear ice jams or thaw frozen fill tube

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Warm cloth, Hair dryer (low setting)
  1. Open freezer and inspect ice maker area for ice blockages.
  2. Use warm cloth or low‑heat hair dryer to carefully melt ice in chute and fill tube.
  3. Avoid excessive heat to prevent plastic damage.
  4. Once cleared, allow system to resume normal cycles.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid direct high heat on plastic parts.

Reset Bosch ice maker

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate the ice maker reset/test button inside ice maker compartment.
  2. Press and hold reset button ~10 seconds until cycle restarts.
  3. Alternatively, unplug refrigerator for ~5–10 minutes then restore power.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Replace ice maker assembly

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

Diagnose and repair freezer cooling system

Estimated Cost: $150–$500+

When to Call a Professional

If ice maker assembly or electrical controls appear faulty
Freezer fails to reach proper temperature despite adjustments
Water inlet valve shows electrical failure
Persistent water line issues or low home water pressure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter: Restricted water flow to ice maker
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Clean ice maker and freezer interior: Ice blockages and buildup
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Ensure proper freezer temperature: Ice formation issues due to warm temps
    Frequency: routine checks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Refrigerator not producing ice?
Common causes include the ice maker being turned off, clogged water filters, or blockages in the water line.
How do I fix Bosch Refrigerator not producing ice myself?
Check the ice maker switch, replace the water filter, and inspect for ice blockages or line issues.
How much does it cost to fix not producing ice?
Costs range from $50–$150 for a water inlet valve to $100–$300 for an ice maker assembly.
When should I call a technician for not producing ice?
Call a technician if DIY solutions fail or if you suspect issues with the cooling system.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water filter blockage (3 mentions)
  • Ice maker malfunction (3 mentions)
  • Temperature settings incorrect (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Adjust freezer temperature and perform a hard reset

    Success rate: 7.0%

  2. Unplug and replug the ice maker

    Success rate: 7.0%

  3. Replace the ice maker

    Success rate: 14.0%

  4. Fix stuck ice maker tray by hitting it while pressing buttons

    Success rate: 7.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. BOSCH Refrigerator 800 Series Ice Maker Issues for Model No ...
  2. Bosch Refrigerator Error
  3. Bosch Built-in Fridge Ice Maker not working
  4. Bosch B36CL80ENS ice maker stops making ice every time it fi...
  5. Brand new Bosch 500 fridge making 5 ice cubes/day
  6. Bosch B36CD50SNS refrigerator - ice production slowed then s...
  7. Bosch B36FD50SNS Refrigerator

Community Discussions

Ice maker stopped working, app error message

Ice maker was replaced by a repairman, and it is now working fine.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

loud clicking sound, stopped producing ice

Replaced the entire ice maker

Pro needed View on Reddit →

ice maker has stopped producing ice

Cleaned ice cube tray, removed scoop, and pressed hidden reset button.

DIY View on Reddit →

Ice Maker not producing ice and/or ice maker tray is stuck upside-down

The ice maker tray was stuck upside-down, which was resolved by hitting the ice maker while pressing the buttons.

DIY View on Reddit →

not producing ice, not filling water

Adjust freezer temperature, perform a hard reset, and then reset the temperature back.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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