Frigidaire Refrigerator: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire refrigerator not making ice? This common issue can stem from several causes, including a turned-off ice maker switch, frozen auger, or water supply problems. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore ice production in your freezer.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Some older Frigidaire models had recalls for ice bucket parts breaking; check model against recall and request replacement if affected.

Possible Causes

Ice maker switch turned off or not powered

How to Identify: Ice maker switch behind ice bucket in Off position or no power to ice maker; no noise or activity from ice maker

Part: Ice maker power switch/motor

Auger or ice bin frozen or jammed

How to Identify: Ice or ice clumps around auger preventing movement; dispenser won’t deliver ice even if some exists

Part: Ice bin auger and bin

Water supply issues (universal)

How to Identify: No water supply to ice maker, water filter clogged, or kinked line; no water filling ice tray

Part: Water supply line, water filter

Incorrect freezer temperature/insufficient cooling

How to Identify: Freezer not cold enough for freezing water; ice maker idle

Part: Freezer thermostat/evaporator

Ice maker assembly malfunction (motor or module failure)

How to Identify: Ice maker fails to cycle, no harvest or fill actions; multimeter shows no motor activity

Part: Ice maker motor/module

Mis-set or off ice maker setting

How to Identify: Ice maker function turned off via settings or control panel

Part: Ice maker control settings

DIY Solutions

Check and reset the ice maker power/switch

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate ice maker switch behind or near ice bucket.
  2. Ensure switch is in ON position; toggle off then on to reset.
  3. Observe if ice maker begins a cycle in next few hours.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure fridge remains powered during check.

Thaw and clear jammed ice in ice bin/auger

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water or hairdryer on low, towel
  1. Remove ice bin from freezer.
  2. Inspect auger and bin for ice clumps blocking movement.
  3. Apply warm water or gently thaw blocked ice with low hairdryer.
  4. Dry bin, reinsert, and test ice production/dispenser.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid heat damage; do not use high heat.

Replace water filter and check water line

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: replacement filter (if needed)
  1. Locate water filter in fridge and remove.
  2. Inspect for clogging or expiration; replace with correct model.
  3. Check water supply line for kinks or blockage.
  4. Run water dispenser to verify flow, then test ice maker.
⚠️ Safety First: Shut off water supply if disconnecting lines.

Adjust freezer temperature settings

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Access temperature controls in freezer.
  2. Set to colder setting (mid-range to low degrees).
  3. Wait several hours to see if freezing resumes and ice forms.

Professional Repairs

Ice maker module or motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200 (parts)

Water inlet valve replacement

Estimated Cost: $60 - $150 (parts)

When to Call a Professional

No ice after basic DIY checks of power, supply, and settings
Ice maker cycles but no water fills
Ice maker motor makes unusual noises or stops mid-cycle
Visible water leaks or electrical issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly use ice maker or periodically cycle it: Auger freeze-up and jammed ice
    Frequency: weekly
  • Replace water filter on schedule: Water flow restriction to ice maker
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Refrigerator not making ice?
Common reasons include a turned-off ice maker switch, a jammed auger, or water supply issues.
How do I fix Frigidaire Refrigerator not making ice myself?
Check the ice maker switch, thaw any jams, and ensure the water supply is clear.
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
Professional repairs can range from $60 to $200 depending on parts needed.
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue involves complex repairs, contact a technician.

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

  • Evaporator icing over (1 mentions)
  • Cooling fan not running (1 mentions)
  • Freezer temperature above 6°F (1 mentions)
  • Water valve or filter issues (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace cooling fan

    Success rate: 20.0%
  2. Ensure freezer temperature is below 6°F

    Success rate: 20.0%
  3. Check and possibly replace defrost heater, bi-metal, or board

    Success rate: 20.0%
  4. Investigate water valve or filter issues

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Community Discussions

Ice maker tray receives water but doesn't make ice

Replacement of the cooling fan is needed as it was not running.

evaporator in the ice maker keeps icing over and stops making ice

Possible defective defrost heater, bi-metal, or board.

not making ice

The temperature in the freezer needs to drop below 6°F for ice to be dispensed, and it may take time for the ice maker to start producing ice.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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