Kenmore Ice Maker: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore Ice Maker is running but not producing ice, you may be facing issues with water supply, a clogged filter, or incorrect settings. Even with the freezer at the right temperature, the ice bin remains empty after several hours. Understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot this frustrating problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore models often have a bail/feeler arm that can shut off ice production if stuck

Possible Causes

No water reaching ice maker due to water supply issues

How to Identify: No water fill to ice mold, water dispenser may also show low/no flow; visible kinked or frozen water line; low household water pressure

Part: Water supply line, water inlet valve

Clogged or old water filter restricting flow

How to Identify: Reduced water flow to ice maker, filter older than 6 months, weak ice production if any

Part: Water filter

Ice maker turned off or control arm in wrong position

How to Identify: Ice maker switch off, feeler arm in raised position indicating full bin even when empty

Part: Ice maker switch/feeler arm

DIY Solutions

Check and restore water supply to ice maker

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: towel, pliers
  1. Inspect water line behind fridge for kinks or blockages and straighten/remove them
  2. Ensure household water shutoff valve is fully open
  3. If fill tube is frozen, carefully thaw with warm (not hot) air, e.g., hair dryer at a distance
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off fridge power before handling water connections

Replace clogged water filter

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: Replacement water filter
  1. Locate and remove Kenmore refrigerator water filter per manual
  2. Install new compatible filter
  3. Run water dispenser to purge air

Ensure ice maker is turned on and control arm properly positioned

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Open freezer and locate ice maker control arm or switch
  2. Ensure switch is on and feeler arm is down/unobstructed
  3. Allow several hours to see if ice production resumes

Adjust freezer temperature to optimal range

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: Freezer thermometer (optional)
  1. Check freezer thermostat setting and adjust to ~0°F to 5°F
  2. Ensure no food blocking airflow vents

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Ice maker assembly replacement

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

Repair frozen fill tube or related freezer hardware

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Water inlet valve suspected faulty after DIY checks
Internal ice maker assembly faults (no ice despite water flow)
Electrical failures indicated by lack of cycling or error codes

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter regularly: Clogged filter restricting water flow to ice maker
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Clean ice maker and bin periodically: Ice clumps and buildup causing jams
    Frequency: monthly/seasonally

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Ice Maker not making ice?
Common causes include water supply issues, a clogged water filter, or the ice maker being turned off.
How do I fix Kenmore Ice Maker not making ice myself?
Check the water supply, replace the water filter, ensure the ice maker is on, and adjust the freezer temperature.
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $300 depending on the issue, like replacing the water inlet valve.
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue after a few hours, or if you're uncomfortable doing repairs yourself.

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: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water supply line is frozen or blocked
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Defective ice maker assembly

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the water supply line for kinks or ice blockage. If frozen, thaw it gently with a hairdryer. If blocked, clear the obstruction.

  2. Test the water inlet valve for continuity using a multimeter. If defective, replace the valve.

  3. Inspect the ice maker assembly for any visible damage or defects. If necessary, replace the entire ice maker unit.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. I Fixed the Ice Maker on my kenmore for $7

Community Discussions

Ice maker stopped making ice

Replaced the IR bulb on the board

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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