Kenmore Ice Maker: not producing ice

Possible Causes

Water supply issues (e.g., closed valve, kinked line, frozen line, clogged filter)

How to Identify: No water entering ice maker, ice maker cycles but no water fill, water line appears kinked/frozen, water filter past due or visibly dirty

Part: Water inlet system (water supply line, water filter, inlet valve)

Ice maker turned off / control arm in raised position

How to Identify: Ice maker power switch off or control arm stuck up, no ice production despite normal freezer conditions

Part: Ice maker control arm or on/off switch

Frozen fill tube

How to Identify: Ice buildup inside fill tube; water line cold and obstructed; ice maker not filling with water

Part: Water fill tube

Ice maker module/electrical component failure

How to Identify: No cycling or partial cycling of ice maker, electrical tests show no continuity or failed components

Part: Ice maker control module / motor / thermostat

DIY Solutions

Ensure ice maker switch and control arm are correct

Easy 2–5 minutes

1. Open freezer and locate ice maker control arm or on/off switch
2. Ensure ice maker is switched ON and control arm is in the down position
3. Wait several hours to observe if ice production resumes

⚠️ Safety First: No safety tools required

Check and restore water supply

Easy 10–20 minutes

Tools Needed: None or basic flashlight

1. Locate water supply line at rear of refrigerator
2. Ensure water supply valve is fully open
3. Straighten any kinks or visible obstructions in the water line
4. Replace clogged water filter if past due

⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply briefly if disconnecting hardware

Adjust freezer temperature

Easy 5 minutes

Tools Needed: Freezer thermometer (optional)

1. Verify freezer temp is between ~0°F to 5°F
2. Adjust temperature setting if too warm
3. Wait 24 hours and recheck ice production

Thaw frozen fill tube

Moderate 15–30 minutes

Tools Needed: Hair dryer on low or warm cloth

1. Unplug refrigerator or turn off ice maker power
2. Locate the water fill tube leading to the ice maker
3. Use a warm cloth or low heat from a hair dryer to gently thaw ice buildup
4. Ensure tube drains into ice maker properly before restoring power

⚠️ Safety First: Avoid excessive heat; unplug to prevent electrical hazards

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $40–$100 (part) + labor

Ice maker assembly or control module replacement

Estimated Cost: $80–$250 (parts) + labor

When to Call a Professional

If ice maker does not cycle at all after basic troubleshooting

Electrical component failure indicated by diagnostics or multimeter testing

No improvement after resolving water supply and temperature issues

Preventive Maintenance

• Replace water filter: Clogged filter reducing water flow and ice production
  Frequency: every 6 months
• Check freezer temperature: Incorrect freeze cycle conditions that halt ice production
  Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Ice Maker not producing ice?

The top causes include water supply issues, control arm settings, or a possible electrical failure.

How do I fix Kenmore Ice Maker not producing ice myself?

Check the control arm, ensure water supply, and adjust freezer temperature.

How much does it cost to fix not producing ice?

Professional repairs can range from $40–$100 for parts like the water inlet valve to $80–$250 for ice maker assembly replacements.

When should I call a technician for not producing ice?

If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a major electrical issue, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

• 15 Most Common Ice Maker Problems & How to Fix Them Community

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Faulty water solenoids (2 mentions)
• Clogged or dirty water filter (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions