Maytag Refrigerator: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag refrigerator not making ice? This issue often arises from water supply problems, a faulty ice maker assembly, or a clogged water filter. Despite being powered on and connected, no new ice is being formed or dispensed. Understanding these common causes can help you resolve the issue quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

Maytag ice maker modules often require reset via a reset button or power cycle; turning ice maker on/off and checking ice maker arm position is recommended in official troubleshooting.
Some Maytag models include an ice level control board that can shut off ice production when it misdetects ice bucket level.

Possible Causes

Water supply issues (no/low water flow)

How to Identify: Check if the water filter is clogged, water line is kinked/frozen, or household water pressure is too low. Reduced water flow at dispenser often correlates with no ice production.

Part: Water inlet valve and water line

Ice maker turned off or not reset

How to Identify: Ice maker shut-off arm or switch may be in the "off" position; models may have a reset button needing a press-and-hold or power cycle.

Part: Ice maker control switch/assembly

Faulty ice maker assembly

How to Identify: No response from ice maker during test cycle; visible damage or no motor activity; old units may show wear.

Part: Ice maker assembly/motor

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: No water entering ice tray when filling should occur; valve fails continuity or doesn’t open with proper pressure.

Part: Water inlet valve

Clogged or old water filter

How to Identify: Filter past recommended service interval (~6 months showing reduced water flow; replacing improves water delivery.

Part: Water filter

DIY Solutions

Check/Replace Water Filter

Easy 10-15 minutes

Locate the water filter (inside fridge compartment) and remove it.
Replace with a new compatible filter, then flush the water dispenser for a few minutes to clear air/old water.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure water line is not under pressure when removing filter to avoid drips.

Inspect Water Line and Supply

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: Flashlight

Pull fridge from wall and inspect water line for kinks or pinches.
Straighten any kinks and check that the shutoff valve supplying water to fridge is fully open.
If line is frozen, gently warm it with ambient air; do not use open flame or high heat devices.

⚠️ Safety First: Avoid using high heat sources that can damage the line.

Reset Ice Maker and Power Cycle

Easy 5-10 minutes

Locate ice maker reset button and press/hold as per manual instructions (or consult user manual).
If no reset, unplug refrigerator for 1 minute then replug and allow 12–24 hours for ice production to resume.

Adjust Freezer Temperature

Easy 5 minutes

Check freezer thermostat/display and set temperature to recommended 0°F.
Ensure there are no air blockages at vents inside the freezer that restrict cold air circulation.

Next step

Choose the next step for not making ice

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Water Inlet Valve

Controls the flow of hot and cold water into the appliance.

Typical part-only price: $25 - $60
DIY difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 15-30 mins

Optional: enter your model number

Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Ice Maker Assembly

Automatically freezes and dispenses ice cubes inside the freezer compartment.

$75 - $160 · Medium · 20-30 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Water Filter

Filters out impurities, sediment, and chlorine taste from your drinking water and ice.

$25 - $45 · Easy · 5 mins

Check fit & price

Model number required

Model-compatible Refrigerator parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush

For routine cleaning of accessible condenser areas where the manufacturer permits it. It does not repair a sealed-system or compressor fault.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Model-Compatible Refrigerator Water Filter

A routine replacement item on models with a water filter. Match the complete appliance model and existing filter number before ordering.

Compatibility check required: use the complete appliance model and compare the existing filter, bag, or specification before ordering.

Find one that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace Ice Maker Assembly

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Repair/Replace Main Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Ice maker assembly shows no response during diagnostic testing after basic checks

Water inlet valve or control board diagnostics indicate electrical failure

Persistent leaks or repeated ice maker freezing with no apparent supply issue

Preventive Maintenance

Replace water filter: Water flow restriction and ice production problems
Frequency: every 6 months
Check water line for kinks and secure connections: Water supply interruptions to ice maker
Frequency: annually
Clean ice bin and mold: Ice jams and odor issues
Frequency: every 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Refrigerator not making ice?

Common causes include water supply issues, a faulty ice maker, or a clogged water filter.

How do I fix Maytag Refrigerator not making ice myself?

Check/replace the water filter, inspect the water line, reset the ice maker, or adjust the freezer temperature.

How much does it cost to fix not making ice?

Professional repairs can range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not making ice?

If DIY solutions fail or if issues persist after troubleshooting, it's time to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Ice Maker Not Working - Troubleshooting Official

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

Water supply issues (3 mentions)
Ice maker malfunction (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Repair broken wires using butt splices and heat shrink tubing.
Replace the ice maker.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

ice maker not working

Replacing the ice maker will solve the problem.

DIY View on Reddit →

ice tray not filling

Repair the broken wires using butt splices and heat shrink tubing.