Thermador Ice Maker: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Thermador ice maker isn't producing ice, you're not alone. Many users face this issue, often due to insufficient water supply, improper freezer temperature, or a malfunctioning ice maker. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore ice production quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Thermador Models

  • Thermador models often require ensuring ice maker is ON and freezer is properly set; specialized reset procedures may exist
  • Thermador water filter should be replaced about every 6 months to prevent flow issues

Possible Causes

Insufficient water supply to ice maker

How to Identify: Check water filter condition, feel if water line is frozen or kinked; insufficient flow to ice maker

Part: Water inlet valve / water supply line / water filter

Freezer temperature not cold enough

How to Identify: Freezer set warmer than ideal, ice maker will not cycle properly

Part: Freezer thermostat / temperature control

Ice maker turned off or paused

How to Identify: Control arm or switch is raised/off position and prevents ice making

Part: Ice maker on/off switch or control arm

Frozen or clogged fill tube

How to Identify: Ice buildup or ice clog in fill tube, especially after warm conditions or low water pressure

Part: Fill tube to ice mold

Control board or ice maker assembly failure

How to Identify: Ice maker reset and basic checks fail, no activity in ice maker and no fill cycle

Part: Ice maker module / control board

DIY Solutions

Check and Replace Water Filter

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Locate the refrigerator water filter
  2. Remove and replace a clogged or old filter according to model instructions
  3. Flush system by dispensing water to ensure flow before ice making resumes

Ensure Proper Freezer Temperature

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: Freezer thermometer (optional)
  1. Check current freezer temperature
  2. Adjust thermostat to about 0°F
  3. Wait 24 hours to observe if ice production resumes

Verify Ice Maker Switch/Arm Position

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate ice maker on/off switch or control arm inside freezer
  2. Ensure switch/arm is in ON/LOWER position
  3. Listen for ice maker cycle attempts

Clear Frozen Fill Tube

Moderate 30 minutes
Tools Needed: Hair dryer, warm cloth
  1. Locate the fill tube that supplies water to ice maker
  2. Use warm air or a cloth to gently thaw any frozen ice or blockages
  3. Ensure water line remains unobstructed
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid overheating components

Reset Ice Maker Unit

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate the reset button on the ice maker
  2. Press and hold reset for ~10 seconds
  3. Wait for system to cycle and observe within a few hours

Professional Repairs

Replace Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Ice Maker Assembly Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

When to Call a Professional

After basic DIY checks (water supply, filter, temperature) fail to restore ice production
If suspected valve, board, or internal component failures
When components require electrical testing or refrigeration system checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter: Restricted water flow causing no ice production
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Monitor freezer temperature: Incorrect temperature stopping ice cycles
    Frequency: weekly check

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Thermador Ice Maker not making ice?
Common causes include insufficient water supply, improper freezer temperature, or a turned-off ice maker.
How do I fix Thermador Ice Maker not making ice myself?
Check the water filter, adjust the freezer temperature, and ensure the ice maker is turned on.
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
Professional repairs can range from $50 for a water inlet valve to $400 for a control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if there's a suspected control board failure, consider calling a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water supply issue (clogged filter or closed valve)
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Defective ice maker module or motor

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the water supply: Ensure the water line is connected and the valve is open. Inspect the filter for clogs and replace if necessary.

  2. Test the water inlet valve: Disconnect power, locate the valve, and check for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.

  3. Inspect the ice maker module: Remove the cover and check for any visible damage or obstructions. Replace the module if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Thermador T36IT71FN/01 stopped making ice; changed filter, s...

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