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Icemakers

Welcome to AP Wagner. You have come to the source for keeping your Icemaker and other appliances running like new! Below is some very beneficial information about how icemakers work, as well as what can go wrong with them. You will find answers to many common questions, and learn how to properly maintain your icemaker. We provide many repair and service tips about icemakers. A handy do-it-yourselfer can use this valuable information to determine what's wrong with their icemaker. The DIY can further use this knowledge to repair their icemaker using the appropriate appliance parts. We provide a model lookup feature and an easy to use appliance parts finder to make your repair jobs easier. We also have appliance cleaning products, and an easy to use shopping cart.

The following information should help you repair your Icemaker. The information applies to most makes and models including: Admiral, Amana, Bosch, Crosley, Electrolux, Estate, Frigidaire, Gaggenau, General Electric, Gibson, Haier, Hardwick, JC Penney, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Kitchen Aid, Magic Chef, Maytag, Montgomery Ward, Norge, Roper, Sears, Tappan, Westinghouse, Whirlpool, White-Westinghouse, and more.

Warning! Reduce your risk of personal injury or death. Disconnect your appliance from its power source before you start any troubleshooting or repairs. Danger of electric shock when working on electric appliances. Appliances have many razor-like machined edges; use caution when working inside any appliance.

How do Icemakers work?


First, there is a switch that sends a signal to a solenoid operated water valve which releases a fixed volume of water to the icemaker. It takes only a few seconds to get the water filled to the proper level in the ice mold. The ice mold has several cavities inter-connected by a small notch which allows each cube to freeze just a little bit to the next cube.

Next, the cooling unit freezes the water into cubes. A sensor detects when the temperature has gotten cold enough that the ice should be hard. A little heating element turns on under the icemaker, barely melting the bottom of the cubes, and allowing them to be ejected easily.

To harvest the ice, a circuit turns on the icemaker motor, and the motor turns a gear. This gear is attached to a shaft which has ejector blades on it. These blades scoop out the cubes as the shaft turns, and because the cubes are all attached, they move from the icemaker as one unit.

The shaft has a cam on it which activates a shut-off arm. When the cubes are ejected, the arm drops down to its lowest position and activates a circuit which begins the entire process over again. If it can’t reach the lowest position because cubes are blocking the way, it won’t activate the process. This is a safety control that prevents your icemaker from making too much ice.
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Common Questions about Icemakers (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Icemakers

Important! Always unplug or disconnect your appliance from its power source before attempting any repairs.

Can I add an Icemaker to my Refrigerator? Yes, you can add an icemaker to your refrigerator if your model is less than 20 years old and has the wiring needed for an add-on icemaker.
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Why is there an ice or water dispensing problem? The ice and water dispenser system for refrigerators is very complicated. There are many components working together that provide your ice and water. Make sure the household water is turned on to the icemaker, and make sure that there are no kinks in the water line.

Next, inspect the feeler arm of the icemaker and make sure that it is down and not blocked by any ice cubes. If it's raised, it has turned the icemaker off. This arm needs to be in the lowered position to activate the icemaker. An over-abundance of ice in the bin will make the arm stay up as a safety feature to keep the icemaker from making more ice than the bin can hold.

The water filter may be plugged with sediment, or you may have low water pressure. The water pressure for icemakers needs to be at least 40 psi, and up to about 120 psi for proper operation. Water filters need to be changed every six months. If you would like to test your water pressure, we have an Icemaker Water Flow Tester available from our website. This will help you to determine if the water pressure at the supply line is high enough for the icemaker to function properly.

To determine if your filter is plugged, look for water both before and after the filter. It may be hard to determine if there is water flowing through the filter. Sometimes it is necessary to pull the filter out of the feed line to see if water is flowing from the exit of the filter into the refrigerator or freezer. You can do this over a bucket to catch any dripping water. Some models have a filter bypass plug to help determine if the filter is clogged. If so, you would remove the filter and replace it with the filter bypass plug. Now test your water flow.

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, you can hold a large cup or glass under it for 20 seconds. You should have poured about 13-14 oz. of water in that 20 seconds. If the amount is less, try removing the filter and bypassing it. If you now get the 13-14 oz. of water, the filter was clogged and it's time to replace it. If not, you have low water pressure in the line, and your icemaker may not work properly. You can also purchase this Icemaker Water Flow Tester to determine if the water pressure at the supply line is high enough for the icemaker to function properly.

On occasion, the water inlet tube will freeze where it enters the icemaker. This can happen because the water is dripping slowly, or the freezer is just set too cold. A hair blow dryer can be used to thaw this, but be careful around the plastic tubing. You don't want it to crack or deform. You may want to turn the thermostat up a little bit if this is a regular occurrence. If you have a constant, regular drip, you may want to invest in a new water control valve.
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Why don't I have any ice? Do you have the icemaker turned on? The wire along the right side of the icemaker should be lowered as far as it goes. If this is in a raised position, your icemaker is off and the icemaker will not make any ice. Some units allow you to lower the wire to turn the icemaker on. Some models require you to lower a red plastic lever to lower the wire. If the icemaker wire is in the correct position, check the freezer temperature. It should be somewhere between 0 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets above 10 to 12 degrees, your icemaker may not work.

A newly installed icemaker may not work until the ice mold temperature has dropped to about 15F - 16F degrees. So, if you just installed it, give it some time to cool down first. It may take up to 24 hours for a newly installed icemaker to start working initially. If you have just added a water line to the refrigerator, it may take up to about an hour and a half for the icemaker to start working. Also, a newly installed water line may have air in the line. It can sometimes take a few icemaking cycles to clear the line of air.

Make sure that there is water flowing to the icemaker. Check for kinks in the tubing, for frozen areas of the water tube, and that the household water supply is turned on. Sometimes the water inlet valve can go bad. If there is water in the icemaker, but it's not freezing, use a freezer thermometer to verify that the temperature is cold enough for it to freeze.

Make sure the copper supply line to the refrigerator is turned on under the sink, or coming from the basement.

If the freezer is cold enough, and the icemaker still won't make cubes, feel the bottom of the icemaker unit. If it is hot or warm, it is possible that the little heating element that turns on to melt the bottom of the cubes so that they can be released and harvested by the ejector blades is stuck on. You will probably have to replace the control module in this case.
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Why don't I get much ice or I get small cubes? When an icemaker is producing very few cubes, small cubes, or none at all; it’s commonly caused by an obstructed water line or a bad water inlet valve. Hollow ice cubes may be caused by low water pressure.

The first thing you want to do is to check that the water line in the back of the refrigerator has good water flow. To do this, you will first turn off the water supply valve. Next, you will remove the water line from the back of your refrigerator before the filter. Following that, you’ll place the water line into a bucket or pail. Now, turn the water valve on to check the water flow. If the flow is weak, you’ll need to clean, repair, or even replace the tubing or shut-off valve for the water supply. If the flow is strong, plug the filter in and test the water flow after the filter. If the flow is a lot less, you may need a new water filte,r or if your water flow is good, then you might have to replace the water inlet valve.

Except for the relatively easy fixes of a bad water inlet valve, water tube, or a plugged ice chute, most other parts in an icemaker are not user serviceable, unless you have a modular icemaker. If yours is a modular unit, then you can replace the section that is faulty. You may also want to visually inspect the gearing and ejector blades or ice rake for any broken parts.

Many icemakers have the ability to adjust the size of the cubes. If yours is one, there will be an adjustment knob near the head of the icemaker.
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Why does my ice have a bad odor and taste? You need to change the water filter every six months to a year. A bad odor or taste may mean it’s time to change the filter. If the ice is old, you may want to dump the old ice and start making fresh ice. The ice can absorb refrigerator and freezer odors after awhile. Fridge Aid Deodorizer is a good product to use to absorb those odors before the ice absorbs them.
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Why isn't my new Icemaker working? Your new icemaker needs time for the ice mold to cool to at least a minimum of 16F, and preferably as low as 8F to 10F before an ice making cycle will begin. In new installations, there is a possibility of air in the lines. The air will usually cycle out during the first few ice making cycles. If there is a water filter, check to see that it's not clogged. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, fill a glass of water to see if the flow is good.
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Why doesn't my Icemaker make ice? The water filter may be plugged with sediment, or you may have low water pressure. The water pressure for icemakers needs to be at least 40 psi, and up to about 120 psi for proper operation. Water filters need to be changed every six months. If you would like to test your water pressure, we have an Icemaker Water Flow Tester available from our website. This will help you to determine if the water pressure at the supply line is high enough for the icemaker to function properly.

To determine if your filter is plugged, look for water both before and after the filter. It may be hard to determine if there is water flowing through the filter. Sometimes it is necessary to pull the filter out of the feed line to see if water is flowing from the exit of the filter into the refrigerator or freezer. You can do this over a bucket to catch any dripping water. Some models have a filter bypass plug to help determine if the filter is clogged. If so, you would remove the filter and replace it with the filter bypass plug. Now test your water flow.

If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, you can hold a large cup or glass under it for 20 seconds. You should have poured about 13-14 oz. of water in that 20 seconds. If the amount is less, try removing the filter and bypassing it. If you now get the 13-14 oz. of water, the filter was clogged and it's time to replace it. If not, you have low water pressure in the line, and your icemaker may not work properly.

On occasion, the water inlet tube will freeze where it enters the icemaker. This can happen because the water is dripping slowly, or the freezer is just set too cold. A hair blow dryer can be used to thaw this, but be careful around the plastic tubing. You don't want it to crack or deform. You may want to turn the thermostat up a little bit if this is a regular occurrence. If you have a constant, regular drip, you may want to invest in a new water fill valve.

Another reason that your icemaker may not be making ice is the bail arm along the side of the icemaker. This arm must be in the lowered position for the icemaker to operate. If the arm is stuck up, it has shut the unit off. This is a safety feature of the unit. Normally, if there's too much ice in the bin, the arm will get stuck in the raised position and keep any more water from entering the icemaker. You must lower the arm to begin making more ice.
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Why won't my Icemaker dispense ice? This could be because the ice is clumped in the ice bin. When the automatic defrost cycle occurs, heat is transferred to the freezer area. This can cause the cubes to melt slightly and refreeze back together. You can take the bin out and give it a good shake, or simply discard the cubes and start over with a fresh batch of ice cubes. By increasing the amount of food in the freezer compartment, you may be able to buffer the heat that comes from the defrost cycle and avoid clumping issues.

If you have a large ice bin and hardly use any ice, it is possible that the cubes have gotten stuck together just from the weight of the cubes on top of others.
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Why are my ice cubes cloudy and discolored? The cause of cloudy ice cubes is directly due to the presence of minerals and trapped air in the water. This is normal and the cubes are made from the same water that you drink from the faucet. Using a filter can improve the clarity of your cubes, as well as removing any odors.

A new installation that uses an old, inactive water line can make your ice cubes have a discoloration to them. If your cubes have a greenish-blue tint to them, it is possible that there are copper salts in the water supply line. You should flush out the water lines as soon as possible.
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Why does my ice taste like plastic? If you have a brand new refrigerator, or have just added an icemaker, the new plastic lines are still leaching out some of the plastic smell. Throw away the first batch or two of ice. If you have a water dispenser on your refrigerator, you may want to run some water through the dispenser and toss that out as well. After a few gallons of water have gone through the system, all of the plastic smell and taste should be gone.
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How long does it take to make a fresh batch of ice? It can take anywhere from a little over an hour to two hours to make a batch of ice cubes. Exactly how long it takes depends on several factors including the thermostat setting and humidity levels in the home.
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What is the cause of the white specks in my cubes? The white specks in your cubes are caused by calcium carbonate deposits. As the water for your cubes gets colder, the less mineral content can be suspended in the water. As the cube freezes, these formerly invisible particles start to become visible. You can reduce the amount of specks, or completely get rid of them, with the use of a water filter.
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Why do my ice cubes seem to shrink in my Freezer? The ice cubes in your freezer shrink or disappear because of a process called sublimation. What this means is that the ice goes right from a solid to a vapor without becoming a liquid first. You should dispose of old cubes and make new ones. ,
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Why isn't the indicator light lit or blinking? It is absolutely normal that this light not work when the door is open. If you were to push the door switch in, it should activate. However, if the green light is blinking off and on, it may be that cubes are stuck in the icemaker. Remove the stuck cubes, and turn the icemaker back on.
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Why is there a leak or drip from my Icemaker? If there is a leak you will want to check all connections in the water line, including the fill tube extension, check the defrost drain for cracks, overflow or clogs, and check the water valve itself
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What are the noises I hear from inside my Freezer? A quick rundown on some of the many noises your freezer makes: clicking sounds are caused by defrost timer switches, temperature control units, compressors starting, and solenoids opening and closing the water valve; bubbling and gurgling sounds may be due to the circulation of refrigerant, and water flowing through feed lines or draining during defrost cycles; crackling or popping sounds may be related to water dripping on the defrost heater, coils expanding or contracting, or refrigerator panels expanding or contracting; drips may be related to the defrost cycle or a leak; and a buzzing sound may be related to the compressor or from the water dispenser a few seconds after using it.
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Why does my Freezer door pop open when I close the Refrigerator door? This is because the freezer and refrigerator compartments are connected via air channels or baffles. When you slam a door hard, it creates pressure and forces the other door open. This can also work in the reverse order.

You want to make sure the gaskets are sealing properly, and that the gasket is clean and lubricated. If you need to lubricate the gasket, you can use some paraffin wax, which is very soft. Rub the wax along the surface of the gasket to cover the whole thing. If needed, wash it first with some baking soda and water and let it dry thoroughly before lubricating it.

You want to make sure that the leveling legs cause the refrigerator to tilt slightly backwards. This will help to keep the door from popping open as well as making sure the door closes if you don't actually push it shut. You can also add some heavier items to the freezer door compartment to add some extra weight. This may help to keep the door from popping open. The freezer door is more likely to pop open than the refrigerator door as it is much lighter.This is because the freezer and refrigerator compartments are connected via air channels or baffles. When you slam a door hard, it creates pressure and forces the other door open. This can also work in the reverse order.

You want to make sure the gaskets are sealing properly, and that the gasket is clean and lubricated. If you need to lubricate the gasket, you can use some paraffin wax, which is very soft. Rub the wax along the surface of the gasket to cover the whole thing. If needed, wash it first with some baking soda and water and let it dry thoroughly before lubricating it.

You want to make sure that the leveling legs cause the refrigerator to tilt slightly backwards. This will help to keep the door from popping open as well as making sure the door closes if you don't actually push it shut. You can also add some heavier items to the freezer door compartment to add some extra weight. This may help to keep the door from popping open. The freezer door is more likely to pop open than the refrigerator door as it is much lighter.
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How do I repair scratches on my Refrigerator or Freezer? There are many colors of touch-up paints available to repair scratches in your appliances. Click touch-up paint to look for your color paint.
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Maintenance Tips for Icemakers

Household appliances have average lifetime expectancies. Maintaining your appliances properly can extend their lifetime indefinitely.

If you have to do any kind of repair or maintenance on this unit, make sure to unplug it from the power supply.

Use a properly grounded outlet.

Replace your water filter every four to six months. Change it sooner if you start noticing a bad taste or odors.

Ice cubes will absorb odors from the freezer and refrigerator. Dispose of old ice cubes periodically and use an odor absorber to absorb any odors before they make it to the ice cubes. Fridge Aid Deodorizer is a great product for this and is available from our website.

Wash the ice bin with vinegar and water every two or three months, and then rinse thoroughly with water.
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