Kitchenaid has been a leader in kitchen appliances for decades, and its ice makers are no exception. However, whether you’re using an under-counter KitchenAid ice maker or an integrated model built into your kitchen counters, it can be incredibly frustrating when something goes wrong with your kitchen appliance.
To help get you through those inevitable hiccups, we have put together a complete KitchenAid icemaker troubleshooting guide to help you diagnose and fix common KitchenAid icemaker problems.
Freezer Temperature Issues
One of the most common issues with KitchenAid ice makers is that they are not getting cold enough, leading to a lack of ice production. This is generally caused by the freezer not being cool enough—it needs to be set at least 0°F (-18°C) for up to optimal ice production. To diagnose this issue, check your freezer’s temperature setting and ensure it is set to 0°F (-18°C). If it is not, adjust the temperature to this setting and wait a few hours for the freezer to cool down.
If your freezer is set too cold, it could be overworking the ice maker and preventing it from freezing the water properly. To rectify this issue, adjust the freezer’s temperature and wait 24 hours to see if the ice maker begins working again.
Water Supply Line Issues
Frozen or kinked water lines can cause your ice maker to stop working. First, check the water line for any clogs or ice buildup to determine if this is the issue. If you find any, shut off the water supply and use a hairdryer to thaw the line. After the line is thawed, turn the water supply back on and wait a few hours to see if your ice maker begins working again. If the line is kinked, use a wrench to loosen the fitting and re-attach it firmly.
Sensor or Thermostat Issues
If the machine isn’t producing enough or any ice, it may be due to an issue with the sensors or thermostat. To determine if this is the issue:
- Check the sensors and thermostat for any buildup of dirt or debris.
- If you find any, use a soft cloth to remove the debris and then check that the sensors and thermostat are working properly.
- If not, replace them with new ones.
Power Issues
If the power to the ice maker is not working, it will not be able to produce ice.
To diagnose this issue, check that the power cord is securely plugged in and that the outlet it is plugged into is working properly. Loose wires can also be causing the issue, so check that all wires are securely connected to their respective terminals.
If the power source and plug are both working, then it may be due to an issue with the fuse in your kitchen. Check the breaker box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses to determine if this is the issue.
If you find any, reset the breakers or replace the fuse, and then wait to see if your ice maker begins working again. Since moisture and condensation can cause electrical power issues, it’s important to ensure your ice maker is not in an area where moisture can accumulate.
Water Inlet Valve Issues
Faulty water inlet valves can cause the ice maker to stop producing ice. To diagnose this issue:
- Check the water inlet valve for any clogs or buildup.
- If you find any, shut off the water supply and use a pipe cleaner to remove the debris.
- Once it is clear, turn the water supply back on and wait a few hours to see if the ice maker begins working again.
Moreover, if the power to the valve is not working, you may need to replace the valve with a new one.
Replacing a water inlet valve is a relatively simple process and can usually be done with basic tools.
Just locate the old valve, unplug it, and then install the new one. Remember to turn off the water supply before beginning this process.
Water Pressure Issues
Low water pressure can also cause the ice maker to stop working. To determine if this is the issue:
- Check the water pressure and make sure it is above 30 psi (206 kPa).
- If the pressure is too low, contact your local water supplier to increase the pressure.
- Once they do, wait a few hours for the pressure to stabilize, and then check to see if your ice maker begins working again.
If pressure is fine, then check for any bends or twists in the fill tube, as it can prevent adequate water supply to the ice maker, thus preventing it from operating correctly.
Ice Maker Module Issues
The icemaker module is situated in the freezer section and operates by using a motor to turn blades which subsequently push the ice cubes out of the mold. Additionally, it has a shutoff arm that halts the flow of water to the mold when full.
Therefore, it may malfunction due to an obstructed shutoff arm, damaged motor, or broken blades. Check if the shutoff arm is in the “on” position to identify the issue.
To troubleshoot the problem with your icemaker, you must disconnect the power from your refrigerator.
Then remove the ice bucket and bail arm from the freezer compartment and unscrew the two screws that secure the icemaker module in its place before pulling it out.
Next, check for any blockages or clogs on the shutoff arm and clear them if required. Additionally, inspect the ice ejector blades for any signs of breakage and replace them as needed.
Lastly, examine the motor for any damage and change it if necessary. Once all defective components have been replaced and fixed, reassemble the icemaker module back in place and restore power to your refrigerator.
Ice Level Control Board Issues
The ice level control board is an important component of the refrigerator, as it monitors the amount of ice in the bucket and triggers the ice maker to create new cubes when necessary.
In case of a power surge or faulty sensor, this part can malfunction and cease its operations.
An error code may also appear on display, indicating that the ice level control board needs to be replaced.
To confirm this, unplug the refrigerator and remove the ice bucket to locate the board.
Test the continuity with a multimeter. If there is none present, it’s time for a new board.
Ice Maker Switch Issues
The icemaker switch is responsible for powering the ice maker and water dispenser.
If it’s not in the “On” position, these two components will be unable to function. Also, with time, this switch may become worn or broken down.
If this happens, your ice maker and water dispenser will cease to operate.
To check if the icemaker switch is the problem, check to see if it’s in the “Off” position.
If so, move it to the “On” position and allow 24 hours for ice production to cycle through.
Mold Thermostat Issues
The icemaker mold thermostat regulates the ice mold’s temperature and will shut off production if the temperature gets too high.
If your refrigerator’s icemaker is not functioning properly, it may be due to a malfunction of this part. It is important to check for replacement needs in such cases.
In some cases, the icemaker mold thermostat may fail due to a power surge or if the refrigerator has been turned off for too long and the ice melted, causing the thermostat to trip. If this occurs, the icemaker will likely need to be replaced entirely.
Water Filter Issues
The water filter of the ice maker is situated in the rear, right-hand side of the refrigerator. If the machine isn’t functioning as it should, clogged filters are often the culprit.
When a filter is blocked, water can’t flow through to the ice maker, meaning no cubes are formed. Fortunately, this issue is easy to resolve; locate and replace your water filter with a fresh one.
To ensure that your ice maker works at its best, we advise changing the filter every six months.
To replace the filter:
- Turn the old filter to the left to unlock and remove it from its housing.
- Insert the new filter into the same housing and turn it to the right until snugly locked in place.
- Flush water through the new filter for approximately three minutes, allowing any air bubbles to escape.
Door Switch Issues
The door switch is a mechanical part that activates the ice maker when the fridge door is closed.
Unfortunately, this device can become worn out from use over time, preventing it from signaling the ice maker to make ice.
To verify if this switch is working correctly, unplug your refrigerator and remove the interior panel on the doorway.
Then, locate and test the switch using a multimeter for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, it must be switched out.
Additionally, ensuring that the door is always shut properly can help lengthen the life of the door switch.
Final Words
By following this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the most common KitchenAid ice maker problems. However, if your issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact an authorized service technician for repair or maintenance.
It is important to note that a qualified appliance technician should conduct all repairs to ensure that the issue is fixed properly and that no further damage occurs. Your ice maker should provide you with many years of trouble-free operation with proper maintenance.