How to Troubleshoot Ice Makers in Fridges
- 1). Check first that the power plug is connected to the wall and is not frayed or otherwise damaged. Checking the plug should be the first thing you do any time an electrical appliance stops working.
- 2). Head to the fusebox to see if a fuse has blown or the main service panel to see if a circuit breaker has tripped. Flip the circuit breaker that supplies power to the refrigerator or replace the fuse to see if lack of power despite being plugged in is the answer to your lack of ice.
- 3). Check the temperature control dial if the icemaker compartment begins to feel a little too warm. The thermostat may have gotten accidentally turned up when you put an item into the refrigerator. Freezer temperature must be at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit to cool ice properly.
- 4). Test the ON/OFF switch or arm depending on the model of the icemaker. The ice may be lacking because it got accidentally turned off or because the arm has gotten obstructed by something placed inside the freezer.
- 5). Test the switch that turns on the water inlet valve. Unplug the refrigerator, remove the icemaker and mounting plate. Unscrew the switch from the plate while keeping hold of the insulator that looks like a credit card. Disconnect the wires and test for continuity with an RX1 setting by touching one probe of the continuity tester to each terminal of the switch. The button should be out and the tester should show continuity. The tester should show resistance when the button is in. Replace if switch fails either part of the continuity test.
- 6). Test the thermostat by keeping the refrigerator unplugged and removing the mounting plate. Disconnect the wire that has two connectors that pull off the switch terminals as well as the wire connected using a wire cap. The multitester should be set at RX10 as you touch a probe to each wire. Four-hundred to six-hundred ohms of resistance should be indicated. If not, you should replace the motor.