Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice
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Quick answer: Confirm the ice maker is switched on (wire arm down, or Ice On on the panel), the water supply valve is fully open and the line isn’t kinked, the water filter is seated correctly, and the freezer is cold enough. Then reset or test the ice maker. If those all check out, the fill tube, water inlet valve or ice maker assembly are the next parts to check (PartSelect).
Whirlpool lists restricted water supply, freezer temperature, the ice maker being off, and water filter problems as possible causes, and calls the water supply “one of the most frequent causes” (Whirlpool Product Help). Newly installed? Whirlpool says to wait 24 hours for ice; LG says 12–24 hours for the first ice.
Test order: easiest & free first
- Make sure the ice maker is onFREE · 1 min
Wire-arm models (many Whirlpool): lower the arm to turn it on; ice raising the arm turns it off (Whirlpool). Panel models: press Ice On/Off; on LG, unlock the panel first by holding Lock for 3 seconds (LG). Some LG ice makers also have a side switch that must be set to On. - Empty and check the ice bucketFREE · 2 min
Samsung says anything other than ice in the bucket (a scoop, food) can make the ice maker think the bucket is full. Samsung also notes ice piling up at one end can stop it; dispense ice occasionally. - Check the freezer temperatureFREE · 1 min
Whirlpool: 0–5 °F. LG recommends −4 °F or colder for ice production. If the freezer itself is warm, see Refrigerator Not Cooling. - Check the water supplyFREE · 10 min
Make sure the shutoff valve is fully open and the line is not kinked or pinched behind the fridge (Whirlpool, LG). Samsung and Whirlpool both cite at least 20 psi water pressure. PartSelect notes self-piercing saddle valves are the most common shutoff valve to cause restriction problems. - Check the water filterFREE · 5 min
A recently replaced filter that isn’t locked in can stop flow. Whirlpool’s check: remove the filter and try dispensing; if water now flows, reinstall it. Whirlpool recommends replacing the filter every 6 months or when the indicator lights. - Reset or run the ice maker testFREE · 10 min
Samsung: remove the bucket, press and hold Test until it chimes (up to 10 s). Test takes about 6 min (fridge-compartment ice maker) or about 30 s (freezer). Water should pour in at the end. If no chime, power-cycle for 2 minutes and retry. Don’t press Test repeatedly once the tray has water.
Whirlpool: press and hold the reset button if your model has one; otherwise unplug for 1 minute.
LG: press and hold the test button about 3 seconds; reset by shaking the ice maker gently, then powering off 30 seconds. LG says to allow 4–6 hours. - Check the fill tube for iceTOWEL / HAIR DRYER
With power and water off, check the fill tube and fill cup behind the ice maker for ice buildup (PartSelect). No cubes or tiny cubes point to the water fill system. - Water inlet valveMULTIMETER
A clogged inlet screen gives small or layered cubes; a valve that won’t shut fully can drip and freeze the fill tube (PartSelect). Test or replace per your model. - Ice maker assembly$$
If the ice maker gets water but won’t cycle, or fails the test, the assembly or service is next. Samsung and LG both direct you to request service if the test fails.
⚠ Safety: Unplug the fridge (or turn off the breaker) and shut off the water before removing panels or the ice maker. Keep fingers away from the ice maker’s ejector and heater while it’s powered (LG manual warning).
Parts to check
| Part | Part number | |
|---|---|---|
| Water filter | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Water fill tube | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Water inlet valve | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Ice maker assembly | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
We only list part numbers confirmed by a cited source. Parts vary by model, so always look up by your model number at the parts retailer before ordering.
💡 Find your model number: Usually on a label inside the fresh-food compartment (side wall or ceiling) or on the frame. Write down the full number including any suffix.
Watch it done
Video by AppliancePartsPros on YouTube. FixCode Guide isn't affiliated with this channel.
Sources
- Whirlpool – Ice Maker Not Working: Troubleshooting
- Whirlpool – How to Turn the Ice Maker On and Off
- Whirlpool blog – Ice Maker Troubleshooting (20 psi)
- Samsung US – Ice maker is not working
- LG US – Why is my refrigerator not making ice?
- LG US – Troubleshooting water/ice issues
- PartSelect – Refrigerator not making ice