5 Reasons Your Kenmore Refrigerator Is Not Making Ice!

By - Ron Singh

Updated -

The Kenmore refrigerator is a great home appliance with many compartments. One of these handy compartments is the ice maker.

A steady supply of ice at home can serve different purposes. However, sometimes you find that this component is malfunctioning. 

What could be the reasons for these? Many Kenmore refrigerator users seek an answer to that question. A comprehensive solution to these questions and many others. 

A faulty inlet valve, dirty compressor coils, or faulty thermostat are some reasons the fridge could fail at making ice. Several components work together to ensure ice making. Look at each piece and identify the problem and the possible solution.

5 Reasons why my Kenmore Refrigerator is not Making Ice?

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator Not Making Ice

There are several reasons why your refrigerator might stop making ice. However, some reasons are more common than others.

Some problems get solved with a few changes and adjustments. Others require that you replace the faulty component. 

However, remember that issue with only the ice maker shows that the refrigerator is still working partially.

Such general issues like a break in the power supply or disconnected circuit are not the issue here.

Here is a complete detail of the problems with the Kenmore refrigerator starting from most to least common.

#1. Problem with Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is the most common source of the ice maker issue. This component is the genesis of the process.

If there is no water, then you do not have ice. There are several factors to consider with this component.

Suppose dirt builds up in the filter setup or the valve coil burns due to electrical issues. The water inlet valve stops working. 

The water pressure supply should be adequate for the inlet valve to allow water. The pressure should be between 20 to 30 psi. Anything lower, and the valve won’t allow water. 

Solution

One standard solution is keeping the water supply clean and debris-free. Once the filter is free of dirt, the valve continues to work. Also, keep the pressure of water at home at the right level

In cases of burnt coils of the valve, replacement is the solution. Contact a local expert to help with a replacement. 

#2. Faulty Ice Maker Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the refrigerator’s internal temperature. The fact is that the temperature has to be low enough for the compartment to make ice.

The standard temperature for the Kenmore ice maker compartment is between 0⁰F to 5⁰F. If the thermostat is faulty, it cannot set the right temperature for ice making.

The thermostat displays something different from the actual temperature of the compartment. When the temperature is too high, the ice-making process fails. 

The thermostat turns the compressor on and off based on the refrigerator’s temperature. A faulty thermostat is not able to set the right temperature for ice.

This problem indicates that the thermostat shuts off the system before it can get the needed temperature.

Solution

It would be best to have a multimeter to check the thermostat’s functionality. Alternatively, you can remove the ice and allow the system to reset.

If this does not solve the issue, replacing the thermostat will be a good idea. 

#3. Faulty Door Switch

When the door is open, the refrigerator automatically stops the ice-making process. It is a failsafe installation.

The ice maker resumes work when the door is closed. Your fridge can sense when the door is closed through the door switch. 

A faulty door switch means that the fridge thinks the door remains open even when it is closed. Hence, there is no making of ice. 

Solution

It would be best to replace the door switch. Also, learn to use the door switch less frequently. Continuous closing and opening can affect the lifespan of the door switch. 

#4. Evaporator Coils Frosting

The evaporator fan brings cold air to the ice maker. Error with these coils will reduce the performance of your fridge.

A popular error is frost building on the evaporator coils. This frost reduces effective air distribution. 

The ice maker will get cold but not cold enough to make ice. Most of these problems connect. A faulty thermostat or an issue with the control board can be a reason why frost is building in the coils. 

Solution

Simply disconnecting the fridge from the household power supply will defrost the coils. It is also essential to check out other components that can lead to this problem.

#5. Faulty Ice Maker

The source of the problem can also come from the ice maker itself. When some components such as the ice ejector, the switch, and others freeze, the system malfunctions.

This problem can often happen depending on how you use the ice maker. 

Solution

The first step is to remove the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the different components, including the tray and front cover. Allowing for defrosting and returning the features.  

Why is my Ice Maker not Making ice but Water Works?

One of the most common problems with Kenmore ice makers is the inlet of water due to various reasons.

However, in some cases, the water delivery to the refrigerator works without error. Some models with water dispensers show that the dispenser works but not the ice.

In cases like this, where there is no ice formation despite the delivery of water, then you want to take a careful look at the system’s temperature. 

The temperature of the ice water component is usually the reason for this kind of issue. Ice formation fails when it is higher due to faulty thermostats, dirty condenser coils, and condenser coils.

Also, to confirm if the issue is temperature related, check to see if there is frost in any of the compartments. The problem is undoubtedly due to increased temperature if they are all ice-free. 

How do I Troubleshoot my Kenmore Ice Maker?

Troubleshooting can help you to figure out what is wrong with your Kenmore without the help of any local expert.

These are a series of steps you can take to test out each component and ensure its functionality. The process of troubleshooting differs based on the compartment you want to test.

Here are the specific troubleshooting steps: 

#1. For the Inlet Valve

Ensure that the water supply unit in your house has a pressure of between 20 to 30psi.

It would help if you had a pressure gauge for this step. If the water pressure is okay, then there is a problem with the inlet valve. 

#2. For the Door Switch

An ohmmeter can detect a break-in circuit with the door panel. This step will tell if the door switch is damaged or not. A faulty door switch can also be the reason for ice-making failure. 

#3. For the Ice Maker Component

Restarting the entire system is a way to troubleshoot any problem. Remove the plug from the power supply, allow the system to stay for a while, and restart. This process often shows where the problem lies. 

How do I Reset my Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker? (Step by Step)

Resetting the system can sometimes be the solution to your ice-making problem. This process helps to remove issues that develop due to continued use.

The best part is that it is straightforward to complete these steps without prior experience. 

There are cases where there is nothing mechanically or technically wrong with your ice maker. All the components are in optimal working condition.

The only problem is ice building up in the wrong areas. Some part becomes frozen and stops working. 

The reset process removes all that. It is often the first option for many when the Kenmore refrigerator stops making ice.

Here is the stepwise direction to reset your Kenmore refrigerator:

  • Open the icemaker compartment in the refrigerator by removing the front plate cover. Removing this compartment should be accessible with minimal pull. 
  • The front plate cover removal exposes the control panel of the compartment. Deactivate the ice maker machine by switching it off. Locate the switch on the side to deactivate it.
  • Remove the refrigerator plug from the wall and let it stay idle for about 10 minutes. Then you plug it back. 
  • Reserve the process by switching on the ice maker compartment in the control panel. 
  • Reinstall the front plate cover and properly close the door freezer. 
  • Restart the freezer after leaving the setup idle for a while. 

These are the steps involved in the resetting process. Try to make ice after this reset.

You must check for issues through troubleshooting if there is still an error. Apply the appropriate solution when you have diagnosed the situation. 

How do I Force my Kenmore Ice Maker to Cycle?

Forcing the ice maker to cycle effectively kickstarts your refrigerator’s ice-making process after a long time.

Moreover, it is another way of checking for errors in the ice maker compartment. The good news is that you can do this easily at home without any expertise.

Here are the steps involved:

  • Bring out and empty the content of the ice bin.
  • Return the bin to its position and ensure it is properly placed. 
  • Switch on the ice maker button to activate the process
  • Using a flat-blade screwdriver, remove the ice maker’s front cover.
  • There is gear at the front; turn this gear clockwise until you hear a click (this is the most crucial step)
  • The sensor arm that alerts the system to shut ice production will be upright. Pull it downwards to begin the process. 

There you have it! The steps involved in forcing the ice maker to start a new cycle. 

Here is a table showing the possible problem and possible solutions

S/NCommon ProblemsCategory of Solutions
1Faulty Door SwitchReplacement
2Faulty Ice MakerDefrosting
3Evaporator CoilsDefrosting
4ThermostatReplacement
5Water Inlet ValveTroubleshooting

Final Thoughts

The Kenmore refrigerator is a powerful home appliance that can continue to serve its many purposes for as long as possible.

Troubleshooting is one step toward ensuring continuity when there is a problem.

After identifying the specific situation, all that is left is to apply the proper solution. For more ice, keep your Kenmore at its optimum functionality.

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