If the ice maker, ice dispenser or water dispenser in your refrigerator is giving you trouble, try these easy fixes. If they don’t solve the problem, schedule repair service.
The water or ice isn’t good
The quality of water that comes from the refrigerator dispenser or the ice from the ice maker isn’t meeting its usual standards? Try one of these solutions. If it’s still not working, schedule a visit with a repair technician.
The ice tastes or smells bad
- Store smelly foods in air-tight containers to so ice can’t absorb flavors and odors from foods.
- If you don’t use much ice, the ice in the bin gets old and, well, gross. Dump out the ice so the cube-making process starts overs with fresh water.
- If your refrigerator uses a water filter, replace it every 6 months; as a water filter become filled with impurities over time, the filter loses its effectiveness.
The ice or water is cloudy
- If you just installed a new refrigerator, particles in the water supply can get into the water and ice cubes. Flush water through the water dispenser for 3 minutes and throw out the first 3 batches of ice cubes.
- If you just replaced the water filter, flush 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to rinse gray carbon dust from the filter.
- If your refrigerator is more than 8 years old, plastic flecks can flake off the ice mold lining and show up in ice cubes. Replace the ice maker if the ice mold liner has deteriorated.
The ice maker or dispenser isn’t working
If the ice maker or the water/ice dispenser doesn’t work as it should, find the specific problem below and then try the easy fixes. If the problem persists, schedule service.
There’s no ice in the ice bin
- If you just installed a new refrigerator, wait for 24 hours before expecting ice. The freezer needs time to get cold enough that water in the ice maker mold freezes.
- Make sure the ice maker is turned on. Some ice makers have a shut-off arm that must be in the down position; others have an on/off switch or a setting on the dispenser controls. Check your owner’s manual for specifics about yours.
- Remove ice cubes that are jammed in the ejector arms.
- A clogged water filter won’t let water reach the ice maker. Replace the water filter if you haven’t changed it in the last 6 months.
- Make sure the water supply valve behind the refrigerator is on the on position.
The ice dispenser isn’t working
- Make sure the dispenser child lock is off.
- Close all the refrigerator doors tightly. Some refrigerator styles won’t dispense ice if doors are open even slightly.
- If the ice bin is full and the auger motor buzzes when you press the lever to dispense ice, look for ice cubes jammed in the auger or ice chute. Thaw or pull out any stuck ice cubes.
The water dispenser isn’t working
- Make sure the dispenser child lock is off.
- If your refrigerator has a water filter, replace the water filter if you haven’t replaced it within the last 6 months. A clogged water filter blocks water flow to the dispenser.
Following these simple troubleshooting tips when your refrigerator’s ice maker or dispenser isn’t working might save you from having to schedule a refrigerator repair.