Refrigerator will not make ice

Common reasons your refrigerator will not make ice

The most common reasons your refrigerator won't make ice are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.

62% of the time it's the
Compressor

9% of the time it's the
Water Filter

4% of the time it's the
Dispenser

25% of the time it's the
Something else

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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.

Compressor Replacement

A refrigerator compressor that is locked may manifest various symptoms. The primary indication is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator section, leading to higher temperatures and the risk of food spoilage. The freezer may also struggle to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the icemaker or dispenser. Additionally, you may notice that the compressor is unusually quiet or fails to emit its typical humming sound during operation. Sometimes, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The compressor's inability to circulate refrigerant properly can disrupt the defrosting process, leading to ice accumulation in the freezer. Moreover, a defective compressor could cause a sudden surge of melting frost into the drain line, leading to blockages, inadequate drainage, and potential water leaks.

Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

Water Filter Replacement

An aged water filter in a refrigerator may result in decreased water supply to the icemaker and water dispenser. Over time, the filter's ability to efficiently trap impurities diminishes, leading to a reduction in the water flow rate. Additionally, you might observe a deterioration in the quality of the dispensed water and ice. An aging water filter might no longer adequately eliminate contaminants, potentially altering the taste or odor of the dispensed water. This change can be especially noticeable if the filter has surpassed its recommended usage period, typically around 6 months.

Water filter finder tool

Dispenser Replacement

When a refrigerator dispenser fails, it can cause multiple problems such as the inability to dispense water or ice. This issue might originate from issues with the dispenser's water supply, controls, or mechanical parts within the dispenser assembly. Users might notice slow or inadequate water flow, erratic ice dispensing, or a total lack of function. Additionally, a faulty dispenser may leak, leading to water accumulation around the dispenser or inside the refrigerator. To effectively diagnose and resolve these problems, it's recommended to seek assistance from a Sears Home Services professional.

How to dissasemble a refrigerator dispenser

What to expect when you experience a refrigerator will not make ice issue

How do you fix a won't make ice problem?

Solving most won't make ice problems typically involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser, but there can be other problems. Because many factors can affect the ice maker, a thorough diagnosis is key to understanding the cost of repair and fixing the problem.

Suggestions from Sears Home Services for a refrigerator that won't make ice

If a refrigerator won't make ice it can be for many reasons. Avoid replacing unneeded parts by having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing and fixing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to consider with a refrigerator won't make ice diagnosis

Diagnosing issues with modern appliances can pose significant challenges for individuals lacking adequate knowledge and training. Without employing proper diagnostic techniques, rectifying refrigerator problems may involve merely replacing parts based on guesswork. In the past decade, appliances have undergone substantial advancements, incorporating intricate electronic components that are increasingly difficult to troubleshoot. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on contemporary appliance models have become progressively difficult.

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Repair Refrigerator Resources

Ice Maker Not Making Ice? Troubleshoot and Fix It Today

Is your ice maker not producing ice? Follow our guide to fix common issues like jammed dispensers or clogged water filters. Schedule a repair with Sears Home Services if needed.

9 min readApr. 11Refrigerator