Refrigerator - Icemaker Does Not Fill With Water

If there is no water going to the icemaker in your refrigerator, there are a few things you can check in an attempt to remedy the concern. Please review the following tips in an effort to resolve the situation without the need for repair service.

 

Icemaker Feeler Arm

Icemakers have a wire feeler arm or horizontal paddle that moves during the ice making cycle, and its position tells the icemaker when to make ice and when to stop. If the ice bin is full, the ice cubes are high enough to keep the feeler arm or paddle from finishing its motion. If the feeler arm or paddle can't move, it signals the icemaker to pause ice production.  The icemaker won't signal for more water until the ice cubes are out of the way.  If there isn't ice in the way, check the feeler arm or paddle to make sure it can move freely. 
 

New Installation

If you just installed your refrigerator, it will need time to cool to the proper temperature in the fresh food and freezer sections. This is usually around 24-48 hours. The icemaker also needs a certain temperature to start making ice. The icemaker will not send a signal to the water valve until it well below freezing. 

 

This also applies to installing a new icemaker into an existing refrigerator. It can take a day or two before it will fill with water. 

 

Checking the Connections

Electrical Connection

Make sure the icemaker is plugged in and turned on. The power cord for the icemaker is plugged into the left or back wall of the freezer compartment. Your refrigerator's Owner's Manual can tell you how to turn off your icemaker. Most icemakers have an On/Off toggle (up/down) or slide (left/right) switch to turn it off. Some models, like the ones with an icemaker in the door, you turn it off from the control panel.  For help, visit: Refrigerator - How to Turn Icemaker On or Off.

 

This video shows what to do for an icemaker that's not working on a slide switch model:

 

 

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Water Connection

Water Supply Line

 

Make sure the water supply valve on the line to your refrigerator is turned on. The water supply line to the refrigerator has a shut off valve, usually found behind the refrigerator, under the sink, or in the basement or crawl space.

      • There is only one water line that connection to the refrigerator water valve. You may see two water lines from the refrigerator water valve on the back of the refrigerator; however, there's only one water supply line that goes to the refrigerator water valve.  
 

Icemaker Fill Tube

      • The fill tube fills the icemaker with water. In rare instance, it can freeze and cause no water to get to the icemaker. The icemaker must be removed to verify if this is happening and should be checked by a service technician.  Note: If your have a water dispenser, it would still work if the icemaker fill tube has frozen. 
 

Clogged or Partially Clogged Filter

Refrigerator filters can be found in models with or without a water dispenser. For models without an internal water filter, we also offer in-line refrigerator water filters that attach to the water line going to your refrigerator. 

 

If you have a refrigerator with a water dispenser or AutoFill Pitcher, a clogged filter will prevent water from going to both your icemaker and your dispenser or AutoFill pitcher. Filters should be changed at least every 6 months.  If there is new construction in your area, there can be more sediment entering the water system. This extra sediment can clog the water filter more frequently than the recommended 6 months replacement time.

 

A partially clogged filter could cause water to come out very slowly at the water dispenser, but not be enough to fill the icemaker. An icemaker sends a signal to the water valve to fill with water. Most icemakers are on a timed system, so if there's slow water to the icemaker, it may not fill enough, or at all. A water dispenser, on the other hand, sends a signal to the water valve to open as soon as you press the dispenser lever and will stay open as long as you're pressing down on it.  

 

Checking for a Clogged Filter

Remove the filter and install the bypass plug. If you need a water filter bypass plug and one was not supplied with the refrigerator or has been misplaced, one can be ordered at no charge by calling 1-800-432-2737. Try using the water dispenser, if you have one. If the water flow improves from the dispenser, the next step is to replace the filter. Shop for Replacement Water Filters. 

 

Test The Icemaker

  1. If the icemaker mould is empty, you can manually pour about 4 ounces of cold water in the icemaker mould.
  2. Wait about 2 - 3 hours.
  3. If the icemaker has frozen and ejected that batch of ice cubes, you know the icemaker itself is working.
 

Additional Support

If the above suggestions do not resolve the issue with your icemaker, a service call may be needed. For repair assistance, please schedule a service appointment with Bodewell.