5 Reasons Your Frigidaire Ice Maker Isn’t Working

A refrigerator with an ice maker is a true luxury. What could be better than having easy, unlimited access to ice with just the push of a button? That’s why it’s especially frustrating when your ice maker malfunctions. Although Frigidaire is a reliable, well-regarded brand, problems can occur. Thankfully, many issues that can cause your Frigidaire icemaker not to work are easily solved—even by a novice DIYer. 

This guide applies to all common Frigidaire refrigerator models, including:

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Reason 1 – Issue With the Water Filter

To guarantee clean, fresh water, Frigidaire refrigerators have water filters. This is essential for ensuring the water that comes from your dispenser tastes great and is safe to drink. Like all water filters, Frigidaire filters need to be changed regularly in order to work effectively. Over time, the filter can get clogged with tiny particles, debris, and minerals. If it’s left long enough between changes, a filter can even become totally blocked, particularly if you live in an area where the water has a high mineral content. 

If the water filter is to blame for your ice maker issues, you might notice that the ice maker isn’t filling up, or that it only fills the ice tray a little bit. You’ll also notice that water doesn’t flow from the dispenser, or that it flows in a thin stream. Here’s what to do:

• Check your Frigidaire manual to find out what type of filter is right for your refrigerator and purchase a replacement. 
• Access the old filter. In most models, this will be either behind the grille at the bottom of the fridge or inside the fridge interior in the back upper right corner. 
• Press the knob or button that releases the old filter. 
• Remove the new filter from its packaging and put it into place, ensuring it’s firmly positioned. 
• Run two gallons of water through the filter to get rid of air bubbles and residue. 
• Wait to see if your ice maker issues have been resolved. 
• Make sure you replace the filter regularly. Frigidaire recommends that you replace your filter every six months for optimal performance. 

Reason 2 – Problem With the Water Supply Line

Frigidaire refrigerators are connected to your home’s water supply via a water supply line. If that line gets blocked, kinked, or disconnected, then your ice maker won’t be able to make ice. If this is your issue, you’ll notice that the water dispenser isn’t working at all either. Here’s how to troubleshoot the issue:

• Check if the water supply line is properly connected to your home’s water supply. If the connection is loose, ensure it’s connected properly. 
• Carefully feel along the water supply line to see if it’s blocked. Sometimes ice can form in the supply line, obstructing the flow of water. 
• If the supply line is frozen, use a hairdryer on a low setting to melt the ice blockage, then test to see if water flows from the dispenser. 
• Once water is flowing from the dispenser again, wait a few hours to see if your ice maker is functioning properly too. 

Reason 3 – Thermostat Issues

If your freezer isn’t cold enough, it won’t be able to properly make ice. If you’ve noticed that your ice maker is filled with water but not ice, or if your ice cubes are consistently watery on the inside, it’s likely a temperature issue. 

• Check the thermostat settings in your freezer. Your freezer should be set to 0° F for optimal performance. Adjust the thermostat if necessary. 
• If the settings are correct but you suspect that your freezer may be warmer than it should be, use an external thermometer to check the actual temperature of your freezer. 
• If the freezer temperature measured by the thermometer is different from what the thermostat states, you may have a thermostat issue. You can call in a technician or purchase a new part and replace the thermostat. 

Reason 4 – Jammed/Frozen Components

Sometimes, too much ice can be a problem with your ice maker. If it’s been a long time since you used the ice tray or if your freezer has had a lot of condensation in it recently, then frost can build up on the ice maker module. This can cause the motor and ejector blades to freeze, preventing them from dumping out the ice and completing the ice-making cycle. Here’s how to fix it:

• Check the entire ice maker unit for signs of frost or excess ice. 
• If you notice excess ice, use a hair dryer on a medium setting to melt the excess ice so that the moving parts can operate again. 
• Dry up any melted ice, and wait to see if the ice maker starts working normally. 
• To prevent condensation and frost building up on your ice maker, ensure you don’t leave the freezer door open for extended periods, never put hot food in your freezer, and make sure the freezer seals are in good condition. 

Reason 5 – Faulty Control Arm

The control arm of your ice maker detects when the ice bin is full. If the control arm is stuck in the wrong position, it may be incorrectly sensing that the ice bin is full even when it isn’t. 

• Locate the control arm and make sure it is’t obstructed. If the ice bin is empty, the control arm should be in the down position. 
• If the arm is obstructed, try to clear any obstructions such as ice or food debris. 
• If the arm appears broken or damaged, it will need replacing. You can source a replacement part online, and replace it according to instructions in your Frigidaire manual.