Ice Maker Not Working? Causes and Fixes
No ice, small cubes or a dispenser that won't push ice out. Most of the time it's water supply, temperature or a jam.Last updated November 12, 2026 · Written for Brandon, FL households
Make sure the ice maker is switched on, the freezer is cold enough, and water reaches the fridge with a filter that isn't clogged. A frozen fill tube or a jammed bin also stops ice. If all of that checks out, the water inlet valve or the ice maker assembly has likely failed.
Work through these first
- Is it switched on? Look for a wire arm that's raised (off) or a switch on the ice maker or in the fridge's settings menu.
- Is the freezer cold enough? Most ice makers won't cycle until the freezer is around 0°F to 10°F. Measure it.
- Is water getting there? Check the shutoff valve that feeds the fridge (often under the sink or behind the fridge) and make sure the line behind the fridge isn't kinked.
- Is the filter old? A clogged water filter slows the fill so much that cubes come out small, hollow or not at all.
- Is the fill tube frozen? If water reaches the dispenser but not the ice maker, the small tube that feeds the ice maker may have ice in it.
- Is ice jammed in the bin? Clumped ice can block the auger or the ejector. Empty the bin and break up the clump.
Parts that usually fail
Water inlet valve
Doesn't open, or only opens weakly. No water, no ice.
Ice maker assembly
The motor, sensor or ejector fails and the unit stops cycling.
Auger motor
Ice is made but the dispenser won't push it out.
Supply line
Kinked, cracked or frozen lines starve the ice maker of water.
When to call
If the freezer is cold, water reaches the fridge and the filter is new but you still get no ice, the inlet valve or the ice maker assembly likely needs replacing. Water leaking behind or under the fridge is a reason to call sooner. See refrigerator repair in Brandon.
Common questions
How long does a new ice maker take to make ice?
Often a full day or more before the first full batch, and the first few batches can be small or odd-shaped. Throw them away.
Why are my ice cubes small or hollow?
Usually low water flow: a clogged filter, a partly closed valve or a weak inlet valve.
Why does my ice taste bad?
Old ice absorbs freezer odors. Empty the bin, change the filter and keep open food covered.
Related help
Still not working?
If the checks above didn't fix it, an independent technician who covers Brandon can diagnose it.