Ice makers can be a great appliance for any home or office. These machines can produce ice cubes on demand and store them for future use, so you don’t have to run to the store or keep waiting for them to cool.
The world of diagnosing an appliance, there are some problems that are more likely to occur than others. In case your Maytag ice maker is not working, don’t worry. In most cases, there’s a simple explanation and fix.
Most often, the ice maker stops working because of ice build-up or the need for a new water filter. The next most common reason is a problem with the water inlet valve, which is relatively easy to check and replace.
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Maytag Ice Maker Not Working: How to Fix it
Even so, it’s important to understand the possible cause of the problem and how you can fix the issue. This article is going to cover some of the most common ice maker problems.
So, rather than going through the hassle of calling a repairman, you might want to repair the Maytag ice maker yourself. Here is a simple task guide to doing it.
Check Whether the Ice Maker is Turned On
Most Maytag ice makers are designed with a button or lever that needs to be turned on or pushed down in order for ice production to begin again.
Depending on what model you have, the on/off button may be accessed through the digital display on the front of the refrigerator, or be located on the ice maker. If there’s a digital display, make sure the “ice on” icon is selected. You may also want to check that the child lock feature is enabled.
Clogged Water Filter
You can keep your ice maker working properly by replacing the water filter every six months or when the filter indicator light turns on. This is especially important if you live in areas with hard water. Refer to the user’s manual for the location of the water filter.
Blocked Dispenser
In case your dispenser is blocked, it’s most likely because of ice. This could be caused by low water pressure or the freezer compartment thermostat being set too low.
Temperature Set Too Low
The key to optimal performance of your Maytag ice maker is to maintain the recommended thermostat setting. If it is set too low, the water may freeze before it even reaches the ice mold, which will simply prevent the appliance from doing its job as expected. Usually, the freezer temperature should be between 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is to high, you can fix the issue by cleaning debris off the refrigerator condenser coils.
Issues with the Water Line
If you notice your water flow has slowed down or even stopped, it could be due to a frozen water line or a kink in the water line. To fix this, ensure that the house water line is turned on and also check for any kinks that might be causing the blockage.
Water Valve Problems
For the water valve to function properly, it must have a water pressure of at least 20 psi. Additionally, using the wrong valve adapter can negatively impact water flow, slowing it down or stopping it altogether. You can avoid these issues by reading your installation instructions carefully to select the right parts for your water valve and learn how to install them correctly.
Ice Maker Not Dropping Ice
If you realize that your ice maker isn’t dropping ice, it’s likely because there’s a blockage in the ice tray or an ice cube is jammed between the bin and the lever. If this happens, here are some potential solutions:
Make sure that the lever is pushed down and/or the ice maker is switched on. Check your owner’s manual if you are not sure where the lever or switch is located.
- Remove the cabin and check whether there is ice accumulation
- Use a plastic knife to remove any blockage
- In case the ice is too large, consider defrosting your fridge to melt the ice.
Does it Need Defrosting
If your ice maker is not working, it might be just because it’s frozen. Ice can build up in the ice bucket, dispenser chute, or around the ice maker housing. If the water supply line is frozen, it can prevent water from reaching the ice maker.
You can try to resolve this issue by using a dishcloth with hot water, a blow dryer, a defrost tool, or a defrost function that you can activate. Be aware of electrocution when using the low dryer if there’s any spilled water around the fridge.
You can use a blow dryer to defrost the ice, but you will need to set it to low heat and be careful so you don’t end up melting any of the ice maker components. If you’re considering using a frozen tool, then you will have to purchase one from the local store and use it as instructed to clear the frozen water line. In some cases, you may have to remove the ice maker from the appliance to allow it to defrost.
Try a Simple Reset
If your ice maker isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can try to fix it. One of those few things is turning off the power to the refrigerator for a minute, and then turning it back on. If it wasn’t a mechanical or parts failure, this simple fix may get your ice maker working again.
Most ice maker models come with a reset button. If your model features a display panel, you can reset it by consulting your manual for the reset instructions. Some are designed with a test button or a place to insert a pin to reset the ice maker. However, avoid pressing the reset button repeatedly, as it can cause damage to the ice maker or water to overflow.
If these solutions don’t work, you may need to call a repairman to take a look at your ice maker.
