Samsung French Door Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice (But Not Frozen Up) – Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction:
Welcome! This guide addresses a common frustration with Samsung French-door refrigerators: your ice maker has stopped producing ice. Unlike the “freezing up” issues covered in our other series, there’s no visible sign of excessive frost, ice blockages, or a frozen compartment. If your ice maker is idle and not dropping any new cubes, this troubleshooting guide is for you.

Several factors can cause an ice maker to stop producing ice without it being physically frozen. We’ll walk through the most common culprits, from simple checks to more involved component diagnostics.

Disclaimer:ย This guide is for informational purposes. Troubleshooting and repairing appliances involve risks, including working near electrical components and water lines.ย Always unplug your refrigerator from the power outlet and turn off the water supply before attempting to disassemble or test electrical components unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific test.ย If unsure about any step, please consult a qualified appliance repair technician. We are not liable for any damage or injury.

Initial Checks – The Simple Stuff First:

  1. Is the Ice Maker Turned ON?
    • Action:ย Check your refrigerator’s control panel. There’s usually an “Ice Maker Off,” “Ice Off,” or similar indicator light. If this light is illuminated, the ice maker function is disabled.
    • Fix:ย Press the corresponding button to turn the ice maker ON. The indicator light should go out. If you are unsure which button controls this, refer to your user manual.
  2. Is the Ice Bucket Full or Obstructed? (Ice Level Sensor/Arm)
    • Action:ย Remove the ice bucket.
      • Mechanical Arm:ย Many Samsung ice makers use a feeler arm (bail arm). If this arm is stuck in the UP position (indicating the bin is full) or physically obstructed by existing ice, the ice maker will stop producing. Ensure it can move freely up and down.
      • Optical Sensor:ย Some newer models use an optical sensor (emitter and receiver) to detect the ice level. Ensure these sensors are clean and not blocked by ice or debris. Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth.
    • Fix:ย If the arm was stuck up, gently lower it. If optical sensors were dirty, clean them. If the bucket was genuinely full, use some ice!
  3. Is the Water Supply Turned ON?
    • Action:ย Ensure the water supply valve to your refrigerator (usually located behind the fridge or under a nearby sink) is fully open. Sometimes these valves can be accidentally partially closed.
    • Fix:ย Open the valve completely.
  4. Is the Water Filter Clogged?
    • Action:ย A severely clogged water filter can restrict water flow to the ice maker, preventing it from making ice properly.
    • Fix:ย If your water filter is due for replacement (typically every 6 months, or if your control panel indicates it), replace it with a new, genuine Samsung filter. After replacing, flush several gallons of water through the dispenser to purge air.
  5. Is the Refrigerator/Freezer Temperature Correct?
    • Action:ย The ice maker relies on the freezer being cold enough (typically 0ยฐF / -18ยฐC or slightly below). If the freezer temperature is too high, the ice maker may not cycle.
    • Fix:ย Check and adjust the freezer temperature setting on your control panel. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize. If the freezer isn’t getting cold enough despite correct settings, you may have a cooling system problem (a separate issue).

If your refrigerator model is RF28HMEDBSR, please refer to the post ” Samsung RF28HMEDBSR ice maker not working” for some specific operations.

Intermediate Troubleshooting Steps (May Require Some Disassembly):

Step 1: SAFETY FIRST – UNPLUG THE REFRIGERATOR & TURN OFF WATER SUPPLY!

  • (Unless performing a live water valve test, keep power and water off for disassembly).

Step 2: Check the Water Fill Tube for Blockages (Not necessarily frozen solid, but perhaps a small ice plug at the tip)

  • Action:
    • Remove the ice bucket.
    • You may need to remove the ice maker assembly to see the fill tube where it enters the mold clearly (refer to the disassembly steps in Replacing the Entire Ice Maker Assembly).
    • Inspect the very tip of the fill tube. Is there a small plug of ice right at the opening?
  • Fix:
    • If there’s a small ice plug, use a hairdryer on itsย LOWEST/COOL settingย to gently thaw just the tip.
    • A common reason for a frozen tipย withoutย broader compartment freezing is a slight, almost imperceptible drip from the water inlet valve that freezes right at the cold opening.

Step 3: Test the Ice Maker’s Mechanical Cycle (Test Button)

  • Action:ย Many Samsung ice makers have a small test button or switch on the side or bottom of the unit.
    • With the ice maker installed and power ON (be cautious), press and hold this test button for a few seconds.
  • Expected Behavior:ย The ice maker should attempt to cycle. You might hear gears turning and the ejector arms moving. If water is available and the valve works, it should attempt to fill the mold with water at the end of the cycle.
  • Fix/Diagnosis:
    • If it cycles and fills,ย the problem might have been a temporary glitch or an issue with the ice level sensor. Monitor for new ice.
    • If it cycles but doesn’t fill:ย This points to a water supply issue (clogged filter, closed valve, faulty water inlet valve, or frozen fill line further up).
    • If it doesn’t cycle (no sounds, no movement):ย This could indicate a faulty ice maker motor, a problem with the control board, or no power to the ice maker.

Step 4: Check for Water Flow to the Inlet Valve (More Advanced)

  • Action (Requires CAUTION – Water ON briefly):
    • Access the water inlet valve at the back of the refrigerator.
    • Disconnect the small water line goingย fromย the valveย toย the ice maker.
    • Place the end of this line into a bucket.
    • Have someoneย brieflyย activate the ice maker’s fill cycle (e.g., using the test button, or if the fridge has a “dispense water” function for the ice maker fill, use that very carefully).
  • Expected Behavior:ย Water should flow strongly from the disconnected line when energizing the valve.
  • Fix/Diagnosis:
    • No water or very weak flow:ย The water inlet valve is likely faulty or not receiving the signal to open (could be a control board issue).
    • Good water flow:ย The valve is likely okay, and the issue might be a blockage in the lineย afterย the valve or within the ice maker itself.

Advanced Troubleshooting (Often Requires Professional Help):

  • Faulty Water Inlet Valve:ย It needs replacement if the valve doesn’t open to allow water flow when signaled or drips constantly (causing frozen fill tube tips).
  • Faulty Ice Maker Assembly:ย If the ice maker motor, internal sensors, or thermostat are incorrect and it doesn’t cycle or harvest ice, the entire assembly often needs to be replaced (see our “Method 10” for freezing issues, as the replacement process is similar).
  • Control Board Issues:ย In rare cases, the refrigerator’s main control board might not send the correct signals to the ice maker or water valve. This requires professional diagnosis.

Conclusion:
An ice maker that doesn’t produce ice (but isn’t frozen solid) can be caused by various factors, from simple settings to faulty components. By systematically checking these points, you can often identify the cause and get your ice production back on track. If you’ve gone through these steps and are still without ice, or if the problem involves replacing electrical components you’re uncomfortable with, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.

Page 1 of 1 Prev Next