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Discover the top 11 reasons why your refrigerator is not cooling. Get expert tips and solutions from Sears Home Services.
1. Check the Water Supply Line
2. Shut Off Refrigerator Power
3. Prepare the Freezer Compartment
4. Prepare the Back of the Fridge
5. Install the Ice Maker Water Supply Line
6. Install the Ice Maker in the Freezer
7. Install the Ice Bucket
8. Install the Water Inlet Valve
9. Connect the Refrigerator Water Supply Line
10. Restore Electrical Power to the Fridge
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Install a Refrigerator Ice Maker Kit
Some refrigerators don’t have an ice maker but have an ice maker kit available that you can install later on (when you figure out it’s nice to have one).
Many Frigidaire and Kenmore top-freezer refrigerators use the ice maker kit IM116000 to add that component to the fridge later on.
This guide provides you with a video and details of how to install that ice maker kit.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Water Supply Line Setup: Before installing the ice maker kit, ensure a water supply line and valve are available behind the refrigerator. If not, a plumber may need to install these components.
- Freezer and Refrigerator Preparation: To install the ice maker, remove the freezer shelf, mounting hole plugs, and wire harness cover. Then, pull off the back cover of the fridge and prepare the water line for installation.
- Ice Maker Installation: Attach the ice maker in the freezer, connect the water supply line to the inlet valve, and restore the fridge’s electrical power. The ice maker should start producing ice within 24 hours.
Here’s the video that shows the steps to follow to install the ice maker kit.
1. Check the Water Supply Line
You’ll need to have a water supply connection and valve available behind the refrigerator. I you don’t already have that water supply available, contact a plumber to install the water supply and cut-off valve.
If you already have a water supply available behind your refrigerator, connect the water supply line going to the refrigerator. Place a bucket under the end of the water supply line and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to verify that you have proper water pressure and flow from the water supply line.
2. Shut Off Refrigerator Power
Safely store any food that could deteriorate while the refrigerator is off in an ice chest or second refrigerator.
Unplug the refrigerator power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Prepare the Freezer Compartment
Put on work gloves to protect your hands.
Remove the Freezer Shelf
- Remove the spacer in the freezer shelf.
- Push the shelf to the left to release the right side of the shelf from the holes.
- Pull the shelf out of the freezer.
Remove the Plastic Mounting Hole Plugs
Pry out the two plastic plugs from the freezer side wall using a putty knife.
Pull off the Wire Harness Cover
Release the locking tab using a flat-tip screwdriver.
Pull off the plastic cover over the wire harness connector and fill tube opening on the evaporator cover.
4. Prepare the Back of the Fridge
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.
Punch out the cutout for the water supply line in the rear compartment cover.
5. Install the Ice Maker Water Supply Line
Peel off the label over the ice maker water line opening on the upper right corner of the outside back panel of the refrigerator.
Pull the foam plug out of the water line opening.
Insert the water inlet tube into the cabinet hole and lock the water inlet tube into place.
Push the black tube seal onto the water tube threads.
Thread the water supply line nylon compression nut onto the threaded end of the water inlet tube.
Tighten the compression nut to finger tight and then tighten the nut another 1/2 turn using a wrench. Do not overtighten the compression nut.
6. Install the Ice Maker in the Freezer
Install the adjustable leveling bracket on the bottom of the ice maker. Leave the mounting screw loose; you’ll tighten it later.
Install the mounting screws into the side freezer wall leaving enough clearance to hang the ice maker bracket on the screws.
Plug in the ice maker wire harness.
Push the plastic wire harness cover over the plug and snap the cover into place.
Hang the ice maker on the mounting screws. Make sure the fill tube sits inside the fill cup.
Tighten the mounting screws.
Adjust the leveling bracket so the gap between the freezer wall and the ice maker is equal at the top and bottom of the ice maker.
Tighten the leveling bracket mounting screw when the ice maker is level.
7. Install the Ice Bucket
Reinstall the freezer shelf in the lower position.
Set the ice bucket on the shelf under the ice maker.
8. Install the Water Inlet Valve
Push the ice maker water supply line firmly into the outlet fitting on the inlet water valve until the water line hits the bottom. Tug the water line to make sure it's locked into the fitting.
Connect the wire harness to the inlet water valve.
Align the valve mounting bracket with the mounting holes and attach the valve using the mounting screws.
Install the water supply line clamps.
- Clean the mounting area for the plastic supply line clamps using rubbing alcohol or soapy water.
- Dry the areas thoroughly before installing the clamps.
- Install the plastic supply line clamps on the cabinet.
- Mount the plastic water tubing to the rear of the cabinet using the two plastic clamps.
9. Connect the Refrigerator Water Supply Line
Position the rear machine compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator and reinstall the mounting screws.
Remove the black rubber cap from the water supply line fitting.
Connect the water line onto the water inlet valve fitting and firmly tighten the compression nut.
Open the water supply cut-off valve.
If the fitting leaks, tighten the compression nut and check again.
10. Restore Electrical Power to the Fridge
Plug in the refrigerator power cord and push the fridge back into place.
Load the food back into the refrigerator and freezer.
The ice maker should begin making ice within 24 hours.
If you have a different type of ice maker kit, follow the instructions for the kit to install the icemaker.
If you need to have a Sears Home Services technician install the ice maker for you, schedule refrigerator repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my refrigerator doesn't have a water supply line?
If your refrigerator doesn't already have a water supply line, you'll need to contact a plumber to install one and a shut-off valve behind the fridge. Without a water supply, the ice maker won't function properly.
How can I ensure I have proper water flow to the refrigerator?
Before installing the ice maker, verify the water supply by briefly opening the cut-off valve and placing a bucket under the water line. This will help you check that the water flow and pressure are correct.
Do I need to turn off the refrigerator power during installation?
Yes, it is essential to turn off the refrigerator power to ensure safety while installing the ice maker kit. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet before starting the installation process.
How long will it take for the ice maker to start making ice?
After installation, the ice maker should start making ice within 24 hours. However, make sure the water supply and power are properly connected, and the fridge is in place for optimal performance.
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