Kenmore Elite refrigerator won't make ice
Common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator won’t make ice
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator won't make ice are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.
43% of the time it's the
Compressor
33% of the time it's the
Water Filter
5% of the time it's the
Dispenser
19% of the time it's the
Something else
Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite refrigerator
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Water Filter Replacement
Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the ice maker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.
Dispenser Replacement
When a refrigerator dispenser malfunctions, it can lead to various issues including the dispenser's failure to dispense water or ice, regardless of user input. This malfunction may stem from problems with the dispenser water supply, dispenser controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. There may be slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or even complete non-functionality. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to pool around the dispenser area or even inside the refrigerator. For a thorough diagnosis and resolution of these issues, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional address the situation.
What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite refrigerator won't make ice issue
How is the won't make ice problem fixed?
Correcting most won't make ice problems usually involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that won't make ice
When the refrigerator won't make ice it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator won’t make ice diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Troubleshooting a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Not Making Ice
Several problems can be in play with a Kenmore Elite refrigerator not making ice.
The ice maker could be jammed or broken, a dirty water filter or kinked water line could be blocking water flow or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty.
Check the ice maker for jammed cubes and clear any ice buildup that you find. Replace the ice maker assembly if it doesn't cycle when activated. Schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician replace the ice maker when your Kenmore Elite refrigerator is not making ice.
Replace the water inlet valve if it's clogged or won't fill the ice maker when activated. Replace any damaged or clogged water system tubing.
No ice in the ice maker also could mean that your refrigerator’s freezer isn't cooling properly. The ice maker in your Kenmore Elite fridge won't cycle if the freezer is warmer than 5 degrees F. Measure the freezer temperature and take this steps to fix the cooling problem in the freezer if temperature is above 5 degrees.
- Check the freezer temperature setting and adjust the temperature to 0 degrees if necessary.
- Check the refrigerator and freezer door gaskets. Loose, cracked or damaged door gaskets could allow warm air to enter the fridge and cause the warm conditions in the freezer. Adjust, repair or replace the door gaskets if necessary.
- Check the dispenser ice chute door for an ice cube or ice chips blocking the door from closing. Clear obstructions from the ice door to prevent warm air from entering the freezer and inhibiting ice production.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help you fix the problem with your Kenmore Elite refrigerator not making ice, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services fix the ice production problem.
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Glossary Terms
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.
CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.
Additional possible Kenmore Elite refrigerator symptoms you may experience
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator water dispenser not working
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator stopped working
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator not working
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator not cooling
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator light not working
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaks water
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaking water
- Kenmore Elite refrigerator ice maker not working