Sears Home Services
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyHome ImprovementClean & MaintainShop Parts
Resource
RepairHome WarrantyHome ImprovementClean & MaintainShop PartsResource CenterGlossary
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore Elite
  3. Refrigerator will not make ice

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%

    43% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Water Filter

  • 5%

    5% of the time it's the
    Dispenser

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Schedule your refrigerator repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 250,000 Kenmore Elite refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

    Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.

    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.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Jake is a great person.

    He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.


    Nancy V, Meridian, ID

    Great job

    Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.


    Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ

    Service appointment

    Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again


    Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY

    Repair Refrigerator Resources

    Read about 10 cool innovations of the refrigerators of today.

    Discover the latest innovations in refrigeration technology that are transforming the way we store food.

    8 min readJun. 17Refrigerator
    Homeowner hearing strange noises from the refrigerator

    If you’ve been hearing loud and/or strange noises coming from your fridge, it may be a sign that your appliance needs some attention or even professional repair.

    8 min readJun. 13Refrigerator
    Image of homeowner discovering that her fridge won't cool.

    Get expert tips on troubleshooting a refrigerator that won't cool. Fix your cooling problems with help from Sears Home Services.

    6 min readMay. 21Refrigerator
    Samsung Refrigerator Repair Advice

    Samsung refrigerators are renowned for their reliability, but even the most dependable appliances can encounter issues over time.

    7 min readMay. 10Refrigerator

    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