How To Fix A GE Icemaker That Stopped Making Ice Cubes
The ice maker hums along in its nook, tucked away in the main compartment of the hardworking refrigerator, pushing out perfectly formed, fresh and great tasting ice cubes day after day. And then one day it doesn't. That's the day you notice the small machine within the hulking appliance in the kitchen or work space and miss its consistent production of frozen cubes. Whether the ice maker's problem is with the filter or a kinked water line, getting the GE ice maker back in working order can be a surprisingly simple process.
Tip
Common problems with ice makers tend to be with the machine's levers and mechanical parts, which can be easily addressed.
GE Refrigerator Ice Maker Mechanics
The ice machine may be simple, but it does quite a lot inside the refrigerator door compartment. An ice machine collects water from the main water system of the refrigerator and pours it over the small tray. Gradually the water freezes and the GE refrigerator ice maker stores the ice until ready for use.
Sensor arms are in place to make sure that the machine doesn't make too much ice and cause a bigger problem. When an ice maker fails to offer up its bounty of cold cubes, it can more than likely be an easy fix. Before chucking the entire ice making apparatus, take a minute to address the machine itself rather than the fridge or the electrical connections.
Power Switch and Sensors
If the ice maker is switched to the off position, press and hold the ice off or lock button for 3 seconds. This powers down the GE refrigerator ice maker if it is on. Press and hold the button a second time to re-activate the ice maker and wait for the sound of ice falling into the tray.
If the sensitive GE ice maker feeler arm is stuck, it can stop ice production. This sensor above the ice cube bin is a thin, bent piece of metal that is put in place to stop ice production when it gets too high in the basin. This can inadvertently get pushed up before the ice basin has had a chance to fill. Simply push the GE ice maker sensor arm down so that the machine will continue making ice.
Water Filters and Lines
Common problems tend to be with the water lines that lead to the machine or a water filter that has sat entirely too long in its little nook inside the refrigerator. If the ice maker is not getting water at the right temperature or flow, or not receiving water at all, then it won't make ice cubes worth using.
Follow the water line from the fridge to the ice maker. Unkink any kinks and look for any blockage. Switch out lines that are blocked by hardened ice. If the water line is blocked with ice, try using a hair dryer to melt the ice and check that the freezer is at the proper temperature.
When the water filter is clogged with hard water deposits or has broken down with age, then it can have a negative impact on the GE ice maker, according to Repair Clinic. The water filter helps to create ice cubes that have a good taste. It also allows water to flow freely to the ice maker so that it can fill up the cube trays at regular intervals.