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Components of a typical icemaker unit for a refrigerator freezer. (click to enlarge)
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An icemaker is a small appliance that fits inside a refrigerator's freezer and makes ice cubes. The water flows through a tube to an inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator. When water is needed, the valve lets the water flow into an ice cube mold, where it freezes. When a thermostat senses that the ice is cold enough, a heater melts the ice surface so that ejector blades can push the cubes into a bin. The cycle repeats until a shutoff arm stops it when the bin is full.
Disassemble an icemaker:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the icemaker's front cover by unscrewing or prying it off as needed (refer to the owner's manual for specifics).
- Remove the ice bin, shelves, and vertical partition.
- Remove remaining screws, disconnect the icemaker wires from the harness connector or socket, and remove the unit from the freezer.
- Remove the back access panel (see Fixing a Refrigerator) and any fasteners that hold the inlet valve to the refrigerator.
Service the water inlet valve:
- Turn off the water supply at the saddle valve on the pipe.
- Disconnect the inlet valve from the refrigerator (see above).
- Unscrew the tubes from the valve, letting excess water drain into a bowl.
- Unplug the wires from the valve.
- Use a multimeter on RX10 (resistance times 10) to probe both terminals on the valve solenoid. An infinite reading means the valve solenoid is bad; a reading of 1,000 ohms or less means it is probably good.
- Remove the plate and filter screen from the water inlet. Wash a clogged screen with a toothbrush under running water. Replace the screen if it is rusted or damaged.
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