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The GE ice maker is a convenient appliance to have in your home. It heaps up ice in the freezer, so you always have a stash for your favorite chilled food and drinks. But what do you do when your GE ice maker stops working?
GE ice maker not working can be due to the machine being off, a disconnected water line, poor installation, low water pressure, and high freezer temperature. To fix it, turn on the ice maker, reconnect the water line, re-install the unit, raise the water pressure, or lower the freezer temperature.
In this post, I’ll talk about some of the most common causes of GE ice makers not working and how to address them. I’ll also provide tips on keeping your ice maker running smoothly. So if you’re having trouble with your machine, read on.
1. The Ice Maker Is Off
One of the reasons your GE ice maker might not be working is because it’s turned off. This can seem to be a no-brainer, but it’s worth checking before you start troubleshooting for any other issues.
Other than the machine itself being off, here are a few factors that can cause your GE ice maker to turn off:
- The power switch is in the “off” position. The switch is usually located near the ice maker on the freezer wall.
- A household circuit breaker has tripped. That could be due to a power surge or other issues.
- The refrigerator/freezer is unplugged.
How To Fix?
If your ice maker is off due to any of the reasons I mentioned above, you have to turn it on for the machine to start working again.
Here’s how to do that:
- Ensure your unit is plugged into a working outlet.
- Flip the power switch (if there is one) to the “on” position.
- Reset any tripped circuit breakers.
Once you’ve taken care of those issues, your ice maker should be up and running again.
Read: How To Fix GE Ice Maker Leaking Water Into Bin?
2. The Water Line Is Disconnected
If there’s no water going into the ice maker, it can’t make ice. That means if your machine has stopped working, chances are there’s an issue with the water line or inlet valve.
For instance, if the water line is disconnected, your machine won’t get the water it needs to make ice. The same goes for a clogged inlet valve: If the valve is blocked, water can’t flow into the ice maker.
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How To Fix?
If you think the water line might be disconnected, follow these steps to reconnect it.
- Turn off the ice maker and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Locate the water line and check to see if it’s loose.
- If the line is open, reconnect it to the inlet valve.
- Turn on the ice maker and check to see if it’s working.
If the water line isn’t loose, the issue might be a clogged inlet valve.
To clean the valve, follow these steps:
- Turn off the ice maker and unplug it from the wall socket.
- Locate the inlet valve and disassemble it.
- Remove any debris that might be clogging the valve.
- Reassemble the valve and turn on the ice maker.
Caution: Always exercise caution when working with your ice maker’s components. If you’re not comfortable fixing the issue yourself, contact a qualified appliance repair technician for help. Otherwise, you risk further damaging your machine, hurting yourself, or voiding your warranty.
Read: Why GE Ice Maker Squealing? – Troubleshooting Guide
3. The Ice Maker Is Poorly Installed
If your ice maker was installed improperly, that could be why it’s not working properly. For example, if the water line isn’t properly connected, water won’t flow into the machine.
Also, an improperly installed ice maker can cause water leaks. If you’ve noticed water pooling around your freezer, that’s another sign you didn’t install the machine correctly.
How To Fix?
If you think your ice maker wasn’t installed correctly, the best thing to do is to contact the company that installed it and have them take a look. They’ll fix any issues and ensure that your machine is installed correctly. In addition, they might give you a tip or two on how to care for and maintain your ice maker properly.
Read: Why GE Refrigerator Leaks Water On Floor
4. The Water Pressure Is Low
If you’ve ever experienced a weak stream of water while taking a shower, you know how frustrating low water pressure can be. What you may not know is that low water pressure can also prevent your ice maker from working.
The ice maker needs a steady flow of water to function properly, and if the water pressure is too low, it won’t make ice.
Low water pressure can be caused by:
- A clogged
water filter . A dirty or clogged filter can also reduce water pressure. - A defective or clogged inlet valve. If the valve is blocked, water can’t flow into the ice maker.
- A problem with the municipal water supply. If the water pressure is low for everyone in your neighborhood, it’s probably an issue with the water company.
- A leak in the water line. A leak can cause water pressure to drop because it decreases the amount of water available.
Note: The water pressure must be at least 20 psi (138 kPa) for the ice maker to work properly.
How To Fix?
If you think low water pressure might be the issue, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:
- Clean or replace the
water filter . - Replace or clean the inlet valve.
- Check for leaks in the water line.
- If your municipal water supply is the problem, you’ll need to wait for the water company to fix it. In the meantime, you can use clean bottled water to make ice.
Tip: In addition to the fixes above, I recommend getting a pressure gauge to test your home’s water pressure. That way, you can be sure the pressure is high enough for the ice maker to work properly.
For starters, go with this Flow Doctor Water Pressure Gauge Kit from Amazon.com. It’s affordable, simple to use, and accurate. Besides, it’s versatile, so you can use it to test the water pressure of other appliances in your home like your shower or sprinkler.
Read: 3 Reasons Why Ice Maker Is Leaking Water On Floor
5. The Freezer Temperature Is Too High
If your freezer isn’t cold enough, that could be why your ice maker has stopped working. According to GE Appliances, the machine needs a steady supply of cold air to make ice, so it won’t do its job if the freezer temperature is too high.
There are a few factors that can cause the freezer temperature to rise, such as:
- A malfunctioning thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it won’t be able to regulate the freezer temperature properly.
- The door is left open too often. Every time you open the freezer door, cold air escapes, and warm air rushes in. That can cause the temperature to rise.
- The evaporator coils are dirty. The coils need to be clean for the freezer to work correctly.
How To Fix?
If you think the freezer temperature is too high, you can try the following:
- Ensure the freezer temperature is below 0° F (-18° C).
- Clean the evaporator coils.
- Check the thermostat and calibrate it if necessary.
- Make sure the freezer door is sealed correctly and doesn’t have any gaps.
Be sure to watch the following video for insights into how to ensure your ice maker operates at the correct temperature:
6. The Water Filter Is Clogged
If your ice maker uses a
Also, a dirty
How To Fix?
The best way to fix a clogged
Here are a few things to consider when buying a new
- Read the user manual to find out what type of filter you need.
- Make sure the new filter is compatible with your ice maker.
- Look for a filter with a high flow rate to reduce the risk of clogging.
- Be prepared to shell out more money for a better quality product.
7. The Ice Cubes Are Stuck in the Mold
Another factor that can prevent your ice maker from working is if the ice cubes are stuck in the mold. If the ejector rake is damaged, it can cause the ice cubes to get stuck.
When the ice cubes are stuck, the ice maker can’t eject them. As a result, no new ice is made. If your machine has stopped making ice, one possible reason is that the cubes are stuck in the mold.
How To Fix?
If your ice cubes are stuck in the mold, try the following:
- Turn off the ice maker and empty the ice bin.
- Replace the ejector rake.
- Clean the ice mold with a solution of vinegar and water.
- Make sure the ice maker is calibrated correctly.
Read: Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working? Here Is How To Fix It
Final Thoughts
There are a few reasons why your GE ice maker might not work. But thankfully, most of them are easy to fix with some troubleshooting.
If your ice maker has stopped working, don’t despair. Just follow the tips above, and you should get it up and running again in no time. If you’re still having trouble, you can always contact GE’s technical support team.
The GE ice maker is a convenient appliance to have in your home. It heaps up ice in the freezer, so you always have a stash for your favorite chilled food and drinks. But what do you do when your GE ice maker stops working?
GE ice maker not working can be due to the machine being off, a disconnected water line, poor installation, low water pressure, and high freezer temperature. To fix it, turn on the ice maker, reconnect the water line, re-install the unit, raise the water pressure, or lower the freezer temperature.
In this post, I’ll talk about some of the most common causes of GE ice makers not working and how to address them. I’ll also provide tips on keeping your ice maker running smoothly. So if you’re having trouble with your machine, read on.
