Samsung Ice Maker Not Making Ice?

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AtoZ
May 3, 2021
Refrigerator Repair

Samsung makes a range of refrigerators, many that come with built-in ice makers. It is easy to get used to the convenience of on-demand ice, so when your ice maker stops working, you will want to get it operating again as soon as possible. In most cases, there is a simple fix, but if a little more maintenance is required, a read of this guide will take you through how to get your ice maker working again.

The following guide applies to the following Samsung models:

RF268ABBP

RF268ABBPXAA

RF268ABPN

RF268ABPNXAA

RF268ABRS

RF268ABRSXAA

RF268ABWP

RF268ABWPXAA

RFG298AABP

RFG298AABPXAA

RFG298AAPN

RFG298AAPNXAA

RFG298AARSXAA

RFG298AAWP

RFG298AAWPXAA

RS2630SHXAA

RS2630WWXAA

RS267LABP

RS267LASH

RS269LARS

RS2777SL

Simple Fixes

  • Most models have an on/off switch. Make sure yours is switched on. If your model has a display, check that the “ice on” icon is selected.
  • If your model has a mechanical arm on the ice maker, make sure it is down. Check that the arm is working, as sometimes the spring it uses can break.
  • If your model has a child lock feature, make sure it has not been enabled.
  • If your model features a rotating ice tray, a crack in the ice tray can stop the tray from rotating and emptying out ice. If cracked, it should be replaced.
  • Is your refrigerator level? It must be level for the ice maker to work.
  • Check that the water supply line is connected to the refrigerator.
  • Does the water filter need replacing? Water filters should be replaced every six months.

Reset the Ice Maker

Most ice maker models have a reset button that may solve the ice issue. Models with a display panel can be reset by consulting your manual for the reset instructions. Other models may have a “test” button or a place to insert a pin to reset the ice maker. On most models, the button should be held down for ten seconds to reset. Do not press the reset button repeatedly, as it can cause damage to the ice maker or water to overflow.

Does It Need Defrosting?

Too much ice buildup or a frozen water supply line can cause the ice maker not to work. If your model has a defrost function, activate the function.

A blow dryer can be used to defrost ice, but make sure to set it to a low heat and be careful not to melt any of the ice maker components. Also, beware of electrocution from using the blow dryer if there is any spilled water around the refrigerator. A frozen water line tool can also be purchased to clear a frozen water line without risking damage from the heat of the blow dryer.

Freezer Temperature / Cooling System

For your Samsung ice maker to work properly, the freezer temperature should be between zero and five degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 degrees Celsius). Check that the temperature is set correctly.

If you find the temperature is too high, there is likely a problem with the cooling system. The most common issue is that the refrigerator’s condenser coils have become clogged with dust and dirt. If the condenser coils, located underneath the refrigerator or behind the rear access panel, are clear of debris, troubleshoot other refrigerator cooling system issues.

Water Inlet Valve & Water Pressure

Ice makers require water, which is controlled by the water inlet valve. If your water inlet valve is defective or not getting enough pressure, you will have problems with your ice maker. The water inlet valve can become defective if the valve becomes blocked with mineral deposits, which stop the part from opening. An unusual hum coming from the refrigerator when the ice maker should be filling up with water indicates a blocked valve. If the valve is blocked, it is recommended that the valve be replaced.

It is also possible for the valve to fail electrically. The valve can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it needs replacing.

The water inlet valve requires at least 20 pounds of water pressure per square inch to operate properly. The water supply line can be removed from the back of the refrigerator and the pressure checked. Kinks in the supply water line may also restrict the water supply to the ice maker.

To Check the Water Inlet Valve:

  1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
  3. Carefully move the refrigerator so that you can access the rear access panel.
  4. Put a cloth down to catch any dripping water.
  5. Take off the rear access panel by removing the screws. On some models, you may need to unscrew the water supply line to remove the back access panel.
  6. Check that the water supply lines are not blocked with ice. A blockage indicates a water inlet valve leak, meaning the valve should be replaced.
  7. Unscrew the water inlet valve support.
  8. Use a wrench to loosen the nut; then pull the water supply line off the water inlet valve (usually copper or clear).
  9. Use a wrench to loosen the nut connecting the ice maker water supply line to the inlet valve.
  10. Pull the ice maker water supply line off the water inlet valve (usually blue).
  11. Disconnect the wiring harness from the water inlet valve.
  12. Test the water inlet valve for continuity with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, the valve is defective and must be replaced.
  13. Check the water pressure by holding the water supply line over a bucket and turning the water supply on. There should be a steady and strong flow of water. If not, you will need to increase the water pressure to get the ice maker working again.

Electrical Faults

A fault with any of these Samsung ice maker components can cause the ice maker to stop working properly. Before replacing these parts, check the more common solutions above.

Refrigerator Door Switch

A fault with the refrigerator door switch will not allow the ice maker to operate. The door switch can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it needs replacing.

Ice Tray Thermostat

If there is a fault with the ice tray thermostat, the ice maker will not know when water is required or when ice should be emptied from the ice tray. If you suspect the ice tray thermostat, test it with a multimeter for continuity. If defective, on most models the ice tray thermostat can be removed and replaced.

Ice Level Control Board

Some Samsung refrigerators have an ice level control board that operates an infrared beam that signals the ice maker to stop making ice when the ice bucket reaches a certain level. If there is a fault with the ice level control board, the ice maker will stop making ice. On most models, the ice level control board can be removed and replaced.

Ice Maker Switch

Occasionally, the switch to turn the ice maker on can become defective. If the ice maker switch seems defective, test it for continuity with a multimeter to determine if it needs to be replaced.

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