How to Fix a GE Ice Maker Not Working (Quick Fixes)

It can be disappointing when the ice maker stops working as it’s one of those luxuries that people often pay a little extra for when purchasing a GE refrigerator. Plus, on really hot days when you want ice, the hassle and inconvenience of having to either make your own or go out and buy a bag can be frustrating. 

The good news, however, is that the cause of a GE ice maker not working isn’t usually too serious, and you can often fix it yourself without having to replace the entire ice maker assembly or call in an expert. This article will help you with that, explaining the common causes of a GE ice maker not working and providing simple step-by-step instructions for resolving the issue.

Is Your Ice Maker Producing Ice or Not?

When it comes to a GE ice maker not working, there are two potential scenarios. One is that it’s producing ice but failing to dispense it. Two, is that it’s not producing any ice.

This is the first thing you want to check as it will help you narrow down the potential cause of the issue. To do so, simply open the freezer door and inspect the ice bin of your ice maker to see if any ice is present.

If Your Ice Maker Is Producing Ice

If ice cubes are present and they appear normal-sized, your ice maker is producing ice. This means the issue is with them not being dispensed, which is likely caused by one of the following:

The Ice Cubes Are Clumped Together

Sometimes, the ice cubes in the ice tray can stick together forming large solid blocks of ice that the ice maker is unable to break up and dispense. This often occurs when there’s been a power outage or fluctuations in the freezer’s temperature, which allows the ice cubes to partially melt and then refreeze together as a clump.

To resolve this issue, try discarding the large clumps of ice by emptying the bin and allowing the ice maker to start again. To prevent this problem from occurring again, you can:

• Keep the freezer compartment well stocked with food items to help prevent temperature fluctuations.
• Use the ice maker at least three times a week as regular use can prevent clumping.
• Check the ice bin occasionally and break apart any clumps you find. 

Ice Cubes Are Blocking the Ice Chute

The ice chute is where ice cubes are dispensed out of the refrigerator and directed into your glass or container. Sometimes, the ice chute can get clogged with ice cubes, maybe because they came out at a funny angle and got lodged, because the ice is clumpy, or because moisture or frost build-up along the chute.

To resolve this issue, you can:

• Wiggle any loose ice cubes free with your fingers or a plastic utensil.
• Use a hair dryer on the lowest setting or a clothes steamer to melt and clear the blockage.
• Dry the chute thoroughly before using it again. 

The Auger Motor Is Frozen

The auger motor powers the auger in the ice bin, which moves the ice cubes forward for dispensing. Sometimes, the auger motor can freeze, especially if the ice maker is rarely used. This stops it from functioning and prevents ice from dispensing.

To fix this issue, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the ice bin.
3. Remove any food and store it in a cooler or another place where it will not melt or spoil.
4. Leave the freezer door open for a few hours, giving the motor time to thaw.

If Your Ice Maker Isn’t Producing Ice

If ice cubes aren’t present in the tray or they appear smaller in size and quantity than they should, your ice maker issue is likely caused by one of the following: 

The Freezer Compartment Is Too Warm

In many refrigerators, the ice maker will automatically halt ice production if the freezer temperature goes above 10°F (-12°C). You can check this by placing a thermometer inside the freezer. If you find the temperature is too high, several things could possibly be causing this:

• Your freezer isn’t set to the correct temperature of 0°F (-18°C).
• The door gasket isn’t sealing properly because it’s damaged or dirty.
• The condenser coils are dirty.
• The freezer door is being opened too frequently or left open.
• The air vents in the freezer are blocked by food items or ice, preventing the circulation of cold air.

The Water Filter Needs Replacing

The water filter on your GE fridge can become clogged eventually. That’s why it’s recommended to change it every 6 months or less. A clogged filter will reduce how much water is sent to your ice maker, disrupting production.

Sometimes this can result in smaller, discolored, or foul-tasting ice cubes—or no ice at all. To remedy this problem, simply replace the old water filter with a new compatible one. 

The Ice Maker Is Switched Off or the Shut-Off Arm Is Stuck

You can turn most GE ice makers on and off manually either by using the control panel interface or a switch on the ice maker itself. It’s easy for someone to accidentally switch off the ice maker without realizing it, so it’s worth checking if this is the case.

Likewise, most GE ice makers have a shut-off arm, which cuts off ice production when the ice bin is full to prevent overfilling. Sometimes, this arm can get stuck in the off position, possibly due to ice or another object blocking it or because it’s damaged. So, check this hasn’t happened to your ice maker. 

There’s a Water Supply Issue

Without water, the ice maker can’t produce ice. The two most common causes of a water supply issue include a kink or freezing in the water supply line and the water supply valve not being fully open.

To check these, pull your appliance away from the wall so you can inspect behind it. You’ll find the water supply line, which should be connected to the refrigerator at one end and the water supply valve at the other. 

Inspect the whole length of the water supply line for kinks or freezing, and check the connections on each end for leaks or damage. Also, check the water supply line that goes from the refrigerator to the ice maker for the same issues.

Finally, check the water inlet valve to ensure it’s fully open; if it’s off or half open, it will prevent the ice maker from working properly.