Freestanding Ice Maker: Why won't my freestanding ice maker run?

If the ice maker has no power at all, there could be problems with the electrical outlet or circuit breaker. First, check the electrical outlet by plugging a small appliance into the outlet to see if it has power. If not, reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet. If it still doesn't have power, have an electrician repair the outlet. If the electrical outlet is okay, unplug the ice maker and check the power cord for damage. Replace the power cord if it's damaged.

If the ice maker will not run even though it has electrical power (the control panel powers up but the compressor and fans won't run), there could be a problem with the electronic control board, ice bin thermistor, evaporator thermistor or internal ice maker wiring.

A power surge through the electrical lines may have disabled the electronic control board. Try resetting the electronic control board by unplugging the ice maker for one minute and then restoring power. If the ice maker doesn't run after restoring electrical power, you may need to replace the electronic control board.

A failed ice bin thermistor can also prevent the ice maker from running. Unplug the ice maker and check the wiring connections on the thermistor. Reconnect loose wires or repair broken wires. If the wires are okay, check the resistance of the ice bin thermistor using a multimeter and replace the thermistor if you don't measure correct resistance. Refer to your ice maker's tech sheet for the ice bin thermistor's resistance specifications. The tech sheet is often located inside the control panel or on the back of the ice maker.

A failed evaporator thermistor can also prevent the ice maker from running. Disconnect electrical power to the ice maker and check the wiring connections for the evaporator thermistor. Reconnect any loose wires or repair any broken wires. Check the resistance of the evaporator thermistor using a multimeter and replace the evaporator thermistor if you don't measure the correct resistance. Refer to the ice maker's tech sheet for the evaporator thermistor's resistance specifications.

Some ice makers flash an error code on the control panel when the electronic control board detects a problem such as a failed thermistor. Most ice makers won't operate when an error code flashes on the display. Refer to the tech sheet for your ice maker to determine the cause of the error code when the control flashes control lights in a repeating pattern or displays a code on the digital display. Correct the cause of the error code and the ice maker should start working again.