April 20, 2023

Freestanding Ice Maker: Why is my ice maker making noise?

A failing compressor, bad condenser fan motor or faulty drain pump can cause loud noise from the ice maker. If the compressor is making a loud noise, a service technician should repair the ice maker because a compressor repair involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant, which is tightly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If the condenser fan motor is making noise, unplug the ice maker and replace the condenser fan. If the drain pump is noisy, unplug the ice maker and clear any debris you find in the drain pump. If the drain pump is clear, then you'll likely need to replace the pump because the motor is failing.

The recirculation pump can be noisy if water level in the reservoir is low. A problem with the water supply or a failed inlet water valve can cause this problem. If water level in the reservoir is low, check the water supply. Unplug the ice maker and shut off the water supply cut-off valve. Disconnect the water supply line from the ice maker and place the end of the water supply line in a container. Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve and check for water flow from the end of the water supply line. If no water flows through the end of the supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the ice maker. If water does flow through the supply line, you'll likely need to replace the water inlet valve because it's not opening to allow water to flow into the reservoir.

If the recirculation pump is noisy and the reservoir is full, you'll likely need to replace the recirculation pump because its motor is failing or its impeller is damaged.

freestanding ice maker

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR FREESTANDING ICE MAKER PROBLEM

JC-IM-Replace-the-ice-maker-recirculation-pump

Replace the ice maker recirculation pump

The recirculation pump is in the water reservoir. The recirculation pump distributes water over the evaporator plate to form the ice slab. If the recirculation pump is getting the proper voltage but isn't running or pumping water, replace the recirculation pump.

Ice maker recirculation pump

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RG-IM-Replace-Freestanding-Ice-Maker-Recirculation-Pump-Intro-Image
July 20, 2013

How to replace a freestanding ice maker recirculation pump

If your freestanding ice maker won't make ice, the recirculation pump might by to blame. This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace an ice maker recirculation pump.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-IM-Replace-the-ice-maker-water-inlet-valve

Replace the ice maker water inlet valve

The water inlet valve is behind the lower front grill of the ice maker. The water inlet valve opens to fill the water reservoir when the ice maker first starts and to replace water the freezes on the evaporator plate. If the valve doesn't open or gets clogged with debris, replace the water inlet valve. Also replace the water inlet valve if it fails to shut properly.

Ice maker water inlet valve

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JC-IM-Replace-the-ice-maker-drain-pump

Replace the ice maker drain pump

The drain pump removes water from of the reservoir as needed during the ice production process. The drain pump also removes water from ice that's slowly melting ice in the ice bin. If the drain doesn't run when energized or fails to pump water when running, replace it.

Ice maker drain pump

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JC-IM-Replace-the-ice-maker-condenser-fan-motor

Replace the ice maker condenser fan motor

The condenser fan pulls air through the condenser coil to condense the refrigerant to a liquid during the refrigeration cycle. If the condenser fan doesn't run when energized, replace the condenser fan motor.

Ice maker condenser fan motor

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Most common symptoms to help you fix your freestanding ice makers

Choose a symptom to see related ice maker repairs.

Main causes: failing compressor, bad condenser fan motor, faulty drain pump, bad recirculation pump, water supply proble…

Main causes: dirty evaporator plate, untreated water supply, food items being stored in ice storage bin…

Main causes: wiring failure, broken cutting grid, faulty electronic control board…

Main causes: bad electronic control board, water supply problems, faulty recirculation pump, sealed system failure, brok…

Main causes: cracked water supply line, leaky drain line, broken drain pump, cracked water reservoir, leaky ice bin…

Main causes: bad bin thermistor, condenser fan failure, faulty control board…

Main causes: water supply problems, control board failure, weak recirculation pump, clogged water distributer, faulty cu…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, faulty bin thermistor, bad eva…

Most common repair guides to help fix your freestanding ice makers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your ice maker.

How to replace a freestanding ice maker recirculation pump

How to replace a freestanding ice maker recirculation pump

If your ice maker isn’t making ice, the pump could be the problem. Here’s how to replace it. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a freestanding ice maker electronic control board

How to replace a freestanding ice maker electronic control board

When the electronic control board won’t activate the ice maker components, follow these steps to install a new one.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a freestanding ice maker cutter grid

How to replace a freestanding ice maker cutter grid

When the cutting grid is broken, ice cubes don’t drop into the ice bin. Use the steps in this repair guide to replace a…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your freestanding ice makers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your ice maker.

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Freestanding ice maker troubleshooting

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