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Why is my Samsung freezer not making ice?
Key takeaways:
Samsung is one of the most well-known appliance and technology brands, and their innovative refrigerators are one of their most popular offerings among homeowners. If you’re one of those homeowners, you might know that, as coveted as these fridges are, they can have technical issues much like any other brand.
According to an article from USA Today, Samsung refrigerators are among the appliances consumers most often report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Although service issues vary, one of the most common is icemaker malfunctions. Data from Consumer Reports highlights this problem. Consumers indicate a 34% problem rate of no water or ice coming from the dispenser.
Common causes of Samsung icemaker issues
Why is my Samsung fridge not making ice? As we’ve mentioned, it’s a common question — and there are various answers. Different problems might cause a Samsung fridge to stop making ice, such as:
Water filter problems
Icemakers rely on a water supply line that runs from the refrigerator to a water filter. Over time, sediment builds up in water filters, limiting the flow of water to the icemaker. If your ice suddenly tastes unusual, it may be because of contaminants. This is often a sign your water filter needs replacement.
According to Home Depot, it’s recommended that you replace your water filter every six months to a year. This prevents the water filter from getting clogged and potentially preventing your Samsung icemaker from working.
Freezer temperature settings
If the icemaker isn’t making as much ice — or no ice at all — the problem could be the freezer temperature. The ideal temperature is between 0° and 5° Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures might mean less ice than usual or no ice.
Freezer temperatures rise because of a problem with the fridge’s cooling system. Several issues might cause a Samsung refrigerator to stop cooling, such as dirty condenser coils, damaged door seals, frosty evaporator coils, malfunctioning evaporator fans or compressor issues.
If the freezer is set to 0°F and ice production is still low, consider dropping the temperature to -1°F. However, beware of dropping the temperature significantly lower. When freezer thermostats are too low, the icemaker module might not detect that ice cubes are frozen. This causes the icemaker to not cycle. Additionally, the water supply line might freeze, preventing water from reaching the icemaker.
Even if you’ve adjusted the temperature settings, your Samsung freezer might still not freeze. In this case, the problem could be with a component like the evaporator fan or compressor.
Faulty water inlet valve
The water inlet valve enables water to flow to the icemaker. A faulty inlet valve might be due to an electrical or mechanical issue. Mineral deposits might accumulate, preventing the valve from opening and leading to mechanical failure. In this case, replacement with a new valve is necessary.
Evaluating an electrical issue is a little more involved. You’ll need a multimeter to test the valve’s coils for electrical continuity. A negative result will indicate you need a new inlet valve.
Blocked or frozen lines
Clogged or frozen water supply lines typically have to do with another issue, like low water pressure, a faulty inlet valve or freezer temperature. An icemaker cycling but not producing ice often suggests frozen lines. An easy fix is to use a hair dryer to thaw out the ice. However, if the problem is reoccurring, further investigation is necessary.
Mechanical failures
Sometimes the issue is with the icemaker itself. A component, such as the motor, might be damaged and cause failure. In this situation, replacement of the entire icemaker is often required, since individual icemaker parts usually aren’t available separately.
Incorrect leveling of refrigerator
Is your fridge level with the ground? It might not seem like a big deal, but an unlevel fridge can cause leaks or cooling issues, which might contribute to icemaker malfunctions.
Sensor problem
Icemaker sensors monitor ice levels. Clogged or dirty sensors can stop ice production. Use warm soapy water to clean dirty sensors. Also, ensure the ice scoop isn’t blocking the sensor.
As you can see, the reasons your Samsung fridge stopped making ice vary — with some being easier to solve than others. With some problems, you’ll want to call a professional technician for repair or replacement needs.
Steps for diagnosing and fixing icemaker problems
The research shows — Americans love their icemakers. A study from Bosch found that over half of Americans consume up to 116 glasses of ice a month. This equals about 36 pounds a month and over 400 pounds of ice per year. It’s an understatement to say that a malfunctioning icemaker is inconvenient. When your Samsung icemaker isn’t working, you want to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Follow these suggestions to diagnose and fix your refrigerator/freezer icemaker problems:
Make sure the icemaker is turned on
It may seem silly, but it’s more common than you realize. The icemakers in some Samsung fridges have on-off switches. When packing groceries into your freezer or cleaning it, you might have accidentally switched the icemaker off.
Listen for strange noises
A malfunctioning icemaker isn’t just inconvenient because it stops working. Often, icemakers become noisy when something is wrong. Humming and other unusual noises might indicate a mechanical issue.
Examine icemaker assembly
Although its purpose is to make ice, this might also be what prevents the icemaker from working. Is the ice bucket frozen or jammed? Is a buildup of ice blocking the dispenser? Inspecting the assembly can help you identify the issue.
Test the waterline
You can determine if it’s a waterline issue by checking the water dispenser. Dispense water into a measuring cup for 10 seconds. You should get six ounces of water. If it’s less, you have low water pressure. If so, you need to increase the water pressure. This can’t be done from the fridge; you’ll need to open the valve on the water line connected to your fridge.
You can still complete this test directly from the waterline if you don’t have a water dispenser — just ensure you have a bucket and towels for collecting water. You can also test the water filter this way. If the problem is resolved, you know your water filter was clogged and needs to be replaced.
Test the refrigerator auger blade
Fridges with icemakers have auger blades that connect the motor to the auger to push ice through the dispenser. Try moving the blade with your hand. If it moves, the problem is likely power. Use a multimeter to test and ensure the auger blade is receiving power.
Preventive measures and maintenance
Like any appliance, icemakers are susceptible to wear and tear. However, repairs and replacements take time and can keep you from the convenience of cold, refreshing beverages you’ve come to expect. Regular maintenance can help prevent icemaker issues. Some tips include:
- Regularly replace water filters: Make sure you replace water filters periodically – usually every six months to one year – to prevent clogs. This will ensure a consistent flow of clean water to your icemaker.
- Maintain optimal freezer temperatures: Monitor freezer temperature levels, ensuring the temperature is around 0°F. Temperatures either too high or too low can impede ice production.
- Schedule regular inspections and cleaning: Developing a schedule for inspecting various fridge components, such as water lines and filters, plus the mechanical parts of the icemaker, can ensure you stay on top of maintenance needs.
- Confirm proper leveling: As mentioned, an unlevel refrigerator can create further problems, including icemaker issues. To check, place a level on top of the refrigerator and check the front, back and sides. Fridge doors should close when you let go. Otherwise, the fridge isn’t level
My Samsung refrigerator does not make ice, but water works. What’s the problem?
When a Samsung refrigerator isn’t making ice, the underlying problem might affect the entire appliance. In other cases, the fridge and freezer work, and even the water dispenser still works, but the icemaker won’t produce ice.
Many of the causes outlined above — damaged water filter, faulty inlet valve, frozen lines — might be the issue in these cases. As noted, the problem can be as simple as the icemaker being jammed or the switch turned off.
Does Samsung offer warranties on icemakers?
Ultimately, problems with your refrigerator may occur. Even homeowners who take the best care of their appliances might need repairs or replacements from time to time. That’s why warranties are important. They provide peace of mind that should your fridge experience failures, you’re covered under certain conditions. But, are fridge icemakers covered by home warranties?
Let’s look at Samsung refrigerator warranties. As with all Samsung products, warranties differ depending on the model. In general, however, your Samsung refrigerator warranty will typically include:
- One year of parts and labor coverage
- Five years of parts and labor coverage on sealed systems
- 10 years of parts coverage for digital inverter compressors
You also have the choice of Samsung Care+, an add-on that offers extended warranty coverage and more services.
How a home warranty plan can help
Although brands like Samsung tend to offer warranties on their appliances, these might not cover every situation. It helps to have additional peace of mind with a home warranty* plan. You can find home protection plans that cover repairs and replacement of fridge components like icemakers.
For example, Cinch Home Services offers several types of home protection plans so you can find one that meets your needs and budget. We have an Appliances Plan that covers 12 major home appliances, as well as a Complete Home Plan, which covers 25+ appliances and system components.*
When you invest in a home protection plan, you have assurance if your Samsung refrigerator isn’t making ice, or you experience another issue with a covered appliance. Contact Cinch Home Services today for more refrigerator maintenance tips or to get an instant quote.
*The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
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