• Ice makers are fairly simple machines, but many things can and do go wrong with them. Luckily, the simplest and most common repairs are doable by anyone, so there is no need to call an expensive handyman until you have checked out the basics. The most important part of ice maker repair is to unplug the unit before you start. Not doing so can result in a nasty shock that can put you in the hospital or even kill you.
  
  

Check the 'Arm'

• Check the ice maker's arm located directly over the ice bin. This arm raises each time ice is dumped in, and lowers after the ice falls. The more ice is in the bin the higher the arm is raised until the bin is full and the arm can no longer move downward. At that point the ice maker stops making ice. Check to see that the arm is not locked into its upright position, or that is is raised for another reason such as ice accumulation.
  
  

Check the Temperature

• Your freezer needs to be at about five degrees Fahrenheit to make ice. Make sure that you have the temperature dial at least that low. To test the temperature and get an accurate reading, put a cup of olive or vegetable oil (used because it will not freeze) in the freezer for two hours and then use a thermometer to check its temperature. If it isn't fivedegrees you have a faulty temperature dial. Adjust it downward.
  
  

Check the Water Supply Valve

• If you don't have enough water flowing into the ice maker, it will not make ice. Locate your supply valve, likely behind the unit, and check to be sure it is entirely open. The valve functions, and looks, much like an outside spigot to which you attach a hose.
  
  

Check the Ice Maker Fill Tube

• If the fill tube in the ice maker itself becomes clogged with ice the unit will shut itself off. Locate the fill tube which is right above the cube tray. Use a hair dryer to unclog the tube. If the tube becomes clogged with ice again your dispenser valve is likely not closing between fills and water is dripping into the tube. You will need to replace the valve. To do this, first turn off the water, then remove the sheet metal backing of the unit by taking out any screws. Pull out the inlet hose and remove the dispenser valve to which the hose was attached. Put in a new valve, reattach the hose and backing, turn the water back on and your problems should be over.
  
  The ice maker fill tube may be blocked with ice. If so, melt the blockage using a hair dryer-but be careful to not melt any plastic parts! Also replace the water shut-off valve or water-inlet valve, or both, if necessary.