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As a long-time GE refrigerator owner, I’ve had my fair share of ice maker troubles over the years. There’s nothing more frustrating than opening the freezer to find your ice maker isn’t producing ice or worse, it’s leaking water all over. When these issues pop up, your first reaction may be to call a repair person. But before whipping out your wallet, there are several DIY troubleshooting steps you can take to get your ice maker working again.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common GE ice maker problems and provide actionable solutions you can implement yourself to save time and money. I’ll also share some maintenance tips to keep your ice maker running smoothly for years to come. Whether your ice maker is failing to make ice, dispense ice, or turns on at all, read on for troubleshooting advice that could get your ice flow back on track.

Why Is My GE Ice Maker Not Working?

There are a number of reasons why your GE ice maker may stop functioning properly. Here are some of the most common issues to look out for:

Ice Maker Not Making Any Ice

If your ice maker isn’t producing any ice whatsoever, there are several parts that could be causing the problem:

Ice Maker Not Dispensing Ice

If the ice maker is making ice but not dispensing it, the issue could be:

Clogged Dispenser Chute – Ice cubes or shards may be blocking the chute, preventing ice from exiting.
Faulty Dispenser Motor – This motor powers the dispensing paddle that pushes ice through the chute. If defective, no ice can dispense.
Dispenser Switch – This switch activates the dispenser when pressed. Broken switches prevent dispensing.
Ice Cube Jam – Ice cubes stuck in the ejector arm or mold can clog the dispensing system.

Ice Maker Leaking Water

Some common reasons for an ice maker water leak include:

Cracked Water Line – The plastic tubing supplying the unit could have cracked, causing drips and leaks.
Fill Tube Blockage – Obstructions in this tube can cause water to overflow the mold and leak.
Overfilling – Malfunctions like defective water inlet valves can lead to overfilling and leaks.
Drainage Issues – Clogs in the ice maker’s drain holes cause water to back up and spill over.

Ice Maker Not Turning On

If your ice maker won’t turn on at all, the issues may be:

Power Supply – The unit may not be getting power. Check connections and test outlet voltage.
On/Off Switch – This switch controls power to the unit. Damaged switches prevent power from flowing.
Control Board – As the “brains” of the system, control board failures can lead to complete operational failure.
Water Line Problems – Issues with the water supply like kinks, leaks, or clogs can prevent ice maker operation.

By identifying the specific issue you’re experiencing, you can better pinpoint the parts or solutions needed to fix it.

DIY Troubleshooting Tips for GE Ice Makers

Before calling a repair person for your misbehaving ice maker, there are several do-it-yourself troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and address problems:

1. Check Power and Water Supply

Start troubleshooting by verifying that your ice maker has power and water:

Power – Make sure the unit is getting power by plugging in a test lamp or voltmeter. Check for tripped breakers or loose connections too.
Water – Confirm the water supply valve is open and all lines are free of kinks and clogs. Test inlet water pressure.

Restore power and water supply before moving on. Many ice maker problems start here.

2. Test Components and Sensors

If the unit has power and water, test key components like:

Mold Heater – Use a multimeter to check continuity through the heater.
Thermostats – Verify thermostats click when temperature changes using a thermometer.
Ejector Arm – Manually operate the ejector to confirm it moves freely.
Level Sensors – Check that optical sensors are clean and unobstructed.

Replace any parts that fail testing before proceeding.

3. Check for Clogs

Inspect key areas for clogs:

Fill Tube – Detach fill tube and inspect for debris clogging water flow.
Mold – Carefully clean out any dirt or mineral buildup preventing ice release.
Dispensing Chute – Remove ice container and clear any jammed ice cubes or fragments.

Clearing clogs fully may require parts disassembly using instructions in your owner’s manual.

4. Adjust Temperature Setting

If ice production is too slow, the freezer may not be cold enough. Lower the temperature in 5°F increments, allowing 24 hours for results before adjusting again. Monitor for signs of freezing around the ice maker as temperatures drop.

5. Reset Power to Unit

As a last resort, unplug the refrigerator for 1 minute to reset the ice maker’s power. This may clear any system jams and get operations back on track.

By following these DIY troubleshooting tips before calling a technician, you can often pinpoint the issue and potentially restore normal function yourself.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent GE Ice Maker Problems

Regular maintenance is key to preventing many common ice maker problems. Here are some handy tips to keep your unit working reliably for years:

Clean the Mold – Remove any mineral buildup by washing the mold in a vinegar and water solution every 6 months.
Check Water Filter – Replace the ice maker’s water filter every 6 months to prevent clogs.
Remove Ice – Empty the ice bin regularly to prevent jams in the ejector arm and dispenser.
Check Supply Lines – Inspect water lines and inlet valves for cracks or leaks annually. Replace worn parts.
Clean Dust Buildup – Use compressed air to blow dust off ice maker sensors and moving parts annually.
Test Functionality – Cycle power and run a harvest cycle 2-3 times per year to exercise components.

By adding these simple maintenance practices to your routine, you can avoid many headaches with your GE ice maker down the road.

When to Call a Repair Professional

While many ice maker problems can be addressed DIY, certain issues do require a trained repair technician:

Refrigerant leaks or compressor failure
Severe icing/freezing around unit
Pervasive water leaks
Damaged or severed water lines
Electrical issues like shorts and shocks
Unresponsive control boards

Unless you have HVAC or appliance repair experience, diagnosing and servicing these more complex problems is best left to professionals with proper training and tools. Don’t hesitate to call an authorized GE appliance repair company if your initial troubleshooting hits a dead end.

GE Ice Maker Repair Costs

The cost to repair a GE ice maker runs anywhere from $200 – $400 on average, depending on the specific problem and parts needed. More complex repairs like compressor or sealed system issues can run $500 – $1000 or more.

Labor will account for a large portion of your repair bill. Many appliance technicians charge $65 – $125 per hour. The good news is that many ice maker problems can be addressed with basic tools and DIY skills, avoiding costly service calls. Proper maintenance can also nip issues in the bud before they escalate and require pricier repairs down the road.

Key Takeaways on GE Ice Maker Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting your GE ice maker may seem complicated, but doesn’t have to be with the right information. Here are a few key tips to remember:

Inspect all internal parts and test components before assuming the worst. Clearing jams or replacing small parts is often all that’s needed.
Check for simple issues like power and water supply first before tackling complex repairs.
Implement regular cleaning and preventative maintenance to minimize major repairs.
Don’t be afraid to try DIY troubleshooting steps before calling a technician. You may save yourself money and avoid weeks-long appointment waits.
Know when to call in a trained appliance pro for complex or dangerous issues like refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, etc. Don’t take risks handling these yourself.

With a methodical, DIY approach to troubleshooting, you can keep your GE fridge making crisp, clear ice for years to come. But when in doubt, don’t hesitate to leverage the expertise of appliance pros.

Keeping your GE ice maker operating at peak performance doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of preventative maintenance andprompt troubleshooting when issues arise, you can minimize costly repairs and keep the ice flowing for years.

Frequently Asked Questions About GE Ice Maker Repairs

Having trouble with your GE ice maker? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about troubleshooting and repairing these handy appliances.

Why is my GE ice maker not making ice?

There are several potential reasons why your GE refrigerator ice maker may not be producing ice:

The ice maker assembly may have a jammed ejector arm or the mold thermostat might be defective. Try resetting the ice maker and checking if the ejector arm moves freely.
Issues with the water supply like a frozen or clogged water line, failed inlet valve, or faulty water filter can prevent water from entering the ice maker. Check the water supply and replace parts as needed.
Dirty or failed ice maker parts like a dirty mold, stuck feeler arm, failed motor or module can stop ice production. Clean or replace ice maker parts accordingly.
Incorrect freezer temperature below 10°F or ice maker power switch turned off will stop ice production. Adjust temperature and turn on ice maker.

How do you reset a GE ice maker?

To reset a GE refrigerator ice maker:

Locate the reset button on the ice maker assembly. It is usually a small red or gray button.
Press and hold the reset button for 3-5 seconds until you hear a click.
This will reset the ice maker and restart the ice making process.
Give it 24 hours to start making ice again. If it still doesn’t work, check water supply and freezer temp.

How do I fix my ice maker not making ice?

Check if ice maker arm is stuck and free it if jammed. Replace module if faulty.
Ensure water supply line has pressure, change filter, and inspect for leaks or clogs.
Verify ice maker is turned on, temperature is around 0°F, and freezer door closes properly.
Replace water inlet valve if defective. Clean ice maker mold and discard old ice.
Check for power issues like loose connections, failed motor or control module.
Reset ice maker and test. If problem persists, replace ice maker assembly.

Why is my GE bottom freezer not making ice?

The freezer temperature may be too high – it should be 0°F to make ice. Adjust temp as needed.
Ice maker fill tube could be clogged preventing water flow. Clean out tube.
Water inlet valve may be clogged or defective not allowing water into ice maker. Replace valve.
Ice maker assembly parts like mold, ejector, motor may have failed. Test components and replace as needed.
Control board or power supply issues can prevent ice production. Check voltage at ice maker and replace bad parts.

How do I adjust my GE ice maker?

Locate the ice maker adjustment screws on the ice maker assembly.
Turn screw clockwise for smaller cubes or counter-clockwise for larger cubes.
Adjust both screws equally so ice cubes are uniform in size.
Make small 1/4 turns at a time till you reach desired cube size.
Discard old ice cubes after adjusting and allow 24 hours for changes.

How do you use a GE ice maker?

Ensure the ice maker power switch is turned ON.
Connect water supply line to inlet valve and turn on water supply.
Set freezer temperature to 0°F to allow proper ice formation.
Ice maker will go through freeze and harvest cycles automatically.
Ice will fill the ice bin/bucket. Discard first few batches of ice made.
To manually harvest ice, lift the ice maker wire arm.
Get ice from dispenser or ice bucket as needed.

How do you increase ice production in a GE refrigerator?

Set freezer temperature between 0°F to 10°F for optimal ice production speed.
Make sure water pressure to the unit is at least 20 psi.
Change water filter as needed to maintain good water flow.
Adjust the ice size to small by turning the adjustment screws.
Clean the ice maker mold assembly regularly to remove mineral buildup.
Verify ice maker parts like valves, ejector and mold heater are functioning.

How does GE ice maker work?

The GE refrigerator ice maker works in 3 main stages:

Water enters ice maker via the fill tube and fills mold.
After water is frozen, the ejector blades release ice into the bin.
The mold heater warms the molds allowing new water to easily fill.

The process is controlled by a control board and motor that rotates the ejector arms. A thermostat monitors mold temperature and a feeler arm controls water inlet.

What controls ice maker?

The main components that control a refrigerator ice maker are:

Control Board – Initiates ice making cycles and controls timing.
Motor – Provides power to turn ejector arms and harvest ice.
Mold Thermostat – Monitors mold temp and signals when to start harvest.
Water Inlet Valve – Controls water flow into the ice maker.
Feeler Arm – Detects ice level and signals for water inlet.
Shutoff Arm – Stops ice production when bin is full.
Temperature Controls – Allows setting optimal ice making temperature.

Why is my GE ice maker so slow?

Low water pressure or faulty inlet valve causing insufficient water fill.
Dirty condenser coils making the freezer too warm for fast ice production.
Failing motor turning the ejector arms slower.
Worn or damaged ice mold and heater taking longer to freeze water.
Mineral buildup or dirt in mold reducing cooling efficiency.
Blocked or coiled ice maker fill tube slowing water flow.

How do I clean my GE Profile?

Unplug refrigerator and remove food items.
Mix warm water or mild soap and water solution.
Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces with sponge or soft cloth.
Clean door gaskets and shelves. Hand wash removable parts.
Clean condenser coils with vacuum or brush.
Rinse ice/water dispenser and ice maker with water.
Dry all surfaces thoroughly before plugging back in.

How often does GE ice maker make ice?

GE refrigerators are designed to produce up to 130 cubes in 24 hours depending on selected ice size and freezer temperature.

The typical ice making cycles are:

Small cubes: up to 100-130 cubes a day
Medium cubes: up to 80-100 cubes a day
Large cubes: up to 60-80 cubes a day

Ice is produced as long as the feeler arm senses that the bin is not full.

How often should GE ice maker make ice?

For optimal performance, GE recommends running through at least 3-4 complete ice making cycles per day. This helps maintain frozen ice and keeps the ice maker parts in good working order.

Smaller cube sizes allow for more frequent cycles. Follow these general guidelines:

Small cubes: 4-5 cycles per day
Medium cubes: 3-4 cycles per day
Large cubes: 2-3 cycles per day

Check your refrigerator model’s specs for exact cycle frequency. Adjust freezer temp between 0°F-10°F for best results.

How do you install a GE ice maker?

Turn off water supply and power to refrigerator.
Remove existing ice maker by disconnecting wiring and water lines.
Install new ice maker assembly into mounting brackets.
Reconnect water supply line to inlet valve.
Plug in wiring harness to control module.
Push ice maker firmly against freezer wall to secure.
Turn on water and power. Initiate test mode or reset cycle.
Allow 24 hours for ice production to begin. Discard first batches.

Where is the ice maker on a GE refrigerator?

Most GE refrigerators have internal ice makers installed in the upper section of the freezer compartment.

French door and side-by-side models usually have the ice maker module on the top left wall.

Bottom freezer and top freezer models have it along the back left or right wall towards the top.

Some high-end models feature an external ice and water dispenser in the door.

How fast does a GE ice maker make ice?

GE refrigerators can produce ice cubes in as quickly as 90 minutes to 3 hours from starting the cycle depending on model, settings and conditions.

Smaller cubes make ice faster than larger cubes. Ideal freezer temp of 0°F to 10°F also speeds up ice production.

Under optimal conditions, GE ice makers can make 8-12 batches of small or medium cubes per day. Large cubes take longer at 5-8 cycles daily.

Does the GE ice maker keep ice frozen?

Yes, the GE refrigerator ice maker is designed to keep the finished ice frozen in the storage bin, even during power outages.

The key components that help maintain frozen ice are:

Mold Heater – Prevents ice from freezing over the molds.
Ejector Blades – Releases ice from molds during harvest.
Insulated Ice Bin – Keeps cold air around ice cubes.
Control Board – Monitors ice levels and freezer temp.

As long as the freezer stays below 10°F, the ice will remain frozen for regular use and dispensing.

How much ice does a GE refrigerator make?

GE refrigerators with ice makers can produce the following amounts of ice daily:

Small cubes = up to 130 cubes per day
Medium cubes = up to 100 cubes per day
Large cubes = up to 80 cubes per day

Ice production is also influenced by:

Freezer temperature (0°F to 10°F optimal)
Water pressure/flow rate to unit
Cleanliness of ice maker mold assembly
Proper functioning of inlet valve and ejector motor
Selected ice cube size and cycle frequency

GE Ice Maker Not Working? Solutions You Can Try