• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Does anyone know how automatic icemakers work?

G

glen

Lifer
The water goes into this sort of "widget" thing at the bottom of the fridge.
This "widget" some how magically controls the water to the ice maker at the top of the fridge.
No water is coming out of the widget, so what do I need to check?
 
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Is it turned on? Most have a lever that you can turn it off if you don't need any ice...
Click to expand...

The only on/off switch I know of is the wire that flips "up" when the bin is full of ice turnign the ice maker "off."
That is not the problem.
I think this thing that I am calling a widget is a solenoid, and that is what is broken.
 
Is the solenoid getting power? That would be the first thing I check after making sure the water is flowing to it.
 
Originally posted by: Crucial
Is the solenoid getting power? That would be the first thing I check after making sure the water is flowing to it.
Click to expand...

Good Idea. I will try to check.
 
IT's not a solenoid, it's a coolant tube. If you have a leak in it and the coolant has escaped that could be why it doesn't work.
 
Originally posted by: yukichigai
IT's not a solenoid, it's a coolant tube. If you have a leak in it and the coolant has escaped that could be why it doesn't work.
Click to expand...

coolant tube?
I got a little flexible semi clear tube that comes out of the wall and water is in that tube.
It goes into a "thingamabob" near the bottom of the fridge.
There are electrical wires going into it, and another clear flexible tube comingout the top carrying the water up to the ice maker.
Now, no water is coming out of that thing, so I think that is what is broken.
I have no idea what the proper name for it is or the types of things that go wrong with it.
 
that site I linked seems to call it the solenoid. I would guess that if there is water flowing into the solenoid but not out then either the solenoid is not getting power or it isn't opening up. There has to be something in the fridge that triggers the solenoid so that could mean the solenoid is fine but the "brain" that tells it to open might not be triggering it.

As for the prevois post, I think he's confused as to what you are talking about. He means the tubes holding the coolant that cools the fridge. Not the water lines for the icemaker.
 
Yes you can hook the solenoid to 120v, this is the best way of testing it. Make yourself a cord end with two female slide terminals on it. If the water runs through with no restrictions the solenoid is not at fault.

Actually when dealing with ice makers there are only two main things that go wrong, the solenoid and the head. The solenoid is about 1/4 the price of the head. If it ends up being the head, having a new solenoid is not such a bad thing.
Click to expand...
or
Perhaps you're not getting water into the unit. Down at the back where your water line comes in, there will be a solenoid. This is a valve that, when energized, lets water through. The head sends voltage down to this device at the appropriate time in the dump cycle for exactly the right length of time. This device works on line voltage so you could remove the wires going to it and hook them up momentarily to 120VAC.

If you get no water flowing into the ice maker tray you either need a new solenoid, or ice is blocking the path of water to flow through the back wall of the freezer into the icemaker tray, in which case a blow hair dryer will come in handy.

If you get water, perhaps it's wiring, or a faulty new head, (I've had several). Also, remember if the lever is in the up position the unit is turned off. And, the ice maker has to be frozen to start working, (you have to leave it in the on position for a few hours before you get any action).

Actually, because air might be in the lines depending on how long it was off for, leave it for a day or so. You may find it starts working on it?s own. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top