Kitchenaid Refrigerator not Making Ice

[TechnicianBrian]

Model #KSRA25CNBT00, this side by side refrigerator was operating properly, but the ice maker had stopped producing ice. The customer was sure water was getting the ice maker because she could get water from the door dispenser. The ice maker control was in the on position and the ice bucket was sitting properly in the freezer door which means it isn't blocking the infrared beam. Since the simple stuff was covered, looks like it's time to dig a bit deeper.



The ice maker in this unit, much like all the other Whirlpool made units, is referred to as a modular ice maker. So called because of the module mounted to the front side that provides the motor movement and electrical control during the ice production process. The module contains the drive motor and all the electrical pathways that enable it to control all portions of the ice production cycle from water fill to ice harvest. And probably the greatest benefit of the modular system is the ability to quickly diagnose and repair the problem.

Usually when I trouble shoot a modular ice maker issue, I start by going through some basic tests that I talk about in this previous post. These tests work on any module system, but on the Kitchenaid models that use the electronic control inside the freezer door, we must also do a couple more things to ensure our testing is accurate. First, actuate the freezer door switch so the interior light is out. Seconds, close the left side control cover so it is flat against the side panel. This will ensure we have power to the ice maker from the control board before we start our tests.
With the ice maker pulled from the mounting rails, I removed the module cover to get access to the test points. The first thing I did notice was the ice stripper fingers were in the 10 o'clock position when looking from the front. Home position would normally be 2 o'clock, which tells me this unit stopped in the middle of a cycle. A quick voltage check at the appropriate test points shows 119vac to the ice maker. If you have voltage to your modular ice maker and it isn't working, the module needs to be replaced.

I did a couple other quick checks just to make sure the fill tube wasn't frozen and the water valve was working, then installed a new module to the front of this ice maker. Before leaving, I initiated a harvest cycle to test the new units operation and to get the ice production started quickly for the customer.

[JWWebster]

Good post Brian. If we get 120 volts at T and H then the bi metal is open. Cool. L and V jumped  activates the water valve. Dude you are the man.

[TechnicianBrian]

Thanks JW,

The modules on these ice makers make testing simple, and allows for component testing and trouble shooting without moving the unit.  Just the way I like it.

Brian