posted on
November 20, 2009 at 07:14PM
<p style="background: white;">The ice maker is actually a standalone accessory to the refrigerator. In that it has controls that start its cycle. For the ice making cycle to start the freezer must be at the appropriate temperature (usually <10 deg F). from here on it is automatic hence the name!! Then and only then will the ice making cycle timer commence running and allow the water valve to open filling the tray. After the tray is filled the timer runs for approximately thirty minutes to one hour during which the cubes freeze solid. After this waiting period a Cal-rod heater on the aluminum tray is energized to melt the cubes slightly allowing them to be pushed out of the tray into the bin. If the water valve is not being energized to allow it to open either the Ice Maker control thermostat, freezer temp to high, or wiring harness could be amiss. From experience the wiring harness rarely fails unless the refrigerator is very aged. The freezer might not be staying cold enough because of traffic opening the door.
<p style="background: white;">I would say that throwing parts at this machine could become expensive; Ice makers have at most a one year warranty, meaning that if it is more than a few years old it likely could be replaced! Most times just replacing the ice maker assembly cures the problem as there are no serviceable parts available to the consumer in the icemaker assembly.
<p style="background: white;">Additionally, all voltages within the refrigerator are at 120VAC to earth ground. There is no low voltage control circuit as in a residential HVAC system. Water and electricity do not play well together. I would advise a high degree of caution and state that if you are not extremely experienced in troubleshooting systems such as this your spouse, significant other or girlfriend you are trying to impress might not appreciate it if you blow it up!! Learning curves are often very steep and the cost can be high!
<p style="background: white;">Good luck.
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