Kenmore refrigerator model 253 ice maker troubleshooting

ATTENTION

See

To Properly Install Your Refrigerator

See "Installation"

Section On Pages 5-6

OR

To Reverse The Doors

"Door Removal & Reversal" Section On Pages 7-8

Common

Occurrences

Refrigerator

does not run.

Freezer

temperature

too cold.

Refrigerator

temperature

is

satisfactory.

Refrigerator

temperature

too cold.

Freezer

temperature

is

satisfactory.

* Refrigerator is noisy or vibrates.

Odors in refrigerator.

Cabinet light not working.

Automatic

ice maker

not working.

(some

models)

Before calling

for service,

review this list. It may save you time and

expense. This list includes common occurrences that are not the result of

defective workmanship or materials in this appliance.

•

Ensure plug is tightly pushed into electrical outlet.

•

Check/replace

fuse with a 15 amp time-delay

fuse.

Reset

circuit

breaker.

•

The temperature control is turned to "O".

•

Refrigerator may be in defrost cycle. Wait 20 minutes and check again.

•

Set freezer control to a warmer setting until freezer temperature

is

satisfactory. Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize.

Set refrigerator

control

to a warmer

setting.

Allow

24 hours

for

temperature

to stabilize. Then check freezer temperatures

and adjust

as needed.

•

The cabinet is not level.

•

Floor is weak.

•

Interior needs to be cleaned.

•

Foods that produce odors should be covered or wrapped.

•

Replace light bulb.

•

Ensure plug is tightly pushed into electrical outlet.

•

Light switch

may be stuck.

Push in light switch,

refrigerator control box, to release.

located

on the

•

Ensure the Wire Signal Arm is not in UP position.

•

Ice maker should produce 4 to 5 pounds of ice in a 24 hour period.

•

Water supply is turned off.

•

Water pressure is too low.

•

The freezer is not cold enough.

* See Normal Operating Sounds and Sights section on page 16.

19

Here's the first thing to look at:

Water Inlet Valve

How it Works:

If the refrigerator ice maker is not working the water inlet valve might be defective. The water inlet valve is an electro-mechanical valve. The coil can show good for continuity and still not let the water thru.

UPDATE

Ice Maker Assembly

How it Works:

If the ice maker is not working it could be that the ice maker assembly itself is defective. The freezer temp should be between 0-5 degrees for the ice maker to cycle properly. There are several components in the control module of the ice maker that can fail and most are not sold separately. Also, ice makers have a relatively short lifespan and so it might not be worth fixing. If other, simpler parts like the water inlet valve or shut off arm have been ruled out, and the only thing left is the ice maker itself, replace it as a unit.

Icemaker Module.

How it Works:

If the ice maker is not working the icemaker module at the front might be defective. The module has a motor that cycles the ice ejector arms around to push the ice cubes out when the ice maker thermostat closes. It also has contacts in it for the mold heater and water inlet valve. The motor or contacts of the module can fail. Usually there are test points in the module that a service person can use to determine if there is a problem with it or one of the related ice maker components.

Low Water Pressure from House Supply

Other Causes and Conditions

How it Works:

If the ice maker is not working the water pressure in the house might be too low. The water inlet valve which supplies water to the ice maker is designed to work with a minimum of 20 psi of water pressure.

Door Switch

How it Works:

If the refrigerator ice maker is not working, the door switch might be defective. When the freezer door is opened the freezer door switch does two things, it turns on the light in the freezer and turns off the ice maker and dispenser. If the door switch fails the dispenser will not turn on. The switch can be checked for continuity with an Ohm meter. If it doesn’t have continuity it should be replaced.

Ice Level Control Board

How it Works:

If the ice maker is not working the ice level control board might be defective. This refrigerator is equipped with an infrared light beam to detect the level of ice in the ice bucket. As the level of ice reaches the top, the beam is interrupted and the ice maker shuts off. As ice is used up and the level of ice drops below the beam, the ice maker starts up again. If the ice level control board fails, the ice maker will stop making ice.

Water Filter

How it Works:

If the refrigerator ice maker is not working the water filter might be clogged. Try changing the water filter.

Icemaker Mold Thermostat

How it Works:

If the ice maker is not working the icemaker mold thermostat might be defective. Inside the control module of the ice maker is a thermostat which monitors the temperature of the ice mold (ice tray). Once the mold reaches the proper temperature the ice maker starts a harvest cycle by ejecting the ice cubes and refilling with water. If the mold thermostat is defective the ice maker doesn't advance. The thermostat can be checked for continuity. Replace it as needed.The freezer temp should be between 0-5 degrees for optimum performance.

Icemaker Switch

How it Works:

If the refrigerator ice maker is not working, check the icemaker switch. This switch frequently gets turned off by accident. If the switch is turned on but the ice maker still doesn't work, check the switch for continuity with an Ohm meter. Replace as needed.

You can find more ideas on the Frigidaire ice maker not working page (the fixes listed apply to most brands, not just Frigidaires)

Why did my Kenmore refrigerator stopped making ice?

Why does my water dispenser work but not my ice maker?

Why would my ice maker suddenly stopped making ice?