5 Reasons for Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working (How To Fix)

Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Samsung refrigerator has already made its name in the appliances industry for being a trusted brand for homeowners. One of their most commendable products would be the line of refrigerator models that they release every year.

From sleekness, technological edge and ergonomic designs, Samsung refrigerators just keep on getting better. Topping that up would be their ice maker feature. 

As handy as they may sound, Samsung refrigerator ice makers are not always fool proof. In this post, we shall look at some of the most common reasons as to why your Samsung refrigerator ice maker is not working. If you are currently looking for answers specifically about this, read on. 

In this article

Reasons for a Samsung ice maker not working

samsung ice maker not working

The immediate response when something is not working in our appliances is to call for professionals. But one of the best responses when some mishaps happen is to check it for yourself first. For this, here are some of the possible reasons as to why your Samsung ice maker is not working. 

1. Incorrect Freezer Temperature

Too much heat and too much cold can make your Samsung ice maker dysfunctional in the long run. The standard temperature for ice making is -2-0Fand when it is not met, it results in a small, misshapen ice or no ice at all. 

Though the standard temperature varies depending on the model, it is recommended that you stick with what the manual says or even so, check first the temperature of your freezer before anything else. 

2. Ice make might be paused or turned off

It pays to know the basics. As such, always check if your refrigerator is on pause or turned off because there is a high possibility that these might be the reasons for it not working. 

For some Samsung refrigerators who have external ice makers, there is an on and off button for ice making that is why it requires proper attention to details when having one. Remember that the ice on button should light up to make sure that it works otherwise, no production of ice will happen. 

3. Ice stuck in the mold

When the ice maker does not work, a possible ice chunk may be stuck in the mold making it unable to produce new ice for your usage.

Remember that if ice clog happens or ice chunks are formed in the ice maker, there is a high chance that the ice maker would not function. Hence, it is important to check, defrost (if needed), or clean your Samsung refrigerator’s ice maker from time to time. 

4. Water Filter

If the ice maker is not filling water, the water filter is not working, thus, limiting the production of ice. Always make sure that your filter is not clogged with contaminants for a better water flow. As an intervention or maintenance tip, having the filter changed every six months is advisable. 

5. Does not have adequate water pressure

To properly work and produce ice, your refrigerator’s ice maker should have adequate water pressure. 

Related: 7 Refrigerator Brands To Avoid and 5 Most Reliable Brands

Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting ice maker not working

Troubleshooting your Samsung refrigerator is the very first move a homeowner would do when it is proven not working. To employ this, here are simple steps on how to troubleshoot your ice makers that do not work properly.

1. Make sure that it is turned on

Before coming up with a conclusion of a possible damage, you might just want to check first if your refrigerator is turned on properly because some homeowners especially when having an external ice maker tend to have it closed when not in use so better check first before concluding that it is indeed, damaged.

2. Adjust the water pressure

If it hits lower than 20psi, the need for a plumber to help and adjust the water pressure is needed. When things like this happen, it is always the safest solution to call professionals that would help solve the problem rather than solving it on your own for you not to induce more damage to the ice maker and to avoid electrocution. 

3. Reset or Test the Ice maker

Just like other appliances, pressing the reset button of your refrigerator’s ice maker would correct all the minor faults the machine has.

24 hours after the test, the ice maker is now in good condition and in the right freezing temperature to produce ice. However, when it does not cool 24 hours after the test, there is a need to contact professionals.  

Samsung refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice

ice maker dumping ice

When your ice maker does not dump ice, here are the possible reasons and solutions you might want to know. 

1. Check the ice in the ice bucket

Taking the ice bucket on your ice maker is the first thing you should do. However, taking it out varies depending on the model that is why it is very much advisable to do it with caution as it may create damage to the machine. If the ice in the bucket is in clumps, then it is the reason for the dumping problem.

2. Check the child lock feature

If this feature is active, it creates the non-dumping of ice of your ice makers. It locks the dispenser and displays that even if the ice bucket is not clogged, it would not dump ice.

Having this feature does not apply in all Samsung refrigerators that is why it always pays to know what you are purchasing before buying one.  

Samsung refrigerator ice maker won’t turn on

When your ice maker would not turn on, check with the basic solutions such as checking if it is plugged in correctly or if you have switched on the correct ‘on’ button. Another step is to make sure that it gets the proper power flow or else it will not work.

When you have already checked and it is still not working, this is the time you resort to troubleshooting at home through researching on the internet or even checking up the manual. 

Make sure that you handle it with care to avoid coming up with another problem within your ice makers. If the troubleshooting does not work, go and immediately seek the help of professionals who can help. If the timeframe of having it not working is within the warranty period, you might just want to call the company where you bought the item for a free service. 

Related: Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water? (Here’s How To Fix)

Samsung refrigerator ice maker fan noise

When the ice maker is making noises, there is just one culprit: there is an ice buildup on the ice maker’s fan. This can be confirmed when in opening your refrigerator, there is a sudden stop in the noise.

Thus, whenever faced with this condition, it is best to defrost immediately your ice makers. It may take a little time but when done, it will serve its function well, again. If not, then there might be a deeper issue which needs the aid of professionals. 

Related:

Samsung ice maker not working but water does

This problem might be due to a defective water inlet. When there is insufficient water pressure, the water would not flow through and so, ice would not be made although there is water in there. Make sure that the standard 20psi is met by the valve to troubleshoot this problem immediately. 

Samsung refrigerator ice maker not making enough ice

A Samsung refrigerator with an ice maker can produce up to 120 cubes of ice per day. This is in line with most of the manufacturer’s specifications. When your ice maker is not making enough ice, here is what you should do. 

1. Empty the ice tray and keep it turned on for 24 hours

If the 24-hour time frame does not produce above 50% of cube ice, then your ice maker needs service. 

2. Set your freezer display into a lower setting

Making ice should have a temperature of at least 5F or lesser to produce at least 60 to 90 ice cube per day, if not check the following 

3. Make sure that the water valve is completely open

If you are not familiar with the water valve, it is best to check on the manual again for a better recognition of your refrigerator’s parts. But in most cases, water valves are found in the refrigerator water supply line. 

4. Change the cartridge filter

Changing the cartridge can be done easily with the guidance of the manual. However, if you are not confident in doing it, call for professional help.

5. Turn on the power freezer function

Although this does not apply to all Samsung refrigerator models, some have this function. 

Remember that 90 minutes is the standard time for making one tray of ice but when you turn the power freezer button, you will produce in just 55 minutes which doubles the production of ice. 

Samsung refrigerator ice maker not working after changing water filter

When you have changed the water filter and your ice maker still does not function well, it might be because the waterline is not properly removed and there is still air in the system. This scenario allows the water to flow through the fill tub going to the ice maker that causes the fill tube to freeze. 

solving this matter, you might just want to get your hair dryer and direct it to the frozen ice or defrost your refrigerator for 24 hours or more until the block of ice melts so that the water can go through the tube to make your ice maker produce ice.

Samsung refrigerator ice maker frozen

When you suspect a frozen ice maker, the following steps should be mastered for troubleshooting. In any of these tips, you need to refer to the refrigerator’s manual for accuracy and better troubleshooting mechanics. 

1. Inspect ice bucket gasket

Always see to it if the ice bucket gasket is loose or worn out. If this happens, warm air entering the gasket will be inevitable which causes condensation which freezes over time. There is a need for ice maker replacement if it is no longer tight and clean to make it function properly.

2. Check the ice chute flap

The goal is to keep the warm air out and cold air which happens when the flap rest flush to the chute, otherwise there might be a problem on the flap of the ice chute.

If this happens, your ice maker goes frozen making it unable to produce ice. However, when checked already and still does not work, there must be something that is keeping the flat slightly open so make sure that you remove any type of debris to allow the flap flush against the chute to keep the goal. 

3. Check the compartment

Always check your compartment. If it has even the tiniest crack which allows warm air to enter, then it is the main cause of your ice maker going frozen and could not work its given function. When you want a solution, seal the crack with a silicone compound. 

4. Inspect defrost components

If the defrost sensor is defective, it is most likely that your ice maker will freeze so it is best to have your defrost components working to keep your ice maker working. If defective, replace. If workable, seek professional help.

5. Inspect the ice maker

When checking all the components and features and the ice maker still does not work, there is probably a problem of tiny cracks within the ice maker itself. So, give it a time to always check what is the real cause of the freezing problem with your ice makers.

In determining if the ice maker has a crack, try and put a flashlight under the ice maker. If the light reflects into the ice maker, this is an indication that your ice maker is positive with a crack.

Samsung ice maker reset not working

choosing ice maker programme

When your ice maker suddenly stops working, the first thing that most people do is to have it reset. However, if the reset function is not working, then that is another problem you must deal with.

When restarting your ice maker, make sure to follow the basic guidelines and follow step-by-step to have the reset function working. Here are the basic steps when restarting your Samsung ice makers.

1. Open your freezer to find the ice maker on the ceiling of the fridge.

2. From here, focus on your ice maker and locate the reset button that is under the ice maker toward the front side in the middle. 

3. When located, press the reset function button with a hard press and a bit longer until you hear the motor running or if you feel vibrations that is an indication that something is moving inside.

An important note: do not restart your ice makers for more than once in the span of 24 hours as it can be the reason for it not functioning well or in most cases, can cause its damage.  

When following these steps and it still does not reset your ice makers then there must be a problem with lack of water, electronic problem or a mechanical malfunction. It is up to you if you want it resolved by just referring to the manual or you can seek the help of professionals when feeling not confident with just doing it alone. 

Professionals might find other problems but can perform immediate solutions that is why when feeling not so confident about it, it is best to call the professionals about it.

Samsung refrigerator ice maker making noise

While it is innate for machines like the ice maker to have sound which indicates it is working, some sounds might also be an indication of a damaged machine. That is why listed here are some of the sounds and its reason you must recognize to keep your machines function longer. 

1. Humming sound

When your ice makers give a low-level humming sound, it indicates a normal operation of the machine. However, when the humming sound is heard louder, it may be an indication of a possible problem within the machine. It could mean that the water pressure is too high and needs to be turned down or a possible malfunctioning of the compressor.

2. Beeping and chiming sound

When a continuous beeping and chiming sound is heard, here is what you should do.

3. Make sure that it is really making such noise

When you are unsure about where the noise is coming from, try unplugging your refrigerator and when the sound continues, it indicates that other appliances are causing the noise so there is no need to worry about. Otherwise, it may be an indication of a malfunction. 

4. Adjust the temperature

If the beeping is accompanied with blinking, it can be an indication that your refrigerator’s internal temperature is too high. To lower the temperature, it is best to check and refer to your manual guide or access the internet for more information. 

5. Check the doors

Most Samsung refrigerators, just like automatic cars, generate a beeping sound when there is a door open. So before coming up with a malfunction conclusion, make sure first that no door is open.

6. Rattling sound

When this sound keeps on with your refrigerators, there is a problem that can mostly be fixed with a DIY solution. So, when you hear this sound, it might be because of: 

Refrigerator is too close to the wall: Make sure to provide at least one inch space between the wall and the appliance or furniture to prevent the rattling sound. Anything that is close to each other can generate sound because it can rattle as it moves.

7. Compressor is turning off

Turning off the compressor creates a rattling sound. However, it only takes a maximum of 10 seconds for a normal rattling sound thus, when it exceeds ten seconds, there might be a real problem causing the rattling sound. 

8. Scraping or grinding sounds

This sound is normal when ice production occurs. However, loud grinding sound is an indication that the condenser or evaporator fan blades are blocked. 

Related: How Many Watts and Amps Does A Refrigerator Use?

How to remove ice maker from Samsung refrigerator

If for some reason you need to remove the ice maker from the main ref unit, the following are some of the steps that you should do. 

Defrost the unit

When wanting to remove your ice maker on your refrigerator, it is best to defrost the unit. If you are wondering how to properly defrost your ice maker, here are the steps (Note, however, that defrosting the fridge varies from model to model).

Step 1: Hold down the buttons Energy Saver and the Refrigerator at the same in the span of eight seconds. Upon hearing the sound of a chime at the beginning, the same sound goes after the last second. 

Step 2: Put your refrigerator in defrost mode via pressing the refrigerator button. Repeat doing it until â€˜Fd’ appears on the display. After which, wait until 5 minutes to get it to defrost until you hear the beep sound. The beep sound is an indication that it is already in defrost mode.

Step 3: Get the unit out of the forced defrost mode via stopping the ‘forced defrost’ process by pressing and holding down the Energy Saver + Fridge both at the same time until Fd pops up once more on the display.

Shut down the refrigerator

Turning off the refrigerator can be very easy but bear in mind that an attempt to pull out the ice maker while it is running can be very dangerous and can damage the machine, therefore here is what you have to do. 

Hold down the right button combination but be sure to see the manual of the Samsung refrigerator model you purchase to turn off the refrigerator because the buttons might vary from model to model so it is best to look for the manual for your guide. 

Removal of the ice bucket

For the last step, it is now time to finally remove the ice bucket. All you have to do is to lift the ice bucket up and pull it out. 

FAQs

Aside from what we have just covered when it comes to troubleshooting the Samsung refrigerator ice maker, here are other essential FAQs that you must know.

Upscale features like ice makers tend to be tricky when maintenance and troubleshooting becomes inevitable. The added information in this section shall be of help as you DIY solve these problems in the future. 

Where is the test button on my Samsung ice maker?

The location of the test button may vary depending on the refrigerator’s model therefore, when wanting to take a test to your Samsung ice maker, make sure that first, you know where it is located. 

For an ice maker that is located at the top of a freezer, the test button is on the front bottom part of the ice maker.

reset button ice maker top freezer

For an ice maker that is located on the back of the door of the freezer, you can find the test button on the bottom of the ice maker, towards the left side for newer models. However, when having old models, the test button is in front of the ice maker, towards the left side.

reset ice maker back of freezer door

For an ice maker that is located at the bottom freezer, the test button is on the bottom front part of the ice maker. 

reset ice maker bottom freezer

Can the water filter cause the ice maker not to work?

Yes, it is possible especially if the filter has been there the whole time without replacing or cleaning. With these, it may collect a lot of dirt and other stuff that might slow the water flow that causes the ice maker to not work properly. As such, you need to replace your water filter every six months to make sure that the ice maker will work at its best condition, water filter per se. 

Is there a recall on Samsung ice makers?

Most consumers say that Samsung ice makers do not last that long and have several issues after purchase that is why it is having so much negative recall. However, they still produce models that are highly efficient and functional for consumers.

It is just that many have been posting negative feedback about Samsung refrigerators. Overall, they are not as notorious as other brands when it comes to recall reputation. 

Conclusion

Samsung refrigerators are mainly popular because of their up-to-date designs, technological edge and great functionality. But just like other brands, they have strengths and weaknesses.

Ice maker is a very useful feature among refrigerators, thanks to the necessity of ice cubes for beverage and other purposes. However, as we have pointed out here, even the most reputable refrigerator brands with built-in or external ice makers are not foolproof. 

With everything that we have covered, it again became clear how regular maintenance and tune-up checks are very important in the performance and longevity of such upscale appliances. Being aware of what to look for first and where to look into are essential aspects of knowing your appliances and in effective troubleshooting as well.