"Need some more ice? No problem; we have an icemaker!" Because not every refrigerator freezer has an icemaker--it can be added later--it's considered a separate appliance. Fortunately, icemakers are relatively simple in operation and easy to fix when they don't work. Here's the Fix-It Process for icemakers.

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical icemaker unit for a refrigerator freezer.

An icemaker is a small appliance that fits inside a refrigerator's freezer and makes ice cubes. The water flows through a tube to an inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator. When water is needed, the valve lets the water flow into an ice cube mold, where it freezes. When a thermostat senses that the ice is cold enough, a heater melts the ice surface so that ejector blades can push the cubes into a bin. The cycle repeats until a shutoff arm stops it when the bin is full.

What Can Go Wrong?

Simple as they are, things can go wrong with an icemaker. The unit can get too little or too much water. Modular or nonmodular controls (the unit's motor and switches) may malfunction. The thermostat may be faulty. The water inlet valve may need service.