It’s a hot day and you want to drink a cold beverage with the help of your GE ice maker. But the machine isn’t working. So what can you do in this situation? We researched the answer to this concern, and here’s what we found.
Restoring your GE ice maker's proper functionality often depends on the primary reason why it's not working. Take note that the cause of this appliance failing to work may range from it having no power to a damaged ice tray.
Make sure to troubleshoot and diagnose the main problem of your GE ice maker before attempting any repair or replacement operation on it. Continue reading as we talk about these possible issues in greater detail. We’ll also tackle some ways that may help you restore this appliance’s serviceability.
Why Has My GE Ice Maker Stopped Making Ice?
A GE ice maker may stop making ice because it encountered certain problems. Some of these possible underlying issues are:
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No Power
Keep in mind that troubleshooting relatively any electronic device often begins by inspecting the power. So check your GE ice maker if its plug is in the outlet. If it is, the cord might be loose. Also, many GE ice makers will have an on/off switch. Turn the switch to the on position if it’s off.
Stuck Mechanical Arm
Frequent use can cause ice to remain in the ice-making appliance. If so, the mechanical arm might become stuck over time, causing the ice maker to stop working. But if there’s no ice and the arm refuses to work as intended, it might be a mechanical issue that may require some repairs or replacements.
Insufficient Temperature
If your problem is with the built-in ice maker from a GE refrigerator, take note that the feature is dependent on the entire appliance’s internal temperature. So the ice maker won’t work if the temperature setting in the refrigerator is 37 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Also, the ice maker needs to reach 16 degrees Fahrenheit for it to begin its ice-making cycle. Otherwise, the temperature would be too warm for the ice cubes to form.
Damaged Ice Tray
Cracks and other damage encountered by the ice maker’s built-in tray may prevent the appliance from rotating and discarding leftover ice. The best way to tackle this problem may be to replace the tray.
You can also watch the video below for GE’s tips to troubleshoot its ice makers:
How Do I Fix My GE Ice Maker?
In this section, you’ll learn some possible solutions that may restore your GE ice maker’s ice-making functions. Take note that each section highlights the underlying concern, allowing you to follow the ideal steps based on the core problem:
Search For The On/Off Button
If you bought and installed your GE ice maker recently, you may have difficulty finding the location of the on/off switch. It’s important to note that different ice makers from GE have different types of on/off switches.
Some of the on/off modules you can find on GE ice makers are:
- Control panel: Certain dedicated ice makers from GE have built-in control panels with on/off buttons.
- Toggle switch: This model usually sits at the side of a GE ice maker.
- Slide switch: This on/off module generally sits at the top of the unit.
If you don’t have an automatic GE ice maker, you don’t need to worry about the location and integrity of the on/off switch. But you should look for the wire feeler arm, because it allows you to create ice manually. But think about replacing this assembly if it doesn’t work even with the ice maker connected to the power outlet.
Check out this replacement ice dispenser switch on Amazon.
Perhaps you’re still thinking about purchasing a new ice maker or other appliance from Costco. Read our post on this retail company and its appliance installation services for additional information on this particular subject.
Use The Defrost Mode
Some GE ice makers, particularly the Opal models, have built-in defrost modes. Check your owner’s manual to identify the steps to use this feature. Generally, you only need to press and hold the ‘Clean’ button on the control panel to activate this mode.
It should take about 3 seconds for the unit to start defrosting ice. However, it roughly takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the ice maker to finish defrosting.
If the defrost mode doesn’t work, you may need to thaw the ice buildup manually. This process may require the following steps:
What You’ll Need
- Hair dryer
- Cloth or towel
- Bowl
Step-by-Step Guide
- Ensure that the ice maker is off. Unplug it from the wall outlet if necessary.
- Open the reservoir and remove as much ice buildup as you can with your hands.
- Remove the water refill tube.
- Turn on the hair dryer at its lowest setting. Then point the dryer at the ice maker’s reservoir.
- Pour the melted ice into a bowl and dispose of the contents properly.
- Restore power to the ice maker to test if it's now working as intended.
Warning: Don’t hold the hair dryer in one spot for extended periods of time. The heat from this handheld unit might melt plastic parts.
If you don’t want to use a hair dryer, you can also pour hot water into the ice reservoir. But this method may take multiple applications before the ice melts.
Replace The Ice Maker Assembly
If your ice maker is built into a GE refrigerator, and it's still not working after making extensive troubleshooting and repairs on it, it might be time to replace the assembly.
Make sure to follow proper safety practices in replacing an ice-making assembly in a GE refrigerator. For instance, disconnect the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Also, transfer any consumable items from the refrigerator, especially if it might take longer than usual to replace the ice-making assembly.
After completing the preparations, continue this process by following these steps:
What You’ll Need
- Philips and flat-head screwdrivers
- Compatible ice maker assembly
Step-by-Step Guide
- Remove the ice bucket from inside the refrigerator.
- Disconnect the ice maker’s wire harness with the flat-head screwdriver.
- Unscrew the rest of the ice maker assembly with the Philips screwdriver. Pull out the old assembly afterward.
- Transfer the fill cup from the old assembly to the new model.
- Install and secure the new ice maker assembly into the GE refrigerator.
- Turn on the refrigerator and activate the ice maker to check for persisting issues.
Check out this replacement ice maker assembly on Amazon.
Watch this video for a demonstration on how to complete this procedure:
How Long Is The GE Manufacturer’s Warranty?
GE provides different warranties for their appliances. For instance, the company’s line of Opal ice makers typically has a 1-year limited warranty period. Other GE products and their typical warranty periods include:
- Sealed refrigerating systems: Limited 2-year warranty
- Frontload dryers: Limited 2-year warranty
- Washers: Limited 4-year warranty
- Dishwashers: Limited 4-year warranty
GE also offers limited lifetime warranties for some of its products, but these warranty extensions may come with extra fees.
Also, you can check out our post on which faucets have lifetime warranties if you’re about to purchase these fixtures for your home.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A GE Ice Maker Fixed?
Repairing an ice maker, particularly one from GE, using the services of a professional has an average cost of around $200. But expect to pay within the range of $75 to $400 to fix this appliance. The expenses may also increase if the issue is serious.
Other factors that can affect the costs of fixing a GE ice maker are:
- Unit type
- Parts to repair and/or replace
- Type of problem to fix
- Average labor costs per location
Is The GE Opal Ice Maker Worth It?
It’s important to note that GE offers different ice makers in its Opal line. Still, many models in this product line provide users with reasonably reliable ice-making services. For instance, some users may find the Opal Nugget Ice Maker to be a good countertop choice thanks to features like wireless connectivity and fast ice production.
Check out this GE Opal Ice Maker on Amazon.
Final Words
Troubleshoot your GE ice maker to find out the reason why it’s not working. Check the on/off switch, ice reservoir, ice tray, and other assemblies and components to inspect for possible damage. You may also contact GE’s customer care service to see if your ice-making machine is still under warranty.
