Key Takeaways
- The most common reason a Kenmore ice maker stops producing ice is a frozen water fill tube — warm air applied to the fill tube with a hair dryer often restores ice production immediately.
- A water inlet valve that does not open — due to low water pressure, a clogged screen, or a failed solenoid — prevents water from reaching the ice maker mold entirely.
- Kenmore 795.xx LG-platform refrigerators are known for ice maker failures linked to freezer temperature and ice bin sensor faults; the NO-ICE error code is specific to these models.
- The ice maker shut-off arm must be in the down position for the unit to cycle — verify this before any other diagnosis.
- A refrigerator water filter that is past its replacement interval can reduce water flow enough to prevent ice maker fill cycles from completing.
The Bottom Line
Most Kenmore ice maker failures are caused by a frozen fill tube, a failed water inlet valve, or low water pressure — all correctable without major disassembly. Persistent NO-ICE or E1 codes after basic checks point to the ice maker module or control board and require professional service.
Diagnosing kenmore ice maker ice maker not making ice starts with narrowing down whether the fault is electrical, mechanical, or sensor-related. This guide walks through the decision path.
Why Your Kenmore Ice Maker Stopped Making Ice
A Kenmore ice maker not making ice is one of the most common service requests for refrigerators built on the 106.xx Whirlpool and 795.xx LG platforms. Before assuming a hardware failure, verify three things: the ice maker power switch is on, the shut-off arm is in the down position, and the water supply valve behind the refrigerator is fully open. If all three check out, use the error codes and symptoms below to identify the failed component.
Quick Diagnosis Table
| Symptom | Error Code | Likely Cause | DIY Fix? |
|---|---|---|---|
| No ice, no water in mold | None | Frozen fill tube or failed inlet valve | Fill tube thaw yes |
| Ice maker display shows no ice | NO-ICE | Ice bin sensor or module fault | No — service required |
| Small or hollow cubes only | SMALL-ICE | Low water pressure or clogged filter | Replace filter, check pressure |
| Temperature alarm, no ice | E1 | Freezer too warm for ice production | Address cooling fault first |
Cause 1: Frozen Water Fill Tube
The fill tube carries water from the inlet valve to the ice maker mold. In some installation configurations — especially if freezer temperature is set too low or airflow is poorly directed — the water inside the fill tube freezes solid between cycles. The ice maker runs through its cycle but no water enters the mold, so no ice is produced. To diagnose, look for a small plastic tube entering the top or rear of the ice maker assembly; if it is capped with ice, apply warm air from a hair dryer until the blockage clears. Adjusting freezer temperature to 0–5°F and verifying that the icemaker fill cup is positioned correctly prevents recurrence.
Cause 2: Failed Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is an electrically operated solenoid valve located at the rear of the refrigerator where the water supply line connects. When the ice maker module calls for water, it signals the valve to open for a timed fill cycle. A valve that has a clogged inlet screen, a failed solenoid coil, or low incoming water pressure (below 20 psi) will not open fully and the mold does not fill. Replacing a clogged inlet screen is a DIY task; replacing the entire valve assembly is a professional repair on most Kenmore models. Part numbers for common 106.xx Whirlpool-platform inlet valves are available at searspartsdirect.com by entering the model number.
Cause 3: Ice Maker Module or Control Board Fault
On 795.xx LG-platform Kenmore refrigerators, the ice maker module, optic sensor, and ice bin auger motor are integrated into a more complex assembly than older mechanical ice makers. The NO-ICE error code appears when the ice bin level sensor detects an empty bin but the ice maker is not producing — pointing to a module fault, a sensor failure, or a control board communication error. On 106.xx Whirlpool-platform models, the ice maker module itself (the timer-and-thermostat assembly attached to the ice maker head) commonly fails after 7–10 years. Module replacement restores full function in most cases.
Get an Accurate Quote
Our Kenmore ice maker repair service covers inlet valve replacement, module replacement, and control board diagnosis in a single visit. Repairs start from $120 for valve and filter work. The final cost will be confirmed after our technician completes an on-site diagnosis — no hidden fees and no surprises.