9 replies to this topic

[KYfixer]

I have a 17 year old GE side by side with an ice maker issue. I had prevously replaced both the water inlet valve (after 10 years), and the ice maker unit about 3 years ago. Up until last night, ice was flowing as normal. I noticed that ice was jammed up underneath the feeler arm. I broke up ice to free up the feeler arm. I emptied out some ice to free up some space. This morning, no ice was made. After investigating this is what I have determined it is a water issue. Using a continuity tester, both sides of the solonoid are closed (no resistance). I had seen the rakes spin after plugging in the fridge. The feeder tube in not frozen. Drinking water still comes out of the water dispenser on the door. From another post, you mentioned that the ice maker might be at fault and not be calling for water. Is there any way to test the ice maker? I had run across another thread that tested the ice solonoid by switching the plug for the door water and the ice maker. Water came flowing. Only issue now is it wont shut off.

Sooooo, is it my ice maker? Any way to test it (it looks like the GE relpacement you are selling)? And lastly, did I fry my water inlet valve? Any way to get the valve to close?

Thank you.

Paul

[kdog]

Disconnect the suspected solenoid of the valve and turn the water back on - if water flows you need a new valve

[KYfixer]

For my information, is the voltage for both solenoids (ice and door water) the same?

I have seen an ice maker just break down (warn gears), but with your experience, have you seen them break in that it would appear to be mechanically working but stop calling for water electrically?

Thank you.

[NCARepair]

I would replace the valve since you know it is faulty anyway. Perhaps the valve failed,filled the icemaker and froze the inlet tube. clean out all the ice from around the icemaker and make sure the inlet tube is not blocked and change the valve and see what happens. If still no ice then change the icemaker. I am assuming the freezer is working properly temp wise?

[KYfixer]

I have a replacement valve and will replace it tonight or tomorrow. I'll report back on the results.

The freezer is definately cold enough (0 degrees). The feed tube was verified NOT frozen.

A thanks to all who provided feedback and to all those challeling good karma my way for a simple, less expensive repair.

[KYfixer]

Replacing the water inlet valve was it. Everything is functioning as designed. I have an ice bin with 8 cubes, well on my way to a full bin tomorrow. Something failed pretty good in the valve. First it wouldn't open and provide water, then it wouldn't close while testing it with the in-door water power.

Thanks again to all who assisted me with this repair.

[kdog]

Link to Part for future readers:
http://www.repaircli...ber=TFX24PRXAAA

 

[KYfixer]

OK, so I declared victory just a tad too early. When trying to put it all back together, I noticed that the shield/cover around the water inlet is much larger than my original one and doesn't let the valve to hang flush on the frame to be screwed back in.

new valve: original valve:

The "Tim the Tool Man" in me says to grab a cutting plier and cut down the plastic and make it fit. What am I missing? Thanks.

[tommytech]

that plastic shield is easily removed.pull back on it with your hands,should pop right out.place shield on floor and repeatedly jump on it with gusto,while cursing ge fridges goes a long way to making you feel better.

[KYfixer]

Tommytech, thanks for the simple advice. Jumping on the plastic shield was not nearly as satisfying as knowing it was the water valve and not the ice maker that was broken!!!