Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Guide — What This Part Does
The ice maker assembly controls the entire ice production process. It fills the mold with water from the inlet valve, freezes the cubes, activates the harvest cycle to release finished ice into the bucket, and rotates the ejector blades or arms to push cubes out. The unit contains a fill timer, thermostat or sensor, motor, and ejector mechanism in one modular package.
Failure typically occurs when internal motor windings burn out, the thermostat loses calibration, or mechanical linkages break. Water valve problems, harness disconnects, and fill tube misalignment also stop ice production but the assembly itself is the most common culprit when no ice forms despite proper water supply and power.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- No ice cubes in the bin after 24 hours The ice maker does not fill, freeze, or harvest any cubes even though the unit has power and water supply.
- Continuous water fill into the ice mold Water keeps flowing into the mold and overflows into the bin or freezer compartment because the fill timer or valve signal has failed.
- Ice maker motor hums but ejector does not turn You hear a low hum during the harvest cycle but the ejector blades or arm stay locked in place and cubes remain stuck in the mold.
- Harvest cycle starts but cubes do not drop The ejector rotates but ice stays frozen to the mold because the heater or sensor no longer signals proper release temperature.
- Ice maker arm or bail is broken or missing The shutoff arm that senses bin-full condition is cracked, detached, or will not move up and down.
- Wire harness connector is melted or corroded The plug at the rear of the ice maker shows burn marks, corrosion, or loose pins that interrupt power and control signals.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and turn off the water supply valve behind or beneath the unit.
- Remove the ice bin or bucket from the freezer compartment and set it aside.
- Locate the ice maker assembly mounted on the left or right wall of the freezer and remove the front cover or shield if present.
- Remove the two or three mounting screws securing the ice maker to the bracket, then lift the front edge and pull forward to release the rear mounting tabs or clips.
- Disconnect the wire harness connector at the rear of the ice maker by pressing the release tab and pulling straight back.
- Check the position of the fill tube or nozzle in the freezer wall and note its alignment with the inlet opening on the ice maker.
- Unpack the new ice maker assembly and transfer the bail arm or shutoff mechanism if it is not pre-installed on the replacement unit.
- Slide the new ice maker onto the rear mounting tabs, align the fill tube with the water inlet opening, and press the unit firmly against the wall.
- Reinstall the mounting screws, reconnect the wire harness until it clicks, and verify the ice maker ON/OFF switch is in the ON position.
- Replace the ice bin, restore water supply and power, then wait 24 hours for the first batch of ice to form and harvest into the bin.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ice maker assembly | Amazon | Cross-reference your Kenmore model number (on the door jamb or inside the fresh-food compartment) with the part number on the original ice maker body or use the model lookup at Kenmore or LG parts sites. Example part numbers include AEQ72909603 and 2666357 for certain Kenmore and LG-built models. |
| Ice maker and auger motor assembly | Amazon | Required on bottom-freezer models with in-door ice dispensing. Includes the auger drive. Verify your model uses an auger system before ordering. |
| Ice maker add-on kit | Amazon | For refrigerators originally shipped without ice makers. Kits include the assembly, water valve, water line, ice bucket, and mounting hardware. Confirm your model accepts an add-on kit by checking the model specification sheet. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er 1F error code
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er Dh error code
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er Ff error code
When to Call a Pro
If you are uncomfortable working with both water and electrical connections at the same time, or if the replacement ice maker still does not produce ice after installation and a 24-hour wait, contact a qualified appliance technician. Persistent no-ice symptoms may indicate a faulty water inlet valve, clogged filter, low household water pressure below 20 psi, or a control board issue that requires diagnostic tools and wiring schematics. Technicians can also verify proper harness pin-out and fill-tube alignment on complex or older Kenmore models where service documentation is hard to find.