KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Guide

KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly Replacement Guide — What This Part Does

The ice maker assembly is a self-contained module that controls the entire ice-making cycle. It fills the mold with water, freezes it, rotates or ejects the cubes into the bucket, and signals the next fill. The assembly includes the motor, ejector mechanism, water inlet tube, and thermostat or timer.

Most ice maker failures come from a worn motor, stuck ejector, or a thermostat that no longer signals harvest. Sometimes the fill tube freezes shut or the bail arm mechanism stops working. If all the supply and temperature checks pass, the assembly itself is the part you replace.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

• No ice production at all The ice maker does not cycle or fill even though the water supply is open, the filter is fresh, and the freezer is at 0°F.
• Clicking or grinding noise but no harvest You hear the motor trying to eject but cubes stay stuck in the mold or the ejector does not rotate.
• Ice cubes are small, hollow, or incomplete The fill cycle is too short or the thermostat fails to hold the freeze long enough before harvest.
• Constant or no water fill Water overflows the mold or never flows into it, even when you press the test button or arm.
• Bail arm does not stop the cycle The ice maker keeps running and overfilling the bucket, or it never restarts when the arm drops.
• Visible cracks or broken plastic on the assembly The mold is cracked, the ejector blades are broken, or the mounting tabs are snapped off.

How to Replace It

1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker. Turn off the water supply valve behind the refrigerator or under the sink.
2. Open the freezer and remove the ice bucket. Set it aside.
3. Locate the ice maker assembly mounted to the freezer wall or ceiling. Note the wiring harness and the fill tube connected to the back.
4. Unplug the wiring harness from the freezer wall or the ice maker body. Press the tab or release and pull straight out.
5. Remove the two or three mounting screws that hold the ice maker to the bracket or freezer liner. Lift the assembly forward and off the mounting posts.
6. Inspect the fill tube at the back for ice blockage. If frozen, thaw it with warm water or a hair dryer before installing the new assembly.
7. Slide the new ice maker assembly onto the mounting posts. Align the screw holes and secure with the original screws.
8. Plug the wiring harness into the new assembly until it clicks. Route the harness so it does not pinch when you close the door.
9. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks at the fill tube connection. Restore power and set the bail arm or switch to the ON position. Replace the ice bucket and allow 24 hours for the first batch.

The Part You Need

Related Error Codes

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E0 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E1 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E2 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E3 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E4 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E5 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator E6 error code
• Kitchenaid Refrigerator Er error code

When to Call a Pro

Call a technician if you replace the ice maker assembly and it still does not fill or cycle after 24 hours and the water supply, filter, and temperatures are all correct. The problem is likely the water inlet valve, a wiring fault in the door or cabinet, or a control board issue that requires voltage testing and a service manual. Also call a pro if you find a refrigerant line, compressor tubing, or sealed-system component in the way of the ice maker mounting area.