Maintaining the efficiency of your ice machine is crucial for ensuring a steady supply of ice. Various issues can arise, such as a malfunctioning full bin sensor that prematurely halts production, or a faulty water valve that fails to provide adequate water pressure. Power surges, especially after storms, can damage sensitive control boards, disrupting the machine’s functionality. Regular cleaning is also essential, as neglect can lead to dirt buildup that affects performance. Understanding these common problems and their solutions will help you keep your ice machine running smoothly. Learn more about our ice machine repair services:
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Main Issues When Ice Machine Is Not Turning On
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Full Bin Sensor Is Not Working
The full bin sensor is responsible for stopping ice production when the ice bin is full. Depending on the brand, model, or size of the ice machine, different types of full bin sensors are used, but their main function is the same: to halt the ice machine once the bin is filled with ice. When the sensor activates, it stops the entire machine, acting like an on/off switch, and the machine can’t run while it’s in this state. In some cases, a thermostat is used as the full bin sensor. It measures temperature and is triggered when a few ice cubes touch it. These thermostats can often be adjusted to a specific temperature or ice level at which they activate. However, if the sensor malfunctions and gets stuck in the “full ice” state, the ice machine won’t start.
Faulty Water Valve
All ice machines begin their cycle either by draining and refilling with water or simply filling with water right away. When you turn on the ice machine, it needs to fill up with water, and once the water level reaches the required amount, it signals the machine to start the ice-making process. A common issue our technicians encounter is that while water is being filled, the water pressure is too low. For example, the machine is given 2 minutes to fill the water reservoir completely, but due to low pressure, only about 1/4 of the reservoir is filled. When this happens, the machine can’t proceed, and ice production stops. Low water pressure is often caused by a buildup of scale inside the water lines. Since ice machines don’t run continuously and pause when the ice bin is full, water can sit in the pipes for long periods, leading to scale formation and reduced water pressure.
Faulty Circulation Pump
If the water reservoir is full and you start the ice machine, it won’t refill with water but will proceed to the next stage and activate the circulation pump. Very often, the circulation pump stops working due to dirt that accumulates as sediment from the water. It draws water from the reservoir, and if there’s sediment present, it will capture that as well. A small amount of sediment doesn’t significantly affect the circulation pump, but if the water is dirty and the ice machine hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it can seriously impact its performance. If the circulation pump is not functioning, the ice machine will not start.
Problem With The Control Board
Often, after hurricanes and storms—especially in Florida—there are power surges or instances of flickering lights. This is very detrimental to electronics, particularly control boards, which are highly sensitive. Even a small failure of one component can disable the entire board. The control board acts as the brain of the machine, connecting all sensors, motors, and other components, managing their operation as needed. Additionally, a control board can be damaged by short circuits caused by other components connected to it. For instance, if a circulation pump becomes clogged with debris and cannot spin but still receives power, this may lead to a short circuit that can damage the control board. We recommend disconnecting all equipment from electricity during storms, lightning, or fluctuations in voltage to protect against such issues.
Ice Machine Is Dirty
All ice machines, whether for home or commercial use, should be cleaned every six months, as recommended by manufacturers. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your ice machine and you decide to do it now, don’t rush. It’s important to have a professional assess the level of dirtiness before determining how to proceed. If there’s a significant buildup of grime and you initiate the cleaning cycle while adding a special ice machine cleaner, it may not solve the problem. In fact, it could worsen the situation by causing the dirt to accumulate in one spot, potentially blocking the pump or spray system and leading to the need for part replacements. Regular cleaning is crucial, and for effective results, the ice machine should be disassembled so that each part can be cleaned individually. Simply adding a cleaning solution to the water will not be sufficient to tackle the buildup.
Repair Cost
| Full bin sensor cleaning, repairing or replacing | $220 – $380 |
| Water valve repairing or replacing | $220 – $330 |
| Circulation pump cleaning or replacing | $220 – $360 |
| Control board repairing or replacing | $220 – $480 |
| Ice machine cleaning | $200 – $300 |
The cost of ice machine repairs depends on several factors, including the brand, model, and how complicated the issue is.
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6 Comments
I vacuumed, defrosted, and cleaned my ice machine, and now it won’t turn on. Could you please help me understand what the problem might be?
It sounds like something may have been disconnected during the cleaning process, or an internal component could have been affected. It’s possible that the power supply, electrical connections, or a safety feature may be preventing the ice machine from turning on. We recommend having a technician inspect the appliance to identify the issue and perform any necessary repairs. Let us know when you’re available, and we can schedule a service visit to resolve the problem!
Hi! I decided to clean my ice machine myself, it was very dirty, but I didn’t disassemble it completely. Now there’s an unpleasant taste in the ice. I probably didn’t clean it properly. How can I complete the process correctly?
Hi Riley! You need to fully disassemble the ice machine and thoroughly clean all its components. Be sure to focus on parts like the pump, filters, and water reservoirs. Use special cleaning agents for ice makers that will help remove dirt and odors. After that, run a cleaning cycle if your unit has that feature, and flush all systems with clean water. This will help eliminate any residual contaminants and the unpleasant taste.
My ice machine won’t turn on, and I can’t figure out why. All the possible issues mentioned in the article have been checked and are working fine. What else could be causing the malfunction? Can you please help?
Hello Jackson! The issue could be related to the power supply. For example, you might want to check if there are any problems with the power cord or outlet. Sometimes, the internal wiring or connections inside the ice maker can cause it not to start. Some models have overload protection or thermal cutoffs that might engage due to power fluctuations. Try disconnecting the appliance from the power for a few minutes and then turning it back on. In rare cases, there might be a malfunction in the software or microprocessor, which can also prevent the machine from starting. If none of these steps help, it’s best to contact a professional for a more thorough diagnosis.