Samsung Ice Maker Not Working
Quick answer: An ice maker that makes no ice, or very little, usually has a water supply problem or a failed component in the ice maker itself. The most common causes are a failed water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, a worn-out ice maker module, a freezer that is too warm, or a frozen fill tube.
- Unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water supply before working on the inlet valve or fill tube.
- Do not use sharp tools to chip ice out of the ice maker; you can puncture the mold or the water line.
- Keep fingers clear of the ejector arms; the motor can cycle unexpectedly when the unit is plugged in.
Why is my refrigerator ice maker not working?
An ice maker that makes no ice, or very little, usually has a water supply problem or a failed component in the ice maker itself. The most common causes are a failed water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, a worn-out ice maker module, a freezer that is too warm, or a frozen fill tube. Always confirm the ice maker is switched on and the shutoff arm is down before replacing parts.
Our fitment data covers 1,216 Samsung refrigerator models and 5,879 Samsung refrigerator parts, so the part links below are filtered to this brand; always confirm your model number before ordering.
Most Likely Causes, in Order
1. Water inlet valve
The inlet valve opens on command to fill the ice mold; if it is clogged or its solenoid has failed, no water reaches the ice maker.
How to check: Listen for a brief buzz from the back of the refrigerator during the fill cycle. Check that the supply line is turned on and has at least 20 psi. Unplug the unit and test the valve solenoid for continuity; an open coil means the valve is dead. A valve that hums but passes no water is clogged.
Fix: Replace the water inlet valve. (Difficulty: Moderate)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve DA62-04027A — $144.96 – $177.03 · 367 models
- Kenmore Pro Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve DA62-00914B — $126.83 – $134.87 · 99 models
- Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve DA62-02360B — $114.63 – $154.50 · 78 models
2. Water filter
A clogged filter starves the ice maker of water, so cubes come out small, hollow, or not at all.
How to check: Note when the filter was last changed; most last six months. Remove the filter and install the bypass plug or run the dispenser without it. If ice production returns, the filter was the problem.
Fix: Replace the water filter. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Refrigerator Water Filter DA29-00019A — $49.98 · 515 models
- Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter HAF-QIN/EXP — $47.22 · 480 models
- Refrigerator Water Filter Housing DA63-05407A — $15.76 · 421 models
3. Ice maker assembly
The module's motor, thermostat, or mold heater can fail, leaving the mold full of ice that never ejects, or empty because a cycle never starts.
How to check: Make sure the arm or switch is in the on position. Look for ice frozen in the mold that never dumps. On modules with a test point, jump the test terminals to force a cycle; if nothing moves, the module has failed.
Fix: Replace the ice maker assembly. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Samsung part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
4. Freezer temperature too warm
The ice maker's thermostat only starts a harvest when the mold reaches about 15°F (-9°C); a freezer above 10°F (-12°C) never gets there.
How to check: Place a thermometer in the freezer for a few hours. It should read 0°F (-18°C) or lower. If it is warmer, fix the cooling problem first: dirty condenser coils, a bad evaporator fan, or a defrost failure.
Fix: Restore the freezer temperature; the ice maker will then resume on its own. (Difficulty: Easy)
No Samsung part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
5. Fill tube frozen
Water freezes inside the fill tube when pressure is low or the valve drips, blocking any new water from reaching the mold.
How to check: Look at the tube that feeds the back of the ice maker. If it is packed with ice, thaw it with a hair dryer on low or warm water. If the tube refreezes within days, the inlet valve is leaking or water pressure is too low.
Fix: Thaw the tube and correct the underlying valve or pressure problem. (Difficulty: Easy)
Matching Samsung parts:
- Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Fill Tube and Heater DA97-00209Z — $79.98 – $111.42 · 137 models
- Refrigerator Ice Maker Fill Tube Heater DA47-00192E — $63.89 – $91.16 · 135 models
- Refrigerator Ice Maker Fill Tube and Heater DA73-00134D — $50.45 – $56.49 · 134 models
6. Wiring harness or connector
The ice maker gets power through a plug and harness; a corroded or loose connection cuts off the module entirely.
How to check: Unplug the refrigerator, pull the ice maker, and inspect the plug pins for corrosion or burnt plastic. Reseat the connector firmly. On models where the freezer door switch also controls the ice maker, test the switch with a multimeter.
Fix: Clean and reseat the connector, or replace the damaged harness or switch. (Difficulty: Moderate)
No Samsung part for this cause is in our catalog yet; search by your model number.
Other Samsung parts the catalog tags for this symptom
- Refrigerator Pantry Drawer Air Damper Motor DA31-00071G — $148.25 – $194.44 (freezer too cold; fridge too warm; uneven cooling)
- Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly DA97-15217D — $97.63 – $133.08 (ice; ice maker broken; no ice; not making ice)
- Samsung Refrigerator Ice Container DA97-14474C — $168.69 – $195.29 (ice; ice stuck; no ice dispense)
- Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly DA97-07603B — $152.27 – $211.27 (ice; ice maker broken; no ice; not making ice)
- Refrigerator Water Filter Head and Tubing DA97-08006D — $99.67 – $121.36 (bad water taste; dirty water; slow water flow)
- Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly DA97-18859A — $155.10 – $238.15 (ice; ice maker broken; no ice; not making ice)
Popular Samsung refrigerator models
Confirm the model number on the rating plate before ordering. Each model page lists every compatible part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an ice maker take to make ice after a reset?
A healthy ice maker produces its first batch within about two hours and 8 to 10 batches per day. Give a new or repaired unit 24 hours before judging it.
Why are my ice cubes small or hollow?
Small or hollow cubes mean the mold is not filling completely: a clogged filter, low water pressure, or a partially clogged inlet valve.
Should I turn off the ice maker if I am not using it?
Yes. Raise the arm or switch it off so the mold does not overfill and the motor does not keep trying to harvest an empty tray.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if the water line behind the wall is leaking, if the freezer cannot reach 0°F (-18°C) after cleaning the coils and confirming the fans run, or if the ice maker is inside a door with wiring you are not comfortable disconnecting.