Ice makers are an essential part of your kitchen. There is almost no day we pass without using an ice maker.
However, there are days your ice maker stops working. Once your ice maker stops working, the first thing that crosses your mind is to contact a professional.
However, there could be simple troubleshooting issues that can be resolved easily. If you are wondering why your GE profile ice maker is not making ice and what can be the solution for that, you have knocked on the right door.
Today we will have a detailed discussion on the reasons behind your GE profile ice maker not working and the possible solution to those issues.
Why is my GE Profile ice maker not working?
There can be many reasons behind your GE ice maker not working. However, some common reasons are diagnostic issues, mechanical arm issues, water filter issues and water supply issues, temperature problems etc. Additionally, there are solutions to these problems.
If your ice maker stops working, do not panic. In most cases, there are usually simple solutions to those issues.
Here are a few reasons why your GE profile ice maker not working:
Water filter issue:
Sometimes, the filter of the ice maker may create issues. It is pretty commonly ignored that your water filter might need replacement.
Some GE refrigerators come with the function that will stop your ice maker from making ice if your water filter needs to be replaced.
This feature is included so that the water used to make ice is clean and safe to consume. However, keep in mind that it’s good to change your water filter every six months. This will ensure your ice maker continues making ice smoothly.
Water inlet valve and water pressure:
Ice makers require water to make ice, which is controlled by a water inlet valve. If your water inlet valve is not getting pressure or it is defective your ice maker will not make ice.
Sometimes, it is possible that the valve is to fail electrically. Therefore, try to check the valve using a multimeter. And you’ll know if it needs replacement.
The water inlet valve requires at least 20 pounds of water pressure per square inch to work properly.
Cracks in the ice tray:
If your ice maker’s model features a rotating tray, then a crack in the ice tray can stop it from working. Check for cracks in your ice tray. If required, you can change the ice tray.
Temperature issues:
GE ice makers need the temperature to be set correctly, otherwise they cannot function well. The recommended temperature for GE refrigerators is 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer to be at 0 degrees.
However, the ice maker should reach at 16 degrees Fahrenheit to start a cycle.
What would cause the ice maker to stop working?
Issues like not getting enough water pressure, diagnostic issues, or anything that’s clogging water etc. can cause the ice maker to stop working.
There can be multiple reasons behind your ice maker not making ice. Typically clogs and not getting enough pressure are the reasons behind your ice maker not working.
A commonly faced issue is frozen water getting clogged in the line, which causes the ice maker to resist from making ice. However, GE profile ice makers also tend to stop working when the water filter needs to get changed.
As these ice makers come with a safety feature that will stop them from making ice automatically, this can also be the reason behind your ice maker not making ice.
This feature ensures your health; therefore it assures that you are not consuming ice or water that is not safe for you.
Is there a reset button on my GE profile ice maker?
There is a reset button on your GE profile ice maker. The bright red button on the bottom of the ice maker should be visible.
Most times ice makers seem to work by performing a reset. However, the part that is causing the issue will still need to get fixed or removed.
GE ice makers will have a reset button or the digital panel. However, if you are still having issues finding the reset button, you can simply turn off your refrigerator for 5 minutes. This also causes your ice maker to be reset.
Additionally, you can check the refrigerator manual for the ice maker reset instruction.
How to fix a GE profile ice maker?
Resetting your GE profile ice maker should make it work. However, it may still need repairing and replacement.
Here are a few things you can do to fix your GE profile ice maker:
Changing the water filter:
A clogged water filter is one of the most common issues behind an ice maker not working. GE ice makers also come with built-in sensors that stop the ice makers from making ice when the filter stops working.
This prevents you from intaking water that is not safe. However, the water filter needs to be replaced every 6 months.
Checking the temperature:
Ice production entirely depends on the temperature of the refrigerator. The recommended temperature for the refrigerator and freezer is 37° and 0° Fahrenheit.
However, the ice maker needs a temperature of 16° Fahrenheit to start a cycle. If the temperature of the freezer is high the ice cubes will take longer time to form. And in some cases they may not form at all.
Therefore, try adjusting the temperature a little lower. Additionally, a low food storage in the freezer can also affect the production of ice.
Having at least ¾ of the freezer filled or more than that, helps you keep the temperature stable. Therefore, maintaining the temperature is essential for your ice maker to work smoothly.
How do I force my GE profile ice maker to cycle?
You can manually force cycle your GE profile ice maker. You can use a handy and useful technique to do so.
When you turn the icemaker on and the temperature of the thermostat is 50°F or higher, the ice maker will perform a power test before entering the freezing cycle. Simply, turn the motor on until it reaches home the next time.
Then turn your water valve on for ½ second and the heater for ½ second. Also, check that the feeler arm was in ‘in’ and then ‘out’ position.
Also, check the motor does not remain on after being turned off. And you’re done.
Additionally, the power test will add ½ water to the ice tray. Which will not overfill or fill the tray normally. However, you may still notice small ice cubes when the refrigerator first starts.
How do I reset my GE profile ice maker?
Resetting the ice maker may help you run your ice maker, however the defective parts will still need to be replaced or repaired.
Here are a few steps you can follow to reset your GE profile ice maker:
Adjusting the feeler arm:
The very first thing you need to do is to adjust your feeler arm. If you’re wondering which one is that, then let us explain.
The metal or plastic arm on the ice of your ice maker is the feeler arm. You can move this rod up and down to adjust the level of your ice maker. This arm prevents your ice maker from making too much ice.
When the arm is all the way up, this indicates the ice maker will not make more ice.
Pull your feeler arm down.
Pressing the reset button:
The reset button should be visible on the bottom of the ice maker. Or you could also use the power button to reset.
If your ice maker has a reset button, which it should have, press it and hold for 10-30 seconds. This much time is sufficient for your ice maker to reset. However, if it does not work, you can restart your refrigerator.
Restarting the refrigerator:
If the resetting button is not working, you can simply reset it by using the refrigerator.
You will need to turn the refrigerator button off and then turn it on again. Then, unplug the refrigerator from the main power and then plug it back again.
If your refrigerator has an on/off button, simply turn it off and leave it like that for 15 minutes. The refrigerator will reset the ice maker within this time.
Final Thoughts
There can be multiple reasons behind your GE profile ice maker not making ice. Clogged water lines, unclean filters, temperature issues are some of the most commonly diagnosed issues. However, in most cases the issues can be resolved by forcing a cycle or by resetting the ice maker.