My Samsung Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does! (7 Reasons)

Often, you expect your Samsung ice maker and dispenser to fail all together as their operations are intertwined. But what if you’ve to deal with a Samsung ice maker not working but water does? What could be the problem?

Your Samsung unit only dispenses water but doesn’t make ice because the freezer temperature is above 10 ⁰F, the water inlet valve is defective, or the water pressure is low. It could also be because of an ice-blocked water line, failed ice maker assembly or motor, or the ice maker is off.

Overall, while Samsung refrigerators are good, the ice maker is one component that disappoints most users, and often, it’s because they don’t know how to troubleshoot it, and that’s where this guide comes in handy.

We’ll look at seven probable causes of a failing ice maker and their fixes to enable you to do the troubleshooting yourself.  

Here we go!

Is Your Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does? Quick Troubleshooting Guide!

Here’s a summary of the reasons your Samsung ice maker does work when the water dispenser is just fine (plus their fixes)

Why Is My Samsung Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does?

Your Samsung ice maker is not working when the ice maker has no issues because of any of the seven reasons discussed below:

1. Your Freezer Temperature Might Be Above 10⁰F

The recommended Samsung freezer temperature is usually 0 – 5⁰F (or -18⁰C to -15⁰C). Once the temperature goes above 10⁰F (or -12⁰C), the ice maker cannot produce ice as it should or may fail to do it entirely.

Fix 

Check your freezer temperature to ensure it’s not below 10 ⁰F, preferably between 0⁰F and 5⁰F.

If that’s not the case, adjust it accordingly. While at it, ensure your condenser coils are clean. So, you may need to clean them if you haven’t to ensure your fridge cools appropriately.

Also, check the condenser fan to ensure it’s working well. Remove anything that might be obstructing it as you need it to perform optimally for your refrigerator to cool properly.

Overall, a failed fan is one of the commonest Samsung twin-cooling fridge freezer problems. So, you cannot overlook it.

2. Your Water Inlet Valve Might Be Defective 

The water inlet valve regulates water flow to the ice maker and the dispenser. If it’s defective, which can happen if it’s worn or just clogged, it won’t allow water to flow across the two components properly.

More often, however, the component that suffers the most is the ice maker.

Fix 

Using a multimeter, test the water inlet valve for power or continuity. If the results are negative, the inlet valve is defective and needs replacing.

You can also visually inspect it for clogging. If the valve looks dirt-clogged, you should replace it right away.

3. The Water Pressure to The Inlet Valve Might Be Lower Than 20 PSI

The water inlet valve may be in good condition but fail to work if the water that goes through it runs at a pressure under 20 psi.

It needs at least 20 psi to effectively work and allow the ice maker to fill up with water.

Note that low pressure is one of the most typical causes of Samsung French door ice maker problems. So, it’s wise to check your water pressure each time your ice maker fails, especially when you have a French door unit.

Fix 

Using a water pressure test gauge, measure the pressure of your home water supply and that of your Samsung unit. 

If the pressure is beneath 20 psi, you should get it there. Before making any adjustments, check your water hoses to ensure none is kinked/blocked.

After that, ensure the water inlet valve is not defective using the tips I shared earlier. Then go to your water main and adjust the main valve to improve the water pressure as you keep watch on the pressure gauge.

4. Your Water Line Might Be Ice-Blocked

Water residuals in the Samsung refrigerator sometimes freeze and block the water line, making it difficult for the ice maker to function. Since the ice maker relies on the water supply to make ice, it’s unable to do so when ice cuts the supply.

Fix 

If your water line is ice-blocked, you must find a way to unblock it to restore the ice maker’s ice production. Here’s how to go about it:

• Move your Samsung fridge away from the wall
• Then unplug it and find the shut-off valve at the back and turn it off
• Take warm water and pour it down the water line to melt off the ice blockage
• Alternatively, hair dry the water line until the ice melts or allow the unit to sit as it is for about 2 hours
• Plug the Samsung unit back into the power source and push it back to its initial position

5. Your Ice Maker Assembly Might Be Failing

The ice maker assembly, which comprises several parts, is pivotal in making ice. If one of its components fails, the entire ice maker assembly fails, which means it cannot make any ice.

It’s, however, essential to check the water line, inlet valve, and even motor before concluding that the ice maker is the problem.

Fix 

Use a multimeter to determine if the ice maker assembly is faulty. If it doesn’t show continuity, it’s likely to be defective. You can find the ice maker assembly next to the ice maker’s mold.

6. The Auger Motor Might Be Faulty

The auger motor’s job is to stir and facilitate ice dispensing. If the motor doesn’t work, the ice maker won’t make any ice to dispense.

You can know if the auger motor is faulty if it makes a loud noise, but there’s no ice production on dispensing.

Fix 

If your auger motor is making a loud noise, but the ice maker is not working, you should replace it as it is likely faulty. Talk to a Samsung fridge expert if you cannot tell the difference.

7. The Ice Maker Could Be Off

Unless you turn your ice maker on, it won’t work. That is just elementary.

Fix 

Check your ice maker to ensure it’s turned on. Most Samsung units have the ‘ice off’ icon, which lights up whenever the ice maker turns off.

Different Samsung fridge types have different ways of turning the ice maker on.

For example, top-freezer units have the ‘ice on’ icon that you can touch if it’s off. On the other hand, family hub units will allow you to turn the icemaker on using the ‘fridge manager’ application.

As for dual ice makers, look for the ‘ice off’ button and gently switch it on. If the ice maker doesn’t turn on after doing all that, you should try resetting it using the below guide.

How to Reset Your Samsung Ice Maker That’s Not Working?

Suppose you’ve tried the above fixes but still cannot troubleshoot your Samsung refrigerator? While it’s advisable to talk to a Samsung technician, you can try resetting the unit first. Here are some hacks to try out:

Option 1  

• Locate the test button (some Samsung units require you to take out the ice bucket before you can access it)
• Press the test button and hold it until you hear the ice maker making a chime noise (it takes about 10 seconds)
• Return the ice bucket

Overall, it may take up to 6 minutes for you to hear some ice dropping into the ice bucket. Once that happens, it shows the ice maker is starting to work.

Option 2 

Unplug your Samsung refrigerator and wait for 30 – 60 seconds before unplugging it. That should reset the entire unit and not just your faulty ice maker. You may need to do this reset after a power outage.

People Also Ask

1. Why Has My Samsung Ice Maker Stopped Working?

If your Samsung ice maker stops working suddenly, the chances are that the water inlet valve, ice maker assembly, or motor has become defective. So, you should check them out.

Also, check the water pressure to ensure it’s at least 20 psi and that the freezer temperature is not above 10⁰F.

2. Why Is Water Not Coming Out of My Samsung Refrigerator?

Often, water fails to come out of your Samsung refrigerator because the water supply line is frozen. This problem is common among Samsung side-by-side units. 

So, it’s essential to check the water supply line for ice clogging and unclog it. Also, clear it from kinks, and ensure you set the unit at the correct temperature to avoid in-pipe freezing.

3. Why Is Water Not Coming Out of My Samsung Refrigerator?

If your ice maker isn’t working, but your dispenser is okay, check the water inlet valve for wear or clogging and replace it. Also, ensure the freezer temperature is not above 10⁰F. It should preferably be 0 –  5⁰F.

4. What Causes a Samsung Ice Maker to Stop Working?

Your Samsung ice maker can stop working if the water inlet valve or filter suddenly fails, perhaps due to excessive dirt clogging.

Due to power failure, low water pressure (under 20 psi), or high freezer temperature (above 10⁰F), the unit may also stop working.

5. How Do I Reset My Samsung Ice Maker?

The easiest way to reset your failing Samsung ice maker is to unplug the unit and wait 30 – 60 seconds to plug it back.

If that fails, press the test button, which you can find behind the ice bucket, and hold it until you notice a chime sound. The chime sound signals that the ice maker is ready to make ice.

In Summary – Why Is My Samsung Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does?

Generally, it’s worth checking the freezer temperature (to ensure it’s not above 10⁰F), the water pressure (to ensure it’s not under 30 psi), and the water inlet valve (to ensure it’s not defective) when your Samsung ice maker doesn’t work.

Don’t forget the ice maker assembly motor, water line, and the unit’s power. Replace the ice maker assembly or motor if any of them fails, and ensure your ice maker is powered on.

Also Read:

• Troubleshooting Guide for the Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker
• Why Your Samsung Ice Maker Fails After Reset
• Troubleshooting Guide for Hisense Refrigerators