Amana Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Valve Humming: No... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The refrigerator's main control unit (MCU) sends a 120V AC signal to the ice maker water inlet valve when the ice maker calls for water during the fill cycle. This voltage energizes a solenoid within the valve, opening it to allow water to flow. If the valve receives voltage but doesn't open, or if the water supply is blocked, humming may occur.

Symptoms:

The Amana refrigerator ice maker is humming, but no water is flowing into the ice maker. Ice production has stopped. The humming noise is coming from the water inlet valve at the back of the fridge.

Possible Causes:

Frozen water supply line
Clogged water filter
Defective water inlet valve
Low water pressure (below 20 PSI)
Faulty ice maker module not signaling the valve correctly
Kinked or damaged water line

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the refrigerator at the breaker panel.
2

Locate the water inlet valve, typically at the back of the refrigerator, near the water supply line connection.
3

Using a multimeter, check for 120V AC at the water inlet valve terminals when the ice maker is calling for water. Initiate an ice harvest cycle (consult the user manual). If no voltage is present, investigate the ice maker module and wiring harness.
4

If voltage is present, disconnect the water line from the inlet valve. Place the open end of the water line into a bucket. Briefly activate the ice maker again.
5

If water flows freely from the supply line, the water inlet valve is likely defective and needs replacement. Check the valve resistance with a multimeter; a reading significantly outside the normal range (typically 200-500 ohms) indicates a faulty valve.
6

Replace the water inlet valve with a new valve. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove mounting screws.
7

Reconnect the water line, restore power at the breaker panel, and monitor for proper ice maker operation. Check for leaks.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the appliance at the breaker panel before performing any repairs. Use proper Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures. 120V AC is present in this appliance and can cause electrocution.

Prevention:

Replace the refrigerator's water filter every six months. Check the water supply line for kinks or damage regularly. Ensure adequate water pressure to the refrigerator (above 20 PSI). Periodically clean the ice maker assembly.

Expert Tip:

Some Amana refrigerators have a service mode that allows you to manually activate the ice maker water valve. Consult the service manual for the specific sequence. This helps isolate the valve without waiting for a normal ice-making cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the water inlet valve with a multimeter?

Disconnect the power to the refrigerator. Disconnect the wires from the water inlet valve. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms). Place the probes on the terminals of the valve. You should see a reading, typically between 200-500 Ohms. An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a short circuit (very low resistance) indicates a faulty valve.

•What is the proper water pressure for an Amana refrigerator ice maker?

The recommended water pressure for most Amana refrigerators is between 20 and 100 PSI. Low water pressure can cause the ice maker to produce small or misshapen ice cubes, or no ice at all.

•How do I thaw a frozen water line in my refrigerator?

First, disconnect the power to the refrigerator. Locate the frozen section of the water line. You can use a hair dryer (on a low setting) to gently warm the line. Alternatively, you can wrap the frozen section with warm, damp towels. Never use a heat gun or open flame, as this can damage the water line. Once thawed, check for leaks.

Amana Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Valve Humming: No Water Flow Troubleshooting

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the water inlet valve with a multimeter?

•What is the proper water pressure for an Amana refrigerator ice maker?

•How do I thaw a frozen water line in my refrigerator?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: