Amana Refrigerator: Ice Cubes Stuck in Mold - How to... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

MCU Logic and Voltage Paths

The ice maker's operation is controlled by a micro-controller unit (MCU) that manages the harvest cycle. This cycle involves energizing the ice maker heater to slightly warm the mold, releasing the ice cubes. The MCU also controls the water inlet valve, which fills the ice maker mold after the cubes are ejected. Voltage is supplied through a wiring harness from the main control board to the ice maker.

Symptoms:

US Homeowner Observations

The homeowner reports that ice cubes are not ejecting from the ice maker mold in their Amana refrigerator. The ice appears to be frozen solid in the mold, preventing the ice maker from harvesting the cubes.

Possible Causes:

Low freezer temperature setting. The ice is too hard to release.
Faulty ice maker module. The module may not be initiating the harvest cycle or energizing the heater.
Defective water inlet valve. The valve may be leaking water, causing ice to overfill and freeze solid.
Mineral buildup in the ice maker. Mineral deposits can prevent the ice from releasing easily.
Ice maker thermostat malfunction. If the thermostat fails, the ice maker may not initiate the harvest cycle.
Damaged ice maker heater. The heater may not be warming the mold sufficiently to release the ice.

Solution:

1

Verify the freezer temperature setting is between 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust if necessary.
2

Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the breaker to the fridge.
3

Disconnect the wire harness to the ice maker module.
4

Use a multimeter to test continuity of the ice maker heater. It should have a resistance reading, typically between 50-150 ohms. No continuity means the heater is bad.
5

If the heater is good, check the water inlet valve for proper operation. With the fridge plugged in, initiate an ice harvest cycle by pressing the test button (if available). Use a multimeter to test for 120V AC at the water inlet valve terminals during the fill cycle. No voltage indicates a problem with the ice maker module or wiring.
6

Inspect the ice maker mold for mineral buildup. If present, clean with a solution of vinegar and water.
7

Replace any defective components like the ice maker module, heater, or water inlet valve.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the refrigerator by unplugging it or turning off the breaker at the breaker panel before performing any repairs. High voltage is present when the refrigerator is plugged in.

Prevention:

• Periodically clean the ice maker mold with a vinegar and water solution to prevent mineral buildup.
• Replace the water filter every 6 months to ensure clean water is being used to make ice.
• Ensure the freezer temperature remains within the recommended range of 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Expert Tip:

Many Amana refrigerators have a service mode. To access it, try pressing and holding the Freezer Temp Down and Refrigerator Temp Up buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. This may allow you to manually initiate an ice harvest cycle for testing purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I manually force an ice harvest cycle on my Amana refrigerator if there's no test button?

If there is no test button on the ice maker module, you may need to access the service mode of the refrigerator. Refer to the service manual for your specific Amana model for instructions on entering service mode. Some models allow you to initiate a manual ice harvest cycle through the service menu.

•What is the proper resistance range for the ice maker heater?

The resistance of the ice maker heater typically falls between 50 and 150 ohms. However, it's best to consult the service manual for your specific Amana model to confirm the correct resistance range.

•How do I know if my water inlet valve is leaking and causing the ice to freeze solid?

Inspect the ice maker mold closely after a harvest cycle. If you see water dripping into the mold when it shouldn't be, or if the ice cubes appear larger or misshapen, the water inlet valve is likely leaking. You can also check for ice buildup around the valve itself.

Amana Refrigerator: Ice Cubes Stuck in Mold - How to Force Harvest

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I manually force an ice harvest cycle on my Amana refrigerator if there's no test button?

•What is the proper resistance range for the ice maker heater?

•How do I know if my water inlet valve is leaking and causing the ice to freeze solid?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: