Roper Refrigerator Ice Maker Overflow: Troubleshooting... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The main control unit (MCU) controls the ice maker's fill cycle by energizing the water inlet valve. The ice level sensor provides feedback to the MCU, indicating when to stop the fill cycle. Voltage paths include 120V AC to the water inlet valve and 5V DC to the ice level sensor. If the sensor fails or the valve sticks open, an overflow occurs.

Symptoms:

US homeowner observation of the Roper fridge ice maker overflowing and freezing the ice bin guide, preventing easy removal of the ice bin.

Possible Causes:

Faulty ice maker water inlet valve.
Defective ice level sensor.
Clogged or restricted water line.
Malfunctioning ice maker module.
Low water pressure to the refrigerator.

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the refrigerator at the breaker panel.
2

Inspect the water inlet valve for cracks or damage. Test for continuity using a multimeter. A reading outside the range of 200-500 ohms indicates a faulty valve.
3

Check the water pressure at the inlet valve. It should be at least 20 PSI. If low, investigate the house water supply and the refrigerator's water filter.
4

Examine the ice level sensor. If it's coated with ice, thaw it out and clean it. If visibly damaged, replace it.
5

Remove the ice maker module and inspect it for physical damage. Check the wiring harness for loose connections or corrosion.
6

Clear any ice blockage in the fill tube using a hair dryer or warm water. A turkey baster helps to apply warm water.
7

Reassemble the ice maker and reconnect the power. Monitor its operation for 24 hours.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the refrigerator at the breaker panel before performing any repairs. The refrigerator contains 120V AC circuits that can cause electric shock. Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) procedures should be followed.

Prevention:

Replace the refrigerator's water filter every 6 months. Periodically inspect the ice maker for ice buildup and clear as needed. Check the water line for kinks or damage.

Expert Tip:

Some Roper refrigerators have a service mode that allows you to manually initiate an ice maker fill cycle for testing purposes. Consult the service manual for the specific model to access this feature. Usually it involves pressing a combination of buttons on the control panel within a specific timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the ice maker water inlet valve?

Disconnect the valve and use a multimeter to check for continuity across the terminals. You should see a reading between 200 and 500 ohms. If the reading is zero or infinite, the valve is likely faulty. You can also apply 120V AC to the valve momentarily to see if it opens. Be very careful when working with line voltage.

•Where is the ice level sensor located?

The ice level sensor is typically located inside the ice maker assembly, near the ice bin. It may be a small arm or a photoelectric sensor. Refer to the refrigerator's parts diagram for the exact location.

•What if the ice maker continues to overfill after replacing the water inlet valve?

If the ice maker continues to overfill after replacing the valve, the problem may be with the main control board or the ice maker module itself. These components control the timing of the fill cycle. Consider replacing the ice maker module first, as it's often less expensive than the main control board.

Roper Refrigerator Ice Maker Overflow: Troubleshooting Guide

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I test the ice maker water inlet valve?

•Where is the ice level sensor located?

•What if the ice maker continues to overfill after replacing the water inlet valve?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: