The icemaker is designed to operate when freezer box temperature reaches a preset limit.  A switch inside the icemaker system signals a water valve installed at the back of the refrigerator to release a certain amount of water into the ice cube mold.  Water is then frozen into cubes and deposited to a plastic storage bin.

There are a few things you can check if the icemaker fails to work as designed.  Consult the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended freezer temperature.  Settings too low can cause the inlet tube to freeze and prevent water from entering the system.

Confirm the valve for the water line is open.  This valve is usually located in the center bay on the manifold or behind the refrigerator in the outside access panel.

Closely examine the metal shut-off arm on the icemaker assembly to be sure it rests in the lowest position.  Too much ice in the bin, or inadvertently bumping the shut-off arm, may have moved the arm enough to prevent further production of ice.

Certain model icemakers are designed with a special filter located inside the refrigerator interior or under the galley.  Ice production will lessen and eventually stop when this filter becomes plugged.  Change the icemaker filter once each year.  More often if the freshwater supply contains a high concentrate of minerals.  Discolored ice cubes generally indicate excess mineral content in the water supply.

Low water pressure can disrupt ice production.  Hollow ice cubes are usually an indication of low water pressure.

A pinched or clogged water line can also prevent the icemaker from working as designed.  The water line is located at the back of the refrigerator and accessed through the outside panel.  A problem with the water inlet valve can also cause the icemaker to malfunction.  The inlet valve can either be found outside behind the refrigerator or under the refrigerator behind an inside access panel.

Foul odor or bad taste in the ice cubes usually means it is time to replace the filter.  Sometimes ice will also absorb odor in the refrigerator and freezer.  In that instance, discard the ice, dispose of old foods, thoroughly clean the refrigerator, including the ice bin, and add deodorizers specially designed for use in the refrigerator and freezer.

During the automatic defrost cycle heat is transferred into the freezer.  A rise in temperature may cause the ice cubes to slightly melt and stick together.  Increasing the contents of the freezer can help buffer the icemaker from the defrost heat cycles and stop ice cubes from freezing together inside the bin.

It will be necessary to winterize the icemaker during cold weather storage.  Consult the operator’s manual for instructions.  When putting the icemaker back into use after winterizing, discard the first few trays of ice that can contain contaminants.