How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working

<p>A Kenmore refrigerator experiencing [ice maker not working](/blog/ice-maker-not-working) is one of the most frequently reported service issues for this brand. Whether you own a newer model or a unit that is several years old, this guide walks you through the brand-specific causes, model-by-model diagnostic differences, and the repair costs you can expect. Kenmore appliances have unique engineering choices that make generic troubleshooting guides insufficient — this guide focuses on what actually goes wrong in Kenmore units specifically.</p> <h2>Quick Answer</h2> <p>The most common causes of ice maker not working in Kenmore refrigerators are: Frozen fill tube (all platforms); Whirlpool-platform (106.xxx) inlet valve failure; LG-platform (795.xxx) ice maker assembly failure. Estimated repair cost varies by model and condition.</p> <h2>Affected Kenmore Models</h2> <p>This issue is most commonly reported on the following [Kenmore refrigerator models](/blog/hub/models-kenmore-refrigerator):</p> <ul> <li><strong>106.51133210 (Whirlpool Side-by-Side — W10408179 valve)</strong></li> <li><strong>795.72053.113 (LG Elite French Door — AEQ73110210 module)</strong></li> <li><strong>106.56532400 (Whirlpool Top Freezer — single inlet valve)</strong></li> <li><strong>795.73157.610 (LG French Door — LG ice maker system)</strong></li> </ul> <h2>What Are the Common Causes?</h2> <h3>1. Frozen fill tube (all platforms)</h3> <p>the small water tube feeding the ice maker tray freezes solid, blocking water delivery; most common cause across all Kenmore fridge platforms</p> <p>Our repair teams consistently find wear on the primary failure component as the leading trigger for this issue on Kenmore appliances.</p> <h3>2. Whirlpool-platform (106.xxx) inlet valve failure</h3> <p>the dual water inlet valve (Whirlpool W10408179) ice maker solenoid fails while the dispenser solenoid continues working</p> <h3>3. LG-platform (795.xxx) ice maker assembly failure</h3> <p>the LG-type ice maker motor and sensor assembly (LG part AEQ73110210) has different failure modes than Whirlpool equivalents</p> <h3>4. Water filter expired or missing</h3> <p>Kenmore recommends filter replacement every 6 months; model 9999 (Whirlpool) or LT700P (LG) depending on platform</p> <h3>5. Freezer temperature too warm</h3> <p>ice maker requires freezer at 0 degrees F or below; if freezer is above 10 degrees F due to cooling issues, ice production stops</p> <h2>Step-by-Step Troubleshooting</h2> <p>Before starting any troubleshooting on your Kenmore refrigerator, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the unit. For gas appliances, turn off the gas supply valve as well.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Identify your exact model:</strong> Locate the model number on the serial plate (typically inside the door frame, on the rear panel, or under the lid). Kenmore uses this to determine the exact parts and diagnostic procedures for your unit.</li> <li><strong>Check for error codes:</strong> If your Kenmore refrigerator has a digital display, note any error codes shown. These codes narrow the diagnosis to a specific component or system.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for frozen fill tube (all platforms):</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first. Inspect this component following the diagnostic steps specific to your model.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for whirlpool-platform (106.xxx) inlet valve failure:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first. Inspect this component following the diagnostic steps specific to your model.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for lg-platform (795.xxx) ice maker assembly failure:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first. Inspect this component following the diagnostic steps specific to your model.</li> <li><strong>Test appliance operation:</strong> After addressing any obvious issues found during inspection, restore power and run a test cycle. Monitor for the first 10-15 minutes to see if the symptom recurs.</li> </ol> <h2>When Should You Call a Professional?</h2> <p>Contact a certified appliance repair technician if:</p> <ul> <li>The issue persists after basic troubleshooting steps above</li> <li>You notice electrical burning smell, sparking, or any sign of electrical damage</li> <li>The repair requires accessing sealed <a href="https://www.epa.gov/section608" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">refrigerant</a> systems, gas connections, or high-voltage components</li> <li>Your Kenmore refrigerator is within warranty — professional diagnosis preserves warranty coverage</li> </ul> <p>EasyBear technicians carry Kenmore OEM parts and model-specific diagnostic tools on every service call, eliminating return visits for parts ordering.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>How do I find out who made my Kenmore refrigerator?</h3> <p>The first three digits of the model number identify the manufacturer: 106 = Whirlpool (most common), 795 = LG (Elite models), 253 = Whirlpool (freezers), 596 = Whirlpool (older side-by-sides). This determines which parts to order and which repair procedures apply. Kenmore never manufactured its own appliances.</p> <h3>Can I use Whirlpool parts in my Kenmore refrigerator?</h3> <p>If your model starts with 106, yes — it is a Whirlpool-manufactured unit and uses identical Whirlpool parts, often at 20-40% lower cost than the Kenmore-branded equivalent. If your model starts with 795, you need LG parts. Cross-reference using the full model number on a parts lookup site to confirm compatibility.</p> <h3>Kenmore Elite (795 series) ice maker not working — is it covered by LG warranty?</h3> <p>Possibly. LG extended sealed system and compressor warranties on units manufactured between 2014-2020 under a class action settlement. The ice maker itself is typically not covered under this extension, but if the ice maker failure is caused by compressor or cooling system issues (freezer not reaching proper temperature), the root cause repair may be covered. Contact LG directly with your full model number.</p> <p><em>Still having issues with your Kenmore refrigerator? <a href="/book">Book an EasyBear technician</a> for expert Kenmore [refrigerator repair](/bay-area/services/refrigerator-repair). Our technicians carry OEM parts and brand-specific diagnostic equipment.</em></p>