Kenmore refrigerator ice makers vary because Kenmore is a retail brand, not a single manufacturer. A Whirlpool-built Kenmore may not use the same parts or reset process as an LG-built Kenmore, but the basic checks are similar.
Use these steps for Kenmore refrigerators with built-in ice makers when the bin stays empty even though the refrigerator otherwise runs normally.
Does this affect you?
Kenmore model numbers can hint at the builder. Models beginning with 106 or 665 are often Whirlpool-built, while 795 models are commonly LG-built. Even so, most ice maker failures start with the same simple areas: on/off position, water supply, filter flow, freezer temperature, and fill system.
Check the on/off switch and water supply
These checks solve many sudden ice-maker stoppages.
- Find the ice maker switch or wire shutoff arm and make sure it is on. A freezer load can bump the arm or switch off.
- Confirm the refrigerator has power by checking the interior light and controls.
- Make sure the water shutoff valve behind the refrigerator or under the sink is fully open.
- Inspect the plastic or copper supply line behind the refrigerator for a sharp kink, especially if it was recently moved.
- After restoring water or installing a refrigerator, allow up to 24 hours for the first full batch of ice.
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting or inspecting a water line. Unplug the refrigerator before removing an ice maker cover or reaching near its motor. Never force the ice maker mechanism by hand while powered.
Replace the water filter and check for a frozen line
Restricted water flow is the next common cause.
- Locate the filter. Depending on the model, it may be in the upper fresh-food section, lower grille, or behind a drawer.
- Replace the filter if it is older than about six months or flow has slowed.
- Install the correct filter and lock it fully into place.
- Flush several cups through the dispenser if the refrigerator has one, then allow the ice maker time to refill.
- If the filter is not the issue, consider a frozen internal fill line. This usually runs behind freezer panels and is better handled by service.
If water supply and filter flow are good, the ice maker thermostat, inlet valve, or ice maker module may be failing. The thermostat tells the module when conditions are cold enough to harvest. The inlet valve opens briefly to refill the mold. Either can fail while the rest of the refrigerator seems fine.
Testing those parts requires model-specific access and often a multimeter. Because Kenmore designs differ so much, have the complete model number ready before ordering parts or calling service.
Call a technician if the switch, water supply, filter, and visible line checks do not restore ice, especially if the refrigerator is still under warranty or the suspected frozen line is behind an interior panel.
Sources
- Sears PartsDirect – Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker Troubleshooting (2025)
- Whirlpool – Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice (2025)
- LG Support – Ice Maker Troubleshooting (2024)