Thermador Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up
If the ice maker in your Thermador refrigerator compartment is frosting up, warm air is getting to the ice area and that usually points to a bad door gasket first. A twisted, torn, or loose gasket lets humid air in and produces frost that can stop the ice maker from making ice or cause the ice dispenser not to work. If the gasket checks out, the next likely culprits are the dispenser components that control the little door over the ice: a failed dispenser solenoid or a defective dispenser door motor can keep the flap from opening or closing properly. Inspect the dispenser funnel guide and the dispenser door itself for obstructions, damage, or parts that bind. Less commonly the dispenser door can be stuck open, which also invites warm air and frost. You can test solenoids and motors with a multimeter and look for a stiff actuator pin, but if you need replacement parts enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact parts that fit your refrigerator.
01 - Thermador Refrigerator Door Gasket
A door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, which can result in frost building up on the ice maker compartment. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
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The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.
The dispenser door motor opens and closes the dispenser door to prevent cold air from escaping the refrigerator. If the dispenser door motor is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. As a result, the dispenser will not dispense ice. To determine if the motor is defective, first determine if the motor is getting power. If the motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the dispenser door motor does not have continuity, replace it.
The dispenser funnel guide is the component that allows the ice from the ice maker to be properly dispensed. If the guide is obstructed or broken, the ice may not dispense as expected. Inspect the funnel guide or any obstruction or damage and replace if necessary.
The dispenser door is opened by a motor, solenoid or actuator arm to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.
If the dispenser door is stuck open, warm air can enter the ice maker compartment causing frost buildup and potentially stopping the ice maker. Remove any items that may be keeping the dispenser door from closing.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the ice maker in my refrigerator compartment frosting up?
My ice maker is not making ice — could the frost be the problem?
The freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm. Could a dispenser or gasket issue cause that?
My ice dispenser will not release ice — what parts should I check first?
How do I find and buy the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?