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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Refrigerator RepairKenmore Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up Repair
Kenmore Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up
If your Kenmore ice maker compartment is frosting up and the ice maker is stopping or not making ice, start by checking the door gasket — a twisted or torn gasket is the most likely cause because it lets warm, moist air into the compartment. Next most likely are dispenser components: a bad dispenser solenoid or a failed dispenser door motor can leave the dispenser door stuck closed or opening intermittently, letting moisture build up and freeze. A blocked or broken funnel guide or a damaged dispenser door can also cause ice to jam and create frost. Less commonly the dispenser door can be stuck open, which lets warm air in and causes heavy frosting. For troubleshooting, visually inspect seals and moving parts, and use a multimeter to test the solenoid and motor for continuity if you’re comfortable doing so. If you find a bad gasket, solenoid, motor, guide, or door, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact replacement parts and step-by-step repair guidance to get the ice maker back to normal.
01 - Kenmore 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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Highly Likely
02 - Kenmore Refrigerator Dispenser Solenoid
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.
Common
03 - Kenmore Refrigerator Dispenser Door Motor
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.
Common
04 - Kenmore Refrigerator Dispenser Funnel Guide
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.
Common
05 - Kenmore Refrigerator Dispenser Door
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.
Common
06 - Dispenser door stuck open
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 my refrigerator ice maker compartment frosting up when the freezer is cold?
My ice dispenser is not dispensing ice. Could that cause frost buildup in the ice maker compartment?
How do I test the dispenser solenoid or dispenser door motor?
Could a bad refrigerator door gasket cause frost in the ice maker area?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?
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