If the ice maker on your Bosch refrigerator is not working, this handy guide will help you solve the problem. Fortunately, in most cases, this issue can often be resolved with some simple steps, as the ice maker isn’t usually completely broken and doesn’t need to be replaced entirely.
However, we will run you through all the potential causes and solutions, from the easiest fixes to the worst-case scenarios. Here are seven reasons why your Bosch ice maker may not be working:
1. Is the ice maker switched on?
Let’s start with the easiest solutions first. Sometimes, the ice maker is accidentally switched off. On most models, you can turn it on and off using either the control panel or a switch on the ice maker itself.
To check if this is the case, refer to your user manual for specific instructions on how to turn the ice maker on and off for your model of Bosch refrigerator. Also, keep in mind that if your ice maker has been switched off, it will take around 24 hours for all the ice to be fully replenished..
2. Is the water supply good?
If your Bosch refrigerator isn’t receiving an adequate amount of water, it won’t be able to produce ice properly. To check, pull your refrigerator out away from the wall so you can inspect the water line at the back of the unit. Then, ensure that the water line is connected to both the refrigerator at one end and the water supply valve at the other.
Next, make sure the water supply valve is fully open. If it’s only halfway open or turned off, it won’t allow enough water through for good ice production. Finally, inspect the water line for any kinks that may be inhibiting the water supply.
3. Is the ice stuck together?
When the ice produced by the ice maker sticks together in one big block, it won’t be dispensed properly. This can often occur if there are fluctuations in the freezer’s temperature or a power outage, which allows the ice cubes to melt a little bit and then freeze back together as one big block.
If the ice is stuck together, you may also have difficulty accessing the ice cube container tray on certain models of Bosch refrigerators. If this is the case, try wiggling the tray side to side as you attempt to pull it out. However, be gentle so as not to break any of the plastic.
Failing that, you can use a clothes steamer or unplug the fridge for a while to let the area defrost and soften so you can more easily pull the tray out. If you do discover that all the ice cubes in the container are stuck together, the best thing to do is discard the lot and allow the ice maker to create a fresh, new, unstuck-together batch.
4. Is the freezer too warm?
The temperature of the freezer compartment of your Bosch refrigerator should be about 0° F, give or take a few degrees. You can check it by placing an appliance thermometer inside the freezer.
If the thermometer shows the freezer is too warm, it can stop your ice maker from working properly. However, there can be several reasons why your freezer may not be cold enough, so you’ll want to check the following, as any of these can cause it:
- Are the temperature settings set incorrectly?
- Is the door gasket not sealing properly?
- Are the condenser coils dirty?
- Was the freezer door accidentally left open for a long period?
- Are the air vents blocked in the freezer?
5. Is the refrigerator level?
An unbalanced appliance can also cause issues for the ice maker, since it may cause the water to flow and ice to form irregularly, potentially leading to problems. You can check whether your refrigerator is level by placing a spirit level on top. If it tilts in any direction, use the bolts underneath the unit to adjust it until it is level.
6. Does the water filter need changing?
The ice maker on your Bosch appliance may automatically stop ice production when the water filter is due for replacement. It does this to ensure the safety and quality of the ice.
Therefore, if you have not recently changed your water filter, and it has been over six months since it was installed, you will want to replace it with a new one. Follow your user manual for instructions on installing the new filter correctly.
Also, keep in mind that you need to manually turn the water filter replacement indicator light off after fitting a new water filter. This is because the ice maker will continue not to work while the light is on, even with the new filter installed.
You can reset the water filter light by following these steps:
- Look for the “Filter Reset” button on your Bosch refrigerator’s control panel.
- Press and hold the button for a few seconds until the light turns off or changes color.
7. Is the fill tube frozen?
If the fill tube on your Bosch refrigerator is blocked by ice or something else, water won’t be dispensed to fill up the ice trays in your ice maker, preventing ice cubes from being made.
The fill tube is simply the small plastic tube that sits between the water supply line and the ice maker—it’s where the water enters through the back wall of your freezer compartment and goes into the ice maker.
Once you locate the fill tube, if you find it’s frozen, you can defrost it with a hair dryer or clothes steamer on a low setting. Be careful not to melt or deform any plastic parts when using a hair dryer.