A Samsung ice maker freezing up is an issue that may occur every so often. The main concern is warm air reaching the ice box or ice maker, creating condensation and eventual ice build-up.
A damaged ice bucket or an ice chute not sitting flush sometimes permits warmer air inside the ice maker, triggering an icy problem too.
Additionally, filthy condenser coils may contribute to the ice maker’s troubles.
There are several reasons why Samsung refrigerator ice makers tend to ice up unexpectedly and stop working.
In this article, I’ll cover all the different reasons your Samsung ice maker may be freezing up and the methods used to fix them.
Can I Fix My Samsung Refrigerator’s Ice Maker Myself?
It’s important to point out that most of the time, you can fix Samsung ice maker issues yourself.
They’re not sufficiently complicated: an appliance technician isn’t always required. Basic tools in most garage toolboxes, attention to detail, and patience are often all you need.
If there is a broken part, then a replacement will be needed. But otherwise, fixes are possible by anyone.
How to Defrost Samsung Ice Maker
If your ice maker has seized up, you’ll likely need to defrost it before being able to remove it and fix the cause. To do this:
Press the Energy Saver and Fridge buttons on the display for 8-10 seconds until the screen goes blank. This activates the Test mode to prepare to initiate the Force Defrost program.
If this combination of buttons doesn’t work, you can try the same with Freezer and Cool Select.
Audible beeping will occur while doing so. Press the Freeze button until the “Fd” command is shown on the display.
If this doesn’t work, try pressing the Fridge button instead until “Fd” appears.
Once the Force Defrost mode runs, it will run defrost heaters inside the refrigerator, the freezer, the ice maker, and the evaporator system.
This will take around an hour but could take longer if you’ve got a large ice build-up.
Disable the Force Defrost mode once the ice maker has been defrosted.
Do this by pressing the Energy Saver and Fridge buttons for 8 seconds a second time.
Then press the Fridge button, which toggles off the defrost mode and returns the ridge to normal operation. This requires approximately 15 seconds, and then the beeping ceases.
You may also need to turn off your refrigerator at the mains for 10-20 seconds before turning it back on. This will ensure the defrost mode is fully turned off.
For a complete guide on defrosting, read >> How to Defrost Samsung Ice Maker
How to Remove Samsung Ice Maker
Several of the ice maker’s repairs require removing some parts to access other areas hidden behind them, such as the defrost drain or ice auger.
Also, changing the ice maker gasket, for example, requires pulling out the ice maker to access it.
The instructions below provide a method to remove the ice maker, giving improved access to both the ice maker and the ice box – where the ice maker resides.
To remove the ice maker:
#1. Safety first – turn your refrigerator off at the mains since you’re working near the electrical components.
#2. Look for a physical tab on the right uppermost part of the ice maker, and if there is one, press it. This releases this part of the ice maker. Push upwards on the ice maker’s front section and then pull it out.
#3. If there is no tab, check your owner’s manual for instructions on removing the ice maker if you’re not sure. On some models, the ice maker will simply wiggle free – but on others, you need to carefully disconnect the wiring before removing it.
#4. Once the ice maker is removed, performing a test run is possible. Press the blue button to do so – this is either on the right side of the ice maker or under a recessed indentation near the front of the ice maker.
Consult your manual, if needed, to confirm where it is located for your refrigerator model.
#5. To begin removing the ice maker, unscrew the white screw on the left inner wall of the ice maker. Then unscrew the one that holds the wire-covering panel in place and remove the panel.
#6. Remove the ice maker wire harness, allowing the unit to be extracted. Ensure that the refrigerator is unplugged before doing this. Be careful not to damage the wire harness or its connectors.
#7. Another screw holds the air conduit in place. Remove this white screw too.
#8. Pull the refrigeration line lower to prevent it from catching on the ice maker while it’s being removed. Do this tentatively, as it’s easy to break something vital.
#9. Depress the retention button near the upper top and pull the ice maker section to move it toward you and out of the ice box and refrigerator.
Here is a video demonstrating how to remove a Samsung ice maker.
9 Causes for a Samsung Ice Maker Freezing Up
- Broken or unclean ice chute
- Faulty seals in the ice box or ice maker
- Unclean condenser fan or coils
- Broken ice bucket
- Temperature set too low
- Frozen water supply line
- Poorly positioned water line inside the ice box
- Styrofoam packaging not removed
- Torn or damaged ice bucket gasket
Safety Tip: Several of the fixes for common Samsung refrigerator ice maker freezing issues require removing plastic housing and unplugging electric harnesses to access other areas or components. As such, always turn off the power first.
Broken or Unclean Ice Chute
When you push the dispenser to add ice to your glass, the ice will fall down the ice maker’s ice chute (within the appliance) to the dispenser in the door. Sometimes, the ice chute becomes broken or dirty, which can cause a problem.
The ice chute relies on a flap opening to allow ice to fall through, and then the chute’s flap closes securely afterward. If this isn’t the case, warm air from the refrigerator door will get inside the ice maker.
Subsequently, the warm air will develop condensation as it meets the icy cold air in the ice maker; this can cause the ice maker to seize up.
How to Fix
Cleaning the ice chute and flap regularly prevents dirt from building up and allows a strong seal between ice cube deliveries. This is also more hygienic, ensuring you have clean and fresh ice in your beverages.
You can test whether this is the problem by pouring fresh water down the chute – by doing this, you’ll be able to confirm if it reaches the dispenser or not. If so, the flap isn’t creating a strong enough seal.
Inspecting these parts for any damage while you’re there is a good idea. If any part looks to be damaged, it’ll likely need replacing.
Faulty Seals in the Ice Box or Ice Maker
The ice maker is typically positioned in the corner of the regular fresh food cooling compartment. As there’s a cooling section and a frozen one sharing the same area, this can create complications.
One potential complication is when warm air from the fresh food compartment travels over to the ice maker and finds a weakness in the casing. If any part of the ice-maker exterior isn’t airtight, it will let the warmer air inside.
When this occurs, condensation may develop into ice, freezing some components. This is most common along the left and rear sides of the ice box.
How to Fix
You’ll need to find where the gaps are on the ice maker and/or its housing. The easiest and most effective way to do this is by removing the ice maker.
However, first, the refrigerator must be defrosted.
Defrost and remove the ice maker using the instructions provided at the top of the article.
Now seal all the gaps inside the ice box to prevent warm air from finding a way inside it. This is done using silicone-based sealant or aluminum tape.
Do not use other applications because they may not ensure a reliable seal and could damage the plastic.
You should investigate any gaps in the ice maker, too, then reinstall the ice maker once the seals have formed properly.
Note that curing time differs depending on the seal solution used.
Unclean Condenser Fan & Coils
A refrigerator’s cooling process relies on a refrigerant that flows around parts of the fridge to keep it cooler, then reaches the condenser coils.
The refrigerant is hot as it flows through the coils. Condenser fans provide airflow to disperse the excess heat.
When the condenser coils or the fan is unclean, the cooling operation is prolonged as it takes longer for the heat to be released from the refrigerator.
This can cause the ice maker to become excessively cold and sometimes freeze; ensuring the fan and coils are cleaned regularly avoids this.
How to Fix
Samsung refrigerator coils are usually either at the back of the refrigerator – behind a grille or screwed-in metal cover or at the front – typically near the bottom behind a toe-guard type grille.
You can gently remove the grille by pushing in at the top while pulling out at the bottom, or if it’s a plate, you’ll need to unscrew it.
Vacuum over and between the coils using an extension hose attachment. Also, a long and narrow appliance brush (soft) helps too.
Once the fan and coils for the condenser are clean, they will no longer contribute to the ice maker becoming overly cold.
Note that you should clean the condenser coils on your Samsung refrigerator once or twice a year.
Broken Ice Bucket
The ice bucket stores ice after its production and before it’s required. Ice buckets are like plastic storage totes and may develop a hairline fracture or crack between a seam or even a hole.
Warm air will then reach the bucket introducing condensation, and later ice will form.
How to Fix
Remove the ice bucket to examine it more closely. To do so, follow our instructions on removing the ice maker.
For minor cracks, it might be possible to use silicone-based sealant, tape, or another sealant that’s effective on plastic and remains sealed at chilled temperatures.
However, a replacement ice bucket might be the only solution if the crack is wide or has a hole. If you need a quick fix until your new ice bucket arrives, just seal any cracks as best you can.
Temperature Set Too Low
The fridge or freezer temperature may be too cold, causing them to regularly ice up, subsequently impacting the ice maker too.
How to Fix
Verify whether the correct temperature is set for the refrigerator or whether it’s now too cold. Set the refrigerator temperature to 2°C / 36°F and the freezer temperature to -18°C / 0°F.
To do so, press the Fridge or Freezer button multiple times until the correct temperature is displayed, or press ‘0’ to select the correct section (Fridge or Freezer) and then use the arrows to adjust the temperature.
Note that some Samsung models access temperature controls differently.
Check your appliance manual to confirm this. It can take 2-3 hours for the new settings to take effect, or longer if you have an older model.
If you cannot adjust the temperature because the Child Lock is turned on. The display should confirm this.
If so, press the Child Lock button for 3-5 seconds to deactivate it. Then try adjusting the temperature settings again.
Frozen Water Supply Line
The water supply line is prone to freezing when the outside ambient temperature is too cold.
Some refrigerators have a separate ice-fill tube to supply water to the ice maker, which can freeze up even when the main water supply line has not.
Either issue can cause the ice maker to stop operating.
How to Fix
The supply line to the refrigerator needs to be thawed out. You can submerge the line in cold (or lukewarm) running water.
Do not use a hairdryer (or similar) to speed up defrosting, as it will damage the plastic.
Once the ice has melted, wrap some insulation around the line. A towel will be fine as a short-term solution.
Because the line has frozen, the ice maker may have frozen up too. In this case, follow our earlier instructions on defrosting the ice maker.
Poorly Positioned Water Line Inside the Ice Box
The water line that comes into the ice box cannot be too far inside or too little. In either situation, it creates knock-on problems that lead to ice build-up.
How to Fix
The water line inside the ice box is the first place to look for trouble.
You should check the placement of the water line, as it’s often pushed too far inside the box space.
You’ll likely need to defrost the ice maker first; follow the instructions above on how to do this.
Then you’ll need to follow the process previously outlined for removing the ice maker to access the ice box behind it.
Now follow these steps to adjust the water line:
- Access the retainer ring (it’s usually grey and easy to spot)
- Adjust the hose outwards to the point where it still protrudes approx. 11mm on the interior
- Then double-check that the hose is now in the correct position
- Flatten out the grey and blue hoses to be reasonably flush with the rear of the ice box. This ensures they don’t get accidentally pushed back out of the end of the ice box once you reinstall the ice maker again. You could use tape to secure it if it gives you peace of mind
Once the adjustments have been made, reinstall the ice maker and test the functionality.
Styrofoam Packaging Not Removed
The augur motor assembly is positioned at the rear of the ice box.
Sometimes, when the refrigerator appliance is assembled, the Styrofoam packaging isn’t removed.
Should the Styrofoam be left inside the ice box, it can cause icing issues.
How to Fix
First, you may need to defrost the ice maker. Use the defrosting instructions above to do so.
It’s also recommended you leave the power off a bit longer to complete this.
Once defrosted, access the auger motor assembly to check for the Styrofoam packaging and if found, remove it. You’ll need to follow the ice maker removal instructions to reach the augur.
The horizontal Styrofoam is usually around halfway up the unit – Simply remove it if you find it.
Ensure any small bits of foam that may have broken off are removed so they don’t contaminate the ice box, then reinstall the ice maker.
Torn or Damaged Ice Bucket Gasket
The white ice bucket gasket provides a secure seal between the ice box and the bucket. When damaged, it leads to unwanted temperature variances that allow condensation and, subsequently, ice to form.
These gaskets are like the larger ones attached to the inside of the fridge’s door and perform a similar function.
They must be airtight, without cracks, rips, or other damage – otherwise, a proper seal is impossible.
How to Fix
Defrost the ice maker as appropriate, then follow the ice maker removal instructions given earlier.
Once the ice maker is removed, examine the gasket for rips, cracks or if the material is dried and inflexible. You’ll need to source and install a replacement if a defect is discovered.
However, replacing one component rather than the entire ice basket can be more complicated, so if you prefer, you could replace the whole thing.
Once any repairs are made, you can reinstall the ice maker.
How to Prevent Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker from Freezing Up
Here are some quick tips to prevent your ice maker from freezing up.
Wrap the Water Inlet Line
Keeping the water line outside the refrigerator toasty is helpful in winter.
Just those few extra degrees can avoid the big freeze! Like how boilers benefit from insulation blankets, the same is true for water lines.
Wrap insulation around them; even towels are effective as a short-term solution before you can order something better.
Check It Periodically for Jams
The ice maker can get clogged up with ice and ice particles. Opening it up and moving a silicone spoon gently around the ice chute and other apparatus dislodges anything that shouldn’t be there.
Be gentle and do it slowly. Be careful not to dislodge hoses, electrical connections, or other important components.
Change Water Filters on a Schedule
An old water filter doesn’t clean the water supply. When your local supply isn’t as pure as desirable, it can create follow-on issues.
So, don’t forget to change your filters – Samsung recommends this is done every 6 months.
After changing the water filter, don’t forget to reset the filter light on your Samsung refrigerator.
High Water Pressure
Water pressure above 100-110 PSI creates clogging issues in a refrigerator. Verify that the pressure isn’t set too high, causing ice maker problems. Unfortunately, it’s something that owners often miss.
Water Line Vs. Valve
A water line may be positioned too far inside the valve assembly. This spills water due to the bad positioning, which, if left, will turn to ice.
General Defects
Genuine faults or defects occur with refrigerators and ice makers, causing ice blockages.
This includes frozen fans, failed fan motors, leaky valves, cracked water hoses, or something as simple as an out-of-position water inlet.
FAQs
How Long Do Samsung Ice Makers Last?
Samsung ice makers usually last around 4-5 years. However, some previous problems with improper manufacturing and fitting have resulted in a Samsung ice maker recall.
However, the latest refrigerator models no longer suffer from these concerns.
How Can I Turn on the Samsung Ice Maker?
Access the control panel on the fridge’s door. This is where the ice maker’s ON/OFF button is found. Holding it down for several seconds will start the ice maker up (or shut it down).
Can I Reset My Samsung Ice Maker?
Yes, you can reset your Samsung ice maker. The ice maker on a Samsung refrigerator is reset by turning it off and waiting for a few minutes. When then turning it back on, it’ll be properly reset.
Additionally, resetting the refrigerator, including the ice maker, requires turning it off for 5 minutes to reset the appliance.
