How to Check an Ice Maker Solonoid

Most people have only a vague notion of how the ice maker component of their refrigerator operates. You might think cubes of ice are dumped into a bin and that's it. However, there is a whole process that leads to fully formed ice and it begins with the solenoid valve. This is a water valve that runs to the ice maker, delivering the water to the system. If anything is wrong with your ice maker, such as less cubes being produced or large chunks of ice being produced, the problem likely lies with the solenoid valve.

Phillips screwdriver
Wrench
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Grip the refrigerator at its sides and gently pull it away from the wall to expose the back of it.
- 2
  Unplug the refrigerator power cable from its outlet.
- 3
  Locate the copper water line that runs to the freezer and turn the T-shaped cutoff valve clockwise to shut the water supply off.
- 4
  Remove the access panel on the back of the refrigerator by removing the screws with your screwdriver. This will expose the solenoid valve.
- 5
  Grip the nut on the brass fitting on the inlet side of the valve with your wrench. Remove the nut from the brass fitting. Place a small container under the fitting and remove the fitting. A small amount of water will spill from the valve and into the cup.
- 6
  Use your screwdriver to remove the screw holding the metal mounting bracket to the refrigerator cabinet. Remove the valve from the cabinet.
- 7
  Unplug the electrical contacts from the two metal prongs on the solenoid valve.
- 8
  Turn on your multimeter and turn the front dial to "ohm."
- 9
  Touch the two leads on the multimeter to the two prongs on the valve. The meter should produce a reading between 200 to 500 ohms. If it doesn't, then the solenoid valve is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.

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