Expert: Eric Campion - 7/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: My refrigerator is a GE TFX26PPDAWW. It has waetr in the door and an ice maker. The water in the door works but the ice maker does not. The fill tube froze once and it produced cubes sporadically thgerafter until it did not prodcue any more. I have the unit apart and can get the inlet/fill value assembly unit replaced, but before I do I'm wondering if it could be something else since the parts are not returnable. Could it be the thermostat on the heater instead (didn't even know ice makers had these until 20 minutes ago).

When I pulled the line from the fill value to the ice maker out very little water was in the line. Not sure if this is more or les indicative that the value could be the issue. In any event, not sure what I should do. Is there a way that I can change the leads on the value unit to test the seliniods. If so, how do I do this (do I switch from the front value to rear value the same sized leads, or switch the difrent sized leads on the same seliniod.) Any advice appreciated. Thanks

ANSWER: Reinstall the ice maker and then using a turkey basker, fill the mold with water.  Now, walk away and after a few hours, tell me if the ice maker dumped the ice cubes.  Make sure the arm is down.....

Waiting to hear from you,
Eric Campion

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In fact I did this before reading your answer and had interesting results. First off, I had tried this before (months ago) and it worked. Today, after reading a related article about the thermostat I took the ice maker apart from the front of the unit (almost a big mistake) and I think I was bale to put it back together so the bin bar and related components were functioning without interference (the main gear spacer was tricky, I guess it went in ok). Anyway, I filled the unit with water and waited. It didn't seem like the gears wanted to work but I kinda helped them and then they started turning to the point where the cubes should have started to be ejected. I don't know if this is the point where the heater is supposed to work, or if I needed to give a certain amount of time for it to kick in, but I ended up being curious and poured a little warm water on the cubes and , predictably, they were able to be ejected by the unit. I then refilled the reservoir and left for a few hours. When I returned the new cubes had been ejected, although I don't think the reservoir filled back up. Had a few beers while out, will check in the morning. That's where I am, would live to hear back from here. Thanks. I'll buy the parts from you if we can get it fixed. If its the solenoid, hopeful I can isolate which one so I don't have to buy both if not needed (unless its just easier to do so). Thanks again.

ANSWER: Most often there are no replacement parts for the GE ice makers.  Lets test the valve and eliminate this.....The valve has a 110 volt coil so apply 110 volts using a homemade jumper cord and see if the ice maker valve open.  Does it?


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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I got the thing to work after messing with the gears (not sure what I did though), changing the filter, and adjusting the - + screw on the ice maker. It started to make cubes but they were hollow and not finsihed. After I moved the screw towards the + sign (after new filter) it started to make good cubes. So it looks like its fixed for now. How would I fix the ice maker if it needed parts? Can one buy a replacement ice maker, or is it shot until a new frige is purchased? Also, not sure what you meant by "homemade jumper cord". Can you explain so I can perform this test in the future if needed. Thanks for your help, I'll consult with all expert again in the future.

Answer
Ice makers are replaceable.....Lets keep in mind, my thoughts are from a distance.....and free.  A jumper cord is made by cutting the receptacle end off an extension cord and crimping on the necessary connectors on the two wires.  Attach the connectors to the valve and plug it in.  Valve should open and water should flow.  Good Luck, Eric