How to Fix Not making ice on Frigidaire FFTR1821TS (Top Freezer)

Not making ice

This step-by-step repair guide walks you through fixing not making ice on your Frigidaire FFTR1821TS (Top Freezer). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Refrigerator Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all refrigerator repair guides for related models and issues.

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Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Frigidaire FFTR1821TS is not making ice, you may notice one or more of the following signs pointing to the problem.

The ice maker produces no ice cubes despite the freezer being at the correct temperature
The ice maker arm is in the down position but the unit remains completely inactive
You hear no water filling sounds during the ice maker’s cycle
Small, hollow, or misshapen cubes form occasionally before production stops entirely

These symptoms are most commonly caused by a faulty water inlet valve, a failed ice maker assembly, a clogged water filter, or a defective thermostat — all components that wear out over time with regular use.

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Safety First

Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Needle-nose pliers
Multimeter
Flashlight or work light

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

The FFTR1821TS does not come with a built-in ice maker — it is only compatible with the optional IM116000 add-on kit. If no ice maker is installed, that is the sole reason ice is not being produced, so purchase the IM116000 kit and follow the included mounting instructions carefully. Pro tip: confirm the water line rough-in is accessible behind the unit before ordering the kit to avoid a second service visit.

Step 2

If the ice maker is already installed, check that the power switch lever arm is fully down (ON position), since the unit shuts off automatically when the arm is raised and is a common overlooked cause of no ice production. Also verify freezer temperature is at or below 0°F using a standalone thermometer, because the ice maker will not cycle if the freezer is too warm — a reading above 10°F indicates a separate cooling issue to resolve first.

Step 3

The water inlet valve controls water flow into the ice maker, and a failed solenoid coil is one of the most common reasons ice production stops entirely. Access the valve by removing the rear lower panel secured by four 1/4-inch hex screws, then set your multimeter to Rx1 and test resistance across each solenoid coil — a healthy coil reads 200–500 ohms, and any reading outside that range means the valve solenoid has failed and the valve must be replaced. Safety note: unplug the refrigerator before removing the access panel or touching any wiring.

Step 4

Insufficient water pressure will prevent the inlet valve from opening fully, resulting in hollow, small, or absent ice cubes even when all electrical components test good. The refrigerator requires between 20 and 120 PSI at the supply line — use a saddle valve pressure gauge to confirm, and if you are on a private well, test during peak household water use when pressure is typically at its lowest. If pressure is below 20 PSI, address the supply issue before replacing any parts.

Step 5

The ice maker module drives the entire harvest cycle, and an open circuit across its L and N terminals indicates the module has failed internally and will not initiate ice production. Set your multimeter to Rx1, probe the L and N terminals on the module, and look for continuity — an open reading means replace the module. While you have the unit open, also test the mold thermostat for continuity, as a failed thermostat prevents the module from detecting that ice is frozen and will produce the same no-ice symptom.

Step 6

After completing repairs, reinstall all panels and connections, then allow a full 24 hours before evaluating ice output, since the ice maker needs multiple complete freeze-and-harvest cycles to reach normal production rate. Discard the first batch of ice, as residual debris or air from the water line during reinstallation can affect taste and quality. Pro tip: if no ice appears after 24 hours, manually advance the harvest cycle using a flat-blade screwdriver on the test notch of the module to confirm the motor and ejector arms are moving freely.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

Find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Frigidaire FFTR1821TS (Top Freezer) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. Contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without EPA 608 certification is illegal and unsafe.

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How Much Does This Repair Cost?

DIY parts for this repair, such as a replacement ice maker assembly or water inlet valve, typically cost between $20 and $100. A professional service call for the same fix usually runs $150 to $300 including labor. Tackling this repair yourself can save you $100 or more while restoring your freezer’s ice production quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire FFTR1821TS not making ice even though the freezer is cold?

The ice maker arm may be switched to the off position, or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty. Check that the shut-off arm is lowered and that your home water supply is fully turned on.

How do I know if the water inlet valve needs to be replaced?

If the freezer temperature is correct but no water fills the ice maker tray, the inlet valve is likely defective. Test it with a multimeter for continuity to confirm before replacing.

Does the Frigidaire FFTR1821TS have a built-in ice maker?

This model is ice-maker ready but does not include one installed from the factory. You will need to purchase and install a compatible Frigidaire ice maker kit separately.

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