KitchenAid KRFC704FPS (French Door) – Ice maker stops working Repair Guide

🔧 Step 1: Check ice maker shut-off arm position

1. Open the left-side French door of your refrigerator fully to access the freezer compartment.
2. Pull out the top freezer drawer completely and set it aside on a protected surface.
3. Look at the left interior wall of the freezer compartment, approximately 8-10 inches from the top.
4. Locate the ice maker assembly—a white or off-white plastic rectangular unit measuring roughly 12 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
5. Identify the shut-off arm, which is a thick wire or plastic bar attached to the right side of the ice maker unit. It measures approximately 6 inches long and extends horizontally toward the ice bin area.
6. Examine the current position of the shut-off arm:
7. If the arm is in the UP position, push it down firmly until it stops moving and rests in the horizontal DOWN position. You will feel resistance at the end of travel.
8. Listen for a slight click or feel a detent when the arm reaches the fully DOWN position—this confirms proper engagement.
9. Verify the arm moves freely without binding by lifting it slightly and releasing it. It should return to the DOWN position by itself or with minimal pressure.
10. Check that no ice cubes or frost buildup is blocking the arm’s movement range by running your hand along the arm’s path of travel.

🛠️ Step 2: Test water supply to ice maker

1. Locate the water supply valve behind the refrigerator, typically positioned on the wall 12-18 inches above the floor and centered behind the unit.
2. Turn the water supply valve fully counterclockwise to the open position (make 2-3 complete rotations until it stops).
3. Pull the refrigerator forward approximately 24 inches from the wall to access the rear panel.
4. Locate the water line connection point on the lower back panel, positioned 8-10 inches from the bottom and 6 inches from the left side when viewing from behind.
5. Place a shallow container (holding at least 2 cups) directly beneath the water line connection.
6. Disconnect the water line by pressing the blue or gray release collar inward while pulling the tubing straight out—you’ll feel it release with slight resistance.
7. Point the disconnected water line into your container.
8. Have a helper turn the water supply valve on while you observe the flow, or leave it on if already opened.
9. Observe water flow for 15-20 seconds—you should see a steady stream filling approximately 1 cup of water in 10 seconds, indicating 60 PSI standard pressure.
10. Check for flow consistency: no sputtering, air gaps, or weak dribbling, which would indicate supply line blockage or low pressure.
11. Turn off the water supply valve by rotating it fully clockwise.
12. Reconnect the water line by pushing the tubing firmly into the connector until you hear a distinct click and feel it seat completely—tug gently to verify it’s locked in place.
13. Turn the water supply back on and inspect the connection point for 30 seconds to verify no water droplets or moisture appear.
14. If water flow was weak or absent, the issue is with your home’s water supply line rather than the ice maker itself.

⚙️ Step 3: Inspect ice maker assembly

1. Locate the ice maker mounted to the left sidewall of the freezer compartment, approximately 8 inches down from the top.
2. Examine the white plastic ice maker module (approximately 12 inches wide by 6 inches tall) for visible cracks, particularly along the corners and mounting points.
3. Look at the metal bail wire (the thick wire arm on the front) – it should move freely up and down with 1-2 inches of travel and spring back to the down position when released.
4. Check the clear ice bin below the ice maker – remove it by lifting straight up and pulling forward to inspect for cracks in the auger assembly (the spiral mechanism at the bottom).
5. Inspect the aluminum ice mold tray inside the ice maker body – run your finger along the surface checking for white mineral buildup, corrosion, or pitting that feels rough to the touch.
6. Examine the black plastic ejector blades (the paddle-like components) that sit inside the mold tray – verify they rotate freely by hand and show no broken teeth or excessive wear on the edges.
7. Locate the white wire harness connector on the left side of the ice maker body – verify it’s fully seated with no exposed metal pins visible and no green corrosion on the connector pins.
8. Check the small rectangular fill tube (approximately 3/4 inch diameter) that enters the ice maker from the back left side – look for ice blockages inside the tube opening.
9. Inspect the electrical connection point where the 4-wire harness (red, white, black, and orange wires) connects – look for melted plastic, burn marks, or blackened wire insulation within 2 inches of the connector.
10. Examine the 3 mounting screws (Phillips-head) securing the ice maker to the sidewall – verify none show rust stains or stripped heads.

🔩 Step 4: Test ice maker operation

1. Locate the ice maker test button on the left side of the ice maker unit, positioned approximately 2 inches from the front edge – it’s a small rectangular button colored either white or light gray.
2. Press and hold the test button for 3 seconds until you hear a single beep or chime sound, then release.
3. Observe the ice maker’s fill bar (the wire arm mechanism at the front) – it should remain in the down position if ice is present, or be in the up position if the bucket is empty.
4. Watch the ice maker auger motor (the cylindrical component at the back of the ice maker housing) begin rotating counterclockwise within 5-10 seconds of pressing the test button.
5. Listen for water flowing into the ice maker mold – you’ll hear a distinct filling sound lasting approximately 7-10 seconds, indicating the water inlet valve is functioning.
6. Check the ice maker mold tray for water filling – look through the clear or semi-transparent front section and verify water is entering the rectangular mold cavities.
7. Observe the display panel on the refrigerator door for any error codes – common codes include “ER IF” (ice maker fan error) or “ER IS” (ice maker sensor error).
8. Place your hand near the ice maker housing at the left rear corner and feel for cold air circulation – temperature should be approximately 0-5°F.
9. Wait 10-15 minutes after the test cycle completes, then check if ice cubes have begun forming in the mold tray by looking for cloudy white ice formation in the rectangular cavities.
10. Verify the dispenser actuator by pressing the ice dispenser paddle on the door for 3 seconds – you should hear the auger motor engage and see the crushing mechanism rotate if ice is present in the bucket.

📋 Step 5: Replace ice maker if necessary

1. Locate the ice maker assembly in the upper left corner of the freezer compartment, mounted against the left wall approximately 2 inches below the ceiling.
2. Unplug the wire harness connector located on the left side of the ice maker by pressing the release tab downward with your thumb while pulling the connector straight out—you’ll feel it release with a small click.
3. Locate the metal mounting bracket with 2 hex-head screws (5/16-inch) positioned at the top rear of the ice maker assembly.
4. Use a 5/16-inch nut driver or socket wrench to turn both screws counterclockwise 4-5 full rotations until completely removed.
5. Grasp the ice maker unit with both hands and lift upward approximately 1 inch to clear the mounting bracket slots, then pull forward and away from the freezer wall.
6. Disconnect the water supply line at the rear left corner of the ice maker by pressing the white plastic collet inward approximately 1/4-inch while simultaneously pulling the blue water tube straight out.
7. Position the new ice maker assembly (part number W10873791 or W11551754) at a 45-degree angle and connect the blue water tube first—push firmly until the tube bottoms out, then release the collet; tug gently to verify it’s locked in place.
8. Align the two keyhole slots on the back of the ice maker with the mounting bracket screws protruding from the freezer wall.
9. Hook the upper edge of the ice maker onto the bracket, then lower the unit down until it sits flush against the freezer wall.
10. Insert both 5/16-inch hex screws through the mounting bracket and tighten clockwise until snug—approximately 35-40 inch-pounds of torque.
11. Connect the wire harness by aligning the rectangular plug (you’ll see 6 metal pins inside) and pushing firmly until you hear an audible click indicating full engagement.
12. Verify the bail arm (wire shutoff arm) moves freely up and down through its full range of motion without obstruction.

⚠️ Safety Reminders

• Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair work
• Allow the unit to warm up if working with frozen components
• Use proper tools and safety equipment
• If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional

← Back to Top 20 Refrigerators Guide

🛒 Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair:

• 241798231 241798224 241798211 Ice Maker Replacement, Compatible with Frigidaire Electrolux Kenmore Refrigerators, Replaces 241642511, 241642501 and 241798201 Ice Maker Assembly (Not Universal)

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