Freezer doesn't produce ice!?

Question

My freezer, a Kenmore freezer, recently stopped producing ice. I've had it since 1990 (I live with parents while I'm in college). Is there any way to know what the problem is with it and how to fix it so the freezer can produce ice again? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Check what the problem is.  I've replaced my ice maker several times and here are some of the common problems which may help you trouble shoot.  Check that the tray fills with water.  Sometimes the line gets clogged so it cannot fill the tray.  You can try to unclog it yourself by using white vinegar.  Pull the fridge out and make certain that the line along the back of the fridge is clear and the filter doesn't need to be changed.  If the tray fills with water, make certain the mechanism that turns over the tray is working or does the water just sit in the tray?  Lift the arm that tells the fridge when there is enough ice and it doesn't need to make more.  Does it move easily?  Empty and clean out the ice bin completely.  Look at the thingy that churns the ice to the door dispenser.  Is it rusted and does it move?  I've had all of these malfunction on my fridge.  You are lucky because you can get parts from Sears if they still make them to do most of the repairs yourself.

Answer 2

Uhh, yeah you said you've had the freezer since 1990, it may of seen its better days. The coils at the back are probably getting clogged, the motor is probably starting to die and may be causing you extra on your energy bill. A couple of things you could do are, make sure the back of the freezer isn't stuffed with dust, just vacuum the dust out, then you may want to defrost it and re-boot it again. But don't be afraid of buying a new one, they cost you less in the end.