Russell Hobbs
No Ice Production – Refrigeration System or Water Supply Issue
Ice maker runs but produces no ice at all
Advertisements
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Compressor not starting or weak, Loss of refrigerant charge in sealed system, Severely blocked condenser coil, Water pump not circulating water over evaporator
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the unit before removing panels. Do not attempt to open the sealed refrigeration system yourself.
Diagnostic steps:
- Check water: Confirm the reservoir is filled to the MAX line and that the drain plug is fully closed. Use room-temperature water.
- Listen for components: Plug in and start a cycle. After a few minutes, you should hear the compressor humming and feel slight vibration at the back. You should also hear the water pump circulating water.
- Check evaporator temperature: After 5–10 minutes of running, carefully touch the evaporator plate/fingers inside (briefly, with dry fingers). It should feel very cold or start to frost. If it remains at room temperature, the refrigeration system is not working.
- Clean condenser: Unplug the unit, remove the rear panel, and clean dust from the condenser coil and fan with a soft brush and vacuum. Ensure the fan spins freely.
- Verify fan operation: Reassemble, plug in, and confirm the rear fan runs when the compressor is on. If the fan is not running, the unit can overheat and stop cooling.
- When to call a technician: If the compressor runs but the evaporator does not get cold, or if there is oily residue on tubing (sign of refrigerant leak), the sealed system likely has a fault. This requires a refrigeration technician and may not be economical to repair on small countertop units.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Advertisements