Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:
How does an ice maker function
You have a fine article on refrigerators but my problem is with the automatic ice cube maker. What determines when the tray stops filling and when the tray dumps? Does water pressure enter into it ? I will appreciate any help you can give me.
An ice maker is purely mechanical. It works somewhat like a clock but it also has a temperature sensor built into it so it only runs when it is in an environment colder then the freezing temperature of water. Once the temperature sensor inside it is satisfied the mechanism activates and a small timer motor runs for as long as the unit is turned on, or nothing stops the arm from movement( if the arm stops during the cycle this indicates a full ice bin).
At regular intervals the unit goes through a dump and refill cycle. At the end of the dump cycle an electrical contact closes for a measured amount of time, which on certain designs is adjustable, for example larger or smaller cubes.
When the ice maker head calls for water at the end of the dump cycle, a fill solenoid, similar to ones used on washing machines or dishwashers, opens and water flows up the back of the refrigerator from the solenoid into the tray.
Water pressure only helps the water get to where it needs to and has nothing else to do with the operation.
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