This condition occurs for five reasons:

1. Temperature problems in the freezer.

   Measure the freezer temperature. If the temperature is above 20°F., investigate the freezer using the Refrigerator Diagnostic or consult the section on Separating Freezer from Icemaker Problems in Manual 9, Icemakers. If the temperature is below 20°F, you have a bad icemaker.

2. A clog or obvious overfilling.

   This condition has two causes:

   A) A bad water valve.

   B) A worn out and sticky ice mold.

   This is particularly true of twist-tray style icemakers. One stuck, undumped cube will cause overfilling and jamming on subsequent cycles. A new tray will correct this problem. Spraying Pam on a mold is a good temporary test.

3. A bad water valve.

   A slowly leaking water valve may overfill the mold gradually and cause jamming. Free the ice build-up with hot water and see if the jam reappears after a few days. If yes, replace the water valve.

4. A bad icemaker

   Manually cycle the icemaker. (Please consult Manual 9: Icemakers for more information.)

   If it cycles fine manually, and the freezer is below 15°F, replace the icemaker (the internal thermostat is faulty). Wait several hours before jumping to conclusions.

   If it will not cycle manually, check that there is power in the connection to the icemaker. If power is present, replace the icemaker.

5. Spillage from another source.

   Watch out for a loose or crooked fill spout coming into the back. Icemakers mounted low can be jammed by simple spillage.