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pastor1189
Oct 5, 2014, 06:38 AM
Had replace the Kenmore solenoid ice maker in May, and it made ice. Recently
it stopped again. Put another solenoid in, but it seems it doesn't come on.
To test for current do I unplug the harness and put the probe on the solenoid contacts?
But what if the wire plug coming into the solenoid has no current?


See picture




Attach the two multimeter probes to each solenoid contact. Read the multimeter's display. A properly working solenoid will reflect a 200 to 500 ohm reading. Replace the solenoid if it produces no reading or has a large displayed value.

hkstroud
Oct 5, 2014, 07:03 AM
But what if the wire plug coming into the solenoid has no current?

The wires to water solenoid will only have voltage when the ice maker is calling for water.
I would first make sure the ice maker has not been turned off. I would also insure that it had not been electrically disconnected. I would then remove the incoming water line and make sure that I had water to the solenoid. If I had water to the solenoid I would remove the out going water line and see if I had water leaving the solenoid. If not, I would find an old extension cord. Cut off the female end and put a couple female connectors on it. Connect the extension cord to the solenoid. Plug the extension cord in. If you have water out, the solenoid is OK and problem is in ice maker. No water out means solenoid is defective.

pastor1189
Oct 5, 2014, 11:43 AM
Thanks the gate on the ice maker itself is working
But when it comes down, the water valve doesn't kick in.
Ice maker cost $49.00 Sears want $75.00 just to visit

drtom4444
Oct 6, 2014, 09:48 AM
46679Then all you may have wrong with it is either the microswitch that controls the water valve or you may simply need to adjust the switch. Pop off the end of the ice maker and you will see an adjustment screw with "+" and "-" on the steel plate under it. First, take a small screw driver and press the button on the microswitch and if it is good the water solenoid will be activated. Here are two manuals to help you out so you can learn to use a meter, too: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool%20%20Icemaker%20Ice%20Dispenser.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Electrical%20Theory%20and%20Diagnosis%20of%20Major %20Appliances%20Service%20Manual.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/How%20to%20Diagnose%20and%20Fix%20Everything%20Ele ctronic.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/How%20to%20use%20Test%20Equipment%20Service%20Manu al.pdf
Here is what it looks like above. Some ice makers are made with a different type switch made onto a circuit board.

pastor1189
Oct 6, 2014, 10:19 AM
Only see the adjustment screw. No button underneath it.

46683

drtom4444
Oct 6, 2014, 10:39 AM
Look around for a switch. The screw moves something that controls the length of time the solenoid stays open. One wire leaving the switch leads to the plug that plugs into the receptacle on the freezer wall. Trace each wire and two are power-one hot and one neutral which are black and white, one green ground wire, and a brown wire leading to the water valve. Trace the brown wire and it will lead you to the switch.

pastor1189
Oct 6, 2014, 11:48 AM
Okay I will tried it

pastor1189
Oct 13, 2014, 07:00 AM
Purchased a new ice maker everything brand new. Still not working
Inlet valve shows 300 ohms . Do not hear the valve coming on. Will check the water lines next..