Kitchenaid superba refrigerator ice maker red light flashing

The KitchenAid Superba Refrigerator has a built-in icemaker for a steady, convenient supply of ice. Some models also offer additional features, such as being able to choose between crushed and cubed ice. But on some occasions, you may encounter issues that prevent your icemaker from working properly. While some problems are easy to troubleshoot, others, such as the maker failing to produce ice completely or producing smaller cubes than usual, can indicate an issue that requires professional service. Being able to tell the difference means your refrigerator can be back to producing ice as quickly as possible.

Not Producing Ice

  1. If your fridge’s ice maker isn’t producing ice, check that the shutoff arm or switch is in the On position. The water line shutoff valve to the refrigerator must be open, as well. If the ice maker has just been installed, the freezer temperature may not be cold enough to make ice. Allow 24 hours after the ice maker installation for ice production. It may take as many as three days for the ice container to fill even after the refrigerator starts producing ice. If your fridge model features an interior ice bin, check that an ice cube hasn’t become jammed in the ice maker’s ejector arm – use a plastic utensil to gently pry it out of the arm. For a refrigerator that features a reverse osmosis water filtration system, make sure that your cold water supply has a water pressure at a minimum of 40 to 60 psi. If you’re unsure about your water pressure, contact a licensed plumber to examine your connection.

Ice Cubes Are Small or Hollow

  1. When your refrigerator produces ice cubes that are small or hollow, it usually indicates that the water supply to the ice maker has low water pressure. Check that the water shutoff valve is fully open and examine the water supply lines to ensure that there aren’t any kinks or pinched areas that might restrict water flow. For a fridge with a water filter connected, remove the filter and see if water flow to the dispenser increases. If it does, the filter is either clogged or not installed properly. Replace a clogged filter or reinsert the filter properly to improve the quality of your ice. Remember that a reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to the cold water supply needs the proper water pressure too, so if it’s lower than 40 psi, it may product small or hollow cubes.

Ice Cubes Have Funny Taste/Odor/Color

  1. Your ice maker may produce ice that has a strange taste, odor or color if its plumbing connections are new so you may need to throw out the first three or so batches of ice after the pipes and fittings are changed. Your ice may also taste, smell or look funny if the cubes have been stored for longer than a week or if the food in the refrigerator or freezer haven’t been wrapped correctly. If you live in an area where the water supply contains minerals like sulfur, you may need to install a filter to remove the minerals to improve the taste and smell of the ice. When your ice appears gray or dark in color, it usually indicates that your water filtration system needs further flushing. Flush it by using a sturdy container to hold the water dispenser lever for five seconds and then releasing it for five seconds. Repeat the procedure for two minutes so all of the air in the system is pushed out.

Dispenser Not Operating Properly

  1. If your ice maker’s dispenser is not operating properly, make sure that the freezer door is firmly closed. Next, examine the ice bin to ensure that it’s installed correctly – you must push down when replacing the bin to make sure that it is secure. Check the contents of the bin; ice will not dispense if it is frozen together inside the bin. The dispenser may also fail to operate if you place cubes that weren’t produced by the refrigerator’s ice maker in it. Finally, make sure that there isn’t any ice stuck in the dispenser’s delivery shoot. If so, use a plastic utensil to pry it loose.

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How to Troubleshoot the KitchenAid Ice Maker

If your KitchenAid Ice Maker is not working use this troubleshooting guide to diagnose common problems.

  • Ice maker turned off 
  • Ice maker jammed
  • Water filter needs to be replaced
  • Water system needs to be flushed
  • Check water supply line

Is the ice maker turned on? 

Verify that the ice maker is turned on. If the ice maker’s water supply is not connected to water supply line, turn the ice maker off. If the ice maker is on, but disconnected to water supply line, the following could happen:

  • The ice maker will continue to try to make ice, causing a buzzing sound
  • A refrigerator section may to be too cold
  • Food in crisper drawers may freeze

Is the ice maker jammed?

First, ensure that ice is not jammed in the ejector arm of the ice maker. Remove jammed ice from the ejector arm using only a plastic utensil so the ice maker is not damaged. This will likely resolve the issue. Because the ice may not be completely frozen yet, when the harvest fingers try to harvest the ice cubes, the fingers bring up icy water that attaches to the stripper. This icy water can then freeze on the stripper during the next cycle causing an ice bridge. This ice bridge will cause the harvest fingers to jam.

Does your water filter need to be replaced?

A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter will reduce the water flow to the ice maker and could cause thin, low or no ice production. 

CLICK HERE for additional information on checking the water filter.

To purchase water filters, visit EveryDropWater.com. Their filter selection tool will help you identify the right filter for your refrigerator or icemaker.

Was the water system flushed after filter installation or replacement?

Flush the system is needed every time the filter is changed or once the refrigerator is installed to the water supply line for the first time.  Air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser or small/hollow ice cubes. 

CLICK HERE for more information on how to flush the water system.

Check the water supply line

When checking the water supply line, ensure the water supply is properly connected to a cold water supply and the water shutoff valve is fully opened. 

Next, check to make sure there are no kinks in the water supply line. A kink in the line can reduce water flow. Straighten the water source line to restore adequate water flow and pressure. To help reduce the chances of a pinched water line, do not push the refrigerator too far back against the wall or cabinet.

If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.

Why is my ice maker blinking red?

If the ice maker is not producing ice: Press the ON/OFF button to make sure the ice maker power is on. Check the home electric breaker. If the Check Water light is flashing Red, then the water supply is low.

How do I reset my KitchenAid Superba ice maker?

Ice Maker Reset Press the plastic tab on the door jamb. This signals the light to switch off. Close the freezer door and let it reset for 10 seconds prior to opening the door. Tap the door's switch at least three times and close the door.

Why is my KitchenAid Superba not making ice?

Not Producing Ice If your fridge's ice maker isn't producing ice, check that the shutoff arm or switch is in the On position. The water line shutoff valve to the refrigerator must be open, as well. If the ice maker has just been installed, the freezer temperature may not be cold enough to make ice.

How do I reset the clean light on my KitchenAid ice maker?

Restart the Ice Maker This will reset the controls on the ice maker. If the Cleaning indicator remains on after restarting the Ice Maker, press the "Clean" button so the cycle can complete.