Brand: Kitchen Aid Model Number: KUIS18NNJB8 Main Symptom: Not producing Ice What happens & when:
The machine was working fine until the “clean” light started flashing. Once that happened, the machine stopped producing ice. It will continue to flash and the compartment will get warm over time. The source of the heat is the transformer which powers the ice cutting grid. There are three mechanical buttons (On, Off, Clean) so unlike newer undercounter ice machines, there is no option to diagnose that I am aware of.
After some internet searching, I found that two things might be the issue and replaced them. First I replaced the circuit board. After doing so, the machine started to produce ice no problem. The water was flowing, the ice sheet was being created, and the ice grid was cutting ice. Then the red light started flashing again and everything stopped working.
I then replaced the thermistor in the bin. Again, everything started working fine and the machine created a massive amount of ice. In fact, the machine was overflowing with ice. It worked for a few days and then the red light started flashing again.
So, at this point, I’m not sure what else to try. I was hoping for an expert to point me in the right direction, or if possible a service manual for this machine.
Thanks in advance and please let me know if there are any questions.
Thanks so much for posting the service manual! Much appreciated. I’ll try fixing the ice maker this weekend, and report back if I’m able to get things working. I guess I’m going to have to figure out how to use my multimeter.
Thanks again for the service manual. I went through all the parts this weekend and tested them out. Outside of breaking the evaporator thermistor (which I will replace, but couldn’t test) the only other component that failed the multimeter test was the Water Inlet Valve Solenoid which is supposed to measure 2650-2750 Ohms, but measured 3180 Ohms. Assuming that is too much out of range?
The solenoid resistance test for a water valve can point to the potential of a failed water valve, however, it is not the most accurate since temperature can effect the coil resistance. The best test I have found is just a voltage test. If volage is present and water goes through, the valve is good. If you press the clean button, does the clean LED flash twice, three times, or does it give a different flash pattern? Also, what resistance did the cutter grid and the transformer have when they were tested?
When I press the clean button, it blinks 5 times. I could not find anything in the manual about the red light flashing 5 times. After it runs for a while and then stops producing ice, it blinks over and over again. The time it runs is variable, but when it does, it produces ice just fine. Everything seems to work.
The flashing five times indicates an evaporator thermistor fault. If you disconnect the evaporator thermistor from the control connector, it can be tested for resistance and continuity. Continuity would be checked from the wires to the evaporator to see if it might be shorting out. Resistance from wire to wire should measure around 10K Ohms at room temperature, 18K Ohms at 52 degrees, and 65K-69K Ohms at 8-4 degrees respectively. Using a glass of ice water can help with testing at 52 degrees while placing the thermistor in between a couple bags of veggies in the freezer for 20-30 minutes can help with the lower temperature.
Hi. Thanks for the recommendation. During previous testing of components, I ended up breaking the evaporator thermistor while trying to remove it so I could not test it to see if it was the failure. I ordered a new evaporator thermistor and water valve just in case that was the problem. When I received the evaporator thermistor, I replaced it and the machine seems to be functioning now.
You mentioned that number of blinks when pressing the clean button helps point to the part failure. Is there a list of the number of blinks associated with each part failure? I didn’t see that in the service manual, but it would be great to know in case something else fails in the future. Given the cost of these ice machines, I think I will be fighting to keep it going for a long time.
I also just wanted to say thanks to you and everyone else in this forum that provided help. I very much appreciate everyone taking the time to respond.
The number of flashes are in very small print on the tech sheet on the lower left corner of the first page. Here is a zoomed in picture of the small print and The tech sheet is attached as well.
