Amana AFD2535DES Ice Maker Not Working – What Part Fixes This Problem?
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: The ice maker in an Amana AFD2535DES can stop making ice for electrical, mechanical, or water-supply reasons. The most common faults are a bad ice maker module (motor/thermostat/heater), a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged/old water filter or supply line, a frozen fill tube, or a tripped shutoff arm. Below are step-by-step diagnostics and repair instructions you can follow to identify and fix the problem. Diagnostic & repair steps: 1) Safety first: unplug the refrigerator or switch off its breaker and shut off the water supply to the fridge before you begin any inspection or repairs. 2) Visual check and simple fixes: - Open the freezer and confirm the ice maker’s shutoff arm (if present) is down (on). If the arm is up, lower it and wait for a cycle. - Remove old ice from the bin; jammed ice can block operation. - Check the water filter: if it’s old or clogged, replace it and test (a clogged filter will reduce or stop fill). 3) Check water supply and fill tube: - Confirm the water valve to the fridge is fully open. - Inspect the fill tube that runs to the ice maker (behind the freezer rear wall). If it is frozen, gently thaw it with a hair dryer on low (do not use boiling water). If it repeatedly freezes, the heater/defrost related parts or an over-chilled freezer thermostat might be the cause. 4) Test the water inlet valve: - Turn power back on and place a container under the fill tube and manually cycle the ice maker (see step 6 for jumper). When the ice maker calls for water it should allow water through. If there is no water flow but the valve is getting 120V (or the fridge’s rated fill voltage), the valve is bad and needs replacement. - Measure the resistance of the inlet valve coils with a multimeter; if coils are open or well out of spec, replace the valve. 5) Inspect the ice maker module (motor/heater/thermostat): - If the ice maker does not move through its harvest cycle, power the unit off, remove the ice maker module, and inspect for broken gears or obvious damage. - With power on (and water turned off), you can use a jumper on the ice maker connector test pads or follow the manufacturer’s diagnostic procedure to force a harvest. If the motor does not run, the module is bad. 6) Manually cycle the ice maker to test operation: - Most Amana/Whirlpool-style ice makers have test pins or you can short two test connections on the module to initiate a harvest (consult the service sheet for exact pins). When you force a cycle the mold should heat to release ice and the motor should index. If it harvests but does not fill, suspect the water valve or supply. If it won't harvest, suspect the module or a failed heater/thermostat in the mold. 7) Replace failed parts: - Replace the water inlet valve if it does not open or the coils are bad. - Replace the ice maker assembly if the motor or thermostat/heater in the assembly has failed or if gears are stripped. - Replace the water filter or repair/replace a kinked supply line. - If the fill tube repeatedly freezes, inspect/replace the defrost elements or check freezer temperature (should be around 0°F / -18°C); an over-cold freezer can cause freeze-ups. 8) Reassembly and test: - Restore water and power. Manually initiate a cycle or wait for the next automatic cycle. Confirm the ice maker fills properly and makes ice within 24 hours. Practical how-to fix notes: - Replacing the ice maker: remove the upper freezer shelf, disconnect the harness, remove mounting screws, swap units, reconnect, and secure. Follow with a manual test cycle. - Replacing the water valve: pull the refrigerator away, disconnect water line, unplug connector, unscrew valve, replace with exact-fit part, reconnect water, and check for leaks. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power and turn off the water supply before working on the appliance. Use insulated tools when measuring voltage. If you’re not comfortable testing with live voltage or disassembling sealed components, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
No ice production, ice maker motor not running, ice bin empty with no fill, partial fills or tiny cubes, frozen fill tube, or continuous water flow/overflow.
Common Causes
- Faulty ice maker module (motor, thermostat, or heater) or stripped gears
- Defective water inlet valve or no water supply to the fridge
- Clogged/old water filter or frozen fill tube
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
To quickly confirm whether the ice maker module or the water valve is bad: force a harvest cycle. If the ice maker heats and ejects but no water fills, the water inlet valve or supply is the problem. If it doesn't harvest, the ice maker module is likely bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset the ice maker on my Amana AFD2535DES?
Most Amana ice makers reset by turning the power to the refrigerator off for 30–60 seconds (unplug or switch the breaker) then back on. Some units also have a manual test/jump procedure: press and hold the test button or use the test pins on the ice maker module to force a harvest. If resetting doesn’t restore operation, follow the diagnostic steps above.
Can I replace just the ice maker mold or do I need the whole assembly?
Often the whole ice maker assembly is replaced because the heater, thermostat, motor and gears are integrated. If only the mold or heater element has failed and a specific replacement is available, it can be replaced, but for most homeowners it’s faster and more reliable to replace the complete OEM ice maker assembly that’s designed to drop into the existing mount and harness.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.