Scotsman Ice Machine Troubleshooting

Written By
Misty Faucheux
Misty Faucheux
Published: Mar 30, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

Scotsman encourages you to troubleshoot your ice machine before contacting the company for service, especially if the warranty has expired.

Icemaker Operation

Check your start capacitor, compressor windings and start relay if your compressor will not start. If the auger motor is turning, but you do not receive any ice, check your circuit board and contactor coil, and replace if necessary. If your ice machine won’t come on or make ice, plug it into an outlet and check to see if your power is on. Check your circuit breaker and fuses. Replace any blown fuses and reset a tripped circuit breaker. Turn your water on completely and remove any scale build-up. Clean ice sensors if blocked. Check your circuit board to see if it has power, and check your refrigerant for leaks. Your icemaker will not operate at temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water reservoir is empty, turn the water valve to the “On” position, and replace any missing reservoir cap.

Not Enough/Too Much Ice

Your ice machine will not produce ice if the ambient room temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Increase your room temperate setting, and give the ice machine up to 24 hours to make more ice. Clean any blockages in the condenser and air filter, and replace any broken water valves. Add a filter to your water system if you see a build up in scale on the evaporator or auger. If you are getting too much ice, test your thermistor using a multimeter. If the multimeter resistance reading increases steadily, then the unit is working properly. If not, then replace it.

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Leaks/Too Much Water Usage

Water around your unit indicates a leak. Check the water seals, tubing and fittings. Replace any broken or worn pieces. Remove any dirt or debris from the drain, fittings or drain tubes. If you are not getting enough refrigerant, use a leak detector to find any leaks in the refrigerant system. Check your motors, switches and compressor, and replace any broken parts. If your ice machine uses too much water, change the 245 PSIG discharge pressure and check your reservoir float valve for leaks.

Noise

It is common for your ice machine to make some noise, especially when filling up the container bin with ice. Check your evaporator and clean if necessary. If you hear a grinding noise, check your reservoir and replace the pump if necessary. If it’s not the pump, try cleaning the evaporator plate, and check the cutter grid for blockages. Check your motor bearings and lubricate if dry. Replace the motor if bad or malfunctioning.

The Drip Cap

  • Scotsman Ice Systems, headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, specializes in ice-making and water filtration systems.
  • If the auger motor is turning, but you do not receive any ice, check your circuit board and contactor coil, and replace if necessary.
  • If your ice machine won’t come on or make ice, plug it into an outlet and check to see if your power is on.
  • Check your circuit breaker and fuses.
  • Your icemaker will not operate at temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove any dirt or debris from the drain, fittings or drain tubes.
  • Check your motor bearings and lubricate if dry.
Misty Faucheux

Misty Faucheux became a freelance writer in 1998 and has been an editor since 2004. She has written for a variety of websites and blogs, specializing in topics ranging from digital photography to computer systems to digital media. Faucheux…

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