LGHB2867PF2 Frigidaire Gallery more icemaker issues

[tbarks]

Model Number

LGHB2867PF2

Brand

Frigidaire

Age

6-10 years

I'm having issues with my icemakers again. The thread listed below was about the water tank freezing along with the bottom icemaker line. Replacing the fan fixed that issue.

This is one that freezes the ice ball on the back. To help that I have placed insulation over that spot and sealed it pretty well. I don't think I have ice anymore but I haven't taken that off to actually check. I know there's no water making its way down the back side anymore.

After the fan fix the lower icemaker worked fine awhile. I've had the top icemaker turned off because it melts and refreezes the ice cubes together causing a big mess. The container actually got cracked trying to get ice from it out the door. I'm guessing that has to do with the insulating kit available to fix the poor factory insulation around it. Now I have other issues.

The bottom icemaker line froze up again where it goes down to the freezer. Thinking maybe the freezer door might have got left open a bit I thawed the line out and it worked again for a few days. Then it froze up again. This time I found ice frozen in the bottom of the refrigerator. That pointed me towards the drain. Checking it found it was not stopped up. I then noticed water dribble running down the inside back wall. I traced it to the upper icemaker. It has some ice hanging from the bottom and water dribbles out of it down the back wall. I placed a towel just under it to see how much water was actually coming out and it has gotten pretty saturated. It's also frozen. I put a thermometer right under the back of the icemaker it shows temps in the 20s consistently. I can feel cold air blowing out of the bottom of the icemaker housing. My first question is why is water coming out of the upper icemaker. I'm guessing possibly condensation but not sure but why would it leak out the back. And why is it leaking cold air? Deteriorating insulation maybe? This has just started recently. Also, the cooling fan in the upper icemaker still runs even though it's turned off. I assume this is normal. I don't think the upper icemaker leaking has anything to do with the lower icemaker line freezing up because I stopped the water from running down the inside back wall with the towel and the lower line still froze up. There's no ice in the bottom of the refrigerator now either. But I suppose anything is possible.

Another question would be can I eliminate the upper icemaker all together? Shut off it's cooling and fan? I don't really need it if the bottom one works and it's a pain in the rear to keep ice flowing freely in the container out the door.

The next question is what's causing my lower unit line to freeze again. It seems to work fine for a few days then randomly freeze again. I've gotten pretty good at taking it out and thawing it. But I don't really understand why water stays in the big fill tube to even freeze. Obviously freezing air is going to go up the fill tube from the freezer. Any water that is somehow trapped in that tube would likely freeze. Shouldn't it empty out below where the tube turns down inside the refrigerator when it fills? That's got me somewhat confused.

Sorry for the book. This is the worst appliance I've ever had. I'm ready to replace it but don't really want to spend that much right now,.

Thanks.

FIXED - Frigidaire Refrigerator LGHB2867PF2 water tank freezing.

My unit had been humming along fairly well, except for the top icemaker but that's another story, until one day last week when the bottom icemaker stopped making ice. I assumed a line was frozen since it's happened before when the freezer door wasn't closing properly. All new door seals fixed...

www.applianceblog.com

 

[Jake]

My first question is why is water coming out of the upper icemaker. I'm guessing possibly condensation but not sure but why would it leak out the back.

Possibly the ice maker is faulty, telling it to overfill itself, its on a set timer and the ice maker controls the water fill if that fill timer gets out of wack, the ice maker would need to be replaced to fix that issue.

And why is it leaking cold air? Deteriorating insulation maybe?

Yes, I would agree with you on that.

Another question would be can I eliminate the upper icemaker all together?

Jeff answered that for another member here:

FFHB2740PSBA Frigidaire Refrigerator Ticking sound

Hi all, my Frigidaire Pure Source Ultra is making a ticking sound about every 4 seconds, it is making ice , also where can I find instructions for removing this ice maker Geo🇺🇸

www.applianceblog.com

Shut off it's cooling and fan?

That I don't know if you can do, but I'd be leery of doing that, it could mess something else up.

The next question is what's causing my lower unit line to freeze again. It seems to work fine for a few days then randomly freeze again. I've gotten pretty good at taking it out and thawing it. But I don't really understand why water stays in the big fill tube to even freeze. Obviously freezing air is going to go up the fill tube from the freezer. Any water that is somehow trapped in that tube would likely freeze. Shouldn't it empty out below where the tube turns down inside the refrigerator when it fills? That's got me somewhat confused.

I'm not following you on that question, a video would help on that one.

 

[tbarks]

Possibly the ice maker is faulty, telling it to overfill itself, its on a set timer and the ice maker controls the water fill if that fill timer gets out of wack, the ice maker would need to be replaced to fix that issue.

I have the upper ice maker turned off. It shouldn't be filling at all. There's no water inside so I don't think it is. I assume the icemaker evaporator goes through defrost cycles since there is a defrost heater next to it shown in the parts diagram. I'm wondering if there is a drain for that that could be plugged at the back of the icemaker housing. I don't see a drain there anywhere in the diagrams.

Yes, I would agree with you on that.

I put some insulation strips around the back of the upper icemaker housing. I'm going to see if that makes any difference on the air leak and condensation.

Jeff answered that for another member here:

FFHB2740PSBA Frigidaire Refrigerator Ticking sound

Hi all, my Frigidaire Pure Source Ultra is making a ticking sound about every 4 seconds, it is making ice , also where can I find instructions for removing this ice maker Geo🇺🇸

www.applianceblog.com

That I don't know if you can do, but I'd be leery of doing that, it could mess something else up.

Too bad. I'd like to just eliminate the upper icemaker and all it's components. Lol.

I'm not following you on that question, a video would help on that one.

I'm just trying to determine why the lower icemaker fill tube is randomly freezing up again. I thawed it out yesterday and it's worked fine the last 24 hours. I put a temperature sensor right near where the fill tube comes up into the refrigerator to monitor the temp right there. So far is hasn't dropped below freezing. I'm going to continue to monitor it for awhile. It seems to randomly freeze up after a few days which would indicate the temp dropping a lot right in that spot.

 

[Jake]

I have the upper ice maker turned off. It shouldn't be filling at all.

Sorry, my bad, I missed seeing that.

So the only part that can cause this is the water inlet valve no closing all the way, thus leaking water in it.

I'm just trying to determine why the lower icemaker fill tube is randomly freezing up again.

That would also cause the fill tube randomly freezing up.

Here's the water inlet valve for your model you can order:
242253002 Valve-Water

 

[tbarks]

Wouldn't that cause water to get into the upper ice tray and eventually run over into the bin? There's never any in there. It just dribbles out of the back of the housing down the inside back wall. Is there no defrost drain for the upper icemaker? When that defroster kicks on where's any melt supposed to go? I can't find anything in the diagrams.

You very well could be on to it though. A few weeks ago I had an issue with my well pressure switch. It got stuck on and built up a lot of pressure in the system. I suppose that could have over pressurized the water inlet value and messed it up. I wish the lower icemaker fill line had a connector in the back like the upper does. It would be much easier to pop apart and test. I might just make that happen.

It's been two days since the lower fill tube froze up. And a day since I put some weather stripping along the bottom of the upper icemaker where was blowing cold air out and leaking water. I've been monitoring temps in different locations and none have been abnormal yet and the lower icemaker is working fine. I'll continue to monitor and maybe try to determine if the water valve is in fact leaking some.

I appreciate the replies. It's interesting to learn more about how these things work. Even though I know a lot more than I wish I did.

 

[Jake]

Wouldn't that cause water to get into the upper ice tray and eventually run over into the bin? There's never any in there. It just dribbles out of the back of the housing down the inside back wall. Is there no defrost drain for the upper icemaker? When that defroster kicks on where's any melt supposed to go?

Not if its just a random very slow tiny leak.

It just dribbles out of the back of the housing down the inside back wall.

Back of what housing? upper Ice maker housing?

Is there no defrost drain for the upper icemaker?

You have a defrost drain hole underneath that upper ice maker evaporator coil. Its located underneath the defrost heater.

Here's the defrost heater for your model:
Defrost Heater Assembly 242094802


When you click the part link to the defrost heater you will see videos on how to ohm test the defrost heater and how to access/replace it.

The video will also show you how to remove that air handler to check the defrost drain hole.

 

[tbarks]

So there is a drain hole up there. It’s not shown on any diagrams.

I’ve attached a pic of the bottom of the upper ice maker housing. It’s a little hard to see but there’s some ice forming around the edges. I stuck some weather stripping around it just as a test. I think that slowed down the leakage some but not completely. I stuff a towel under it and it collects water and freezes.

As for the water valve possibly leaking I took the upper fill tube apart on the backside and put the end in a jug for a few hours. I got no water out of it at all. Makes me think it’s not weeping any.

I’m thinking I may just need the new seal kit for the upper ice maker to fix those issues. I might even be able to use it again with that.

As far the bottom ice maker fill tube freezing up I’m still buffaloed. It’s been fine for 3 days now. I suppose I’ll just see how that goes.

Thanks again.

 

[Jake]

Watch this video for the drain hole location, its in the bottom of the cover he removes:



Watch the entire video too, to get to that point as well.

 

[tbarks]

Well the lower ice maker fill tube froze up again. It has ice hanging from the inside. I’m going with the water valve leaking. I’ll replace it and see how it goes.

 

[Jake]

Ok, I guess I'm not understanding your situation, I thought you were looking for the evaporator coil drain hole.

So I guess your having BOTH of these problems.

the lower ice maker fill tube froze up again. It has ice hanging from the inside. I’m going with the water valve leaking.

I would agree its a bad water inlet valve for that issue.

 

[tbarks]

Sorry for the confusion. Yes both ice makers are acting up. The top one is not even turned on but started leaking out from behind the back of its housing and freezing around the edge. Some of it ran all the way down the back of the refrigerator and froze in the bottom. I put a towel under the bottom of the housing and its catching water. The drain hole could be stopped up causing this. The air handler sealing could also be an issue as I can feel cold air blowing out around the back of the ice maker housing. I may order that kit too.

The lower ice maker fill tube freezes up after 3-4 days of operation after I unthaw it. I've ordered the water valve you indicated above. Hopefully that fixes that issue.

 

[Jake]

Ok, thanks I got it now.

Yes both ice makers are acting up. The top one is not even turned on but started leaking out from behind the back of its housing and freezing around the edge. Some of it ran all the way down the back of the refrigerator and froze in the bottom. I put a towel under the bottom of the housing and its catching water. The drain hole could be stopped up causing this. The air handler sealing could also be an issue as I can feel cold air blowing out around the back of the ice maker housing. I may order that kit too.

Yes, I agree with you on that.

The lower ice maker fill tube freezes up after 3-4 days of operation after I unthaw it. I've ordered the water valve you indicated above. Hopefully that fixes that issue.

Yes, I agree with you on that too.

Hopefully the new water inlet valve does fix both issues, that's a good place to start.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[tbarks]

Update. I got the new water inlet valve and installed it. Easy job. Then I went to thaw the frozen lower ice maker fill tube. When I pulled the drawers out I found a self inflicted mess. Apparently I didn't get the water line tight on the fill tube last time and it leaked. The air flow hole on the left back side was completely frozen shut. All the way to the bottom. There was also ice frozen all over the bottom of the fridge. It took awhile to get the ice all chipped out. Some went down into the bottom where I hope it melts and runs out the drain tube. After unthawing everything I have it all back together and it seems to be working again. But it has before so I'm reserving judgement until it works for a week or more. If this doesn't fix the freezing fill tube issue I may just not have an ice maker.

I haven't messed with the top ice maker any more. It still has ice buildup along the back bottom edge. I may try the new seal kit on that.

One thing I noticed right away is the new water valve is a lot noisier than the old one when its filling the ice maker. I'm not sure why that would be.

Pro tip... make sure you get water lines tight.

 

[Jake]

Ok, hopefully that was the only issue. Glad you found that and fixed it.

I'm reserving judgement until it works for a week or more.

Lets hope so, keep us posted.

One thing I noticed right away is the new water valve is a lot noisier than the old one when its filling the ice maker. I'm not sure why that would be.

That's usually a good sign, better water pressure going through it.

 

[tbarks]

Froze up again. I have no idea.

 

[Jake]

That's very odd, I don't know what else to suggest.

You can contact Frigidaire support at 1-800-374-4432 and they will locate a Frigidaire tech near you or click here: https://www.frigidaire.com/Owner-Center/Service--Repair/Certified-Frigidaire-Service--Repair/

 

[tbarks]

I can see a dribble of ice start to form at the bottom of the fill tube. In de-icing it in the past using a hair dryer and pick I’ve scratched the inside a bit. The inside of it isn’t perfectly smooth anymore. That was before I learned how easy it is to get completely out. It’s a stretch but I’m starting to wonder if some water droplets are hanging in there and freezing. Starting out small and building over the course of the couple of days it takes to freeze completely. I hate to spend another $60 on some plastic tube just hoping that’s it but I really don’t have another idea. Guess I’ll think about it.

 

[tbarks]

Update. I bought a new fill tube for the lower ice maker and changed it out. Since then it has not froze up. I can only assume the disfiguring of the inside of the fill tube was causing water droplets to hang in there and freeze. Over the course of a couple of days that would become enough to close it off. The thing has been working for a week now with no issues.

The only negative is the new water valve I installed is crazy noisy. It sounds like there's a flood happening when the ice maker fills. I've never heard one so loud. I don't understand why it's that way. I don't really believe it was part of the issue now. I'm considering putting the original one back in to test that.

The upper ice maker, although turned off, is still causing ice to freeze around the outside edges of it in the back of the refrigerator. That has to be from poor insulation/sealing around the back edge. It's not really causing any issues at the time since I don't use that ice maker. I suppose the next thing would be to install the upgraded air handler and seal kit. Maybe that would make the whole thing work again. What's another $100 huh!

Thanks for the help.

 

[Jake]

Update. I bought a new fill tube for the lower ice maker and changed it out. Since then it has not froze up. I can only assume the disfiguring of the inside of the fill tube was causing water droplets to hang in there and freeze. Over the course of a couple of days that would become enough to close it off. The thing has been working for a week now with no issues.

That's good news.

The only negative is the new water valve I installed is crazy noisy. It sounds like there's a flood happening when the ice maker fills. I've never heard one so loud. I don't understand why it's that way. I don't really believe it was part of the issue now. I'm considering putting the original one back in to test that.

Yes, it should not be crazy noisy, yes you can try putting the original back in place and see how it does.

The upper ice maker, although turned off, is still causing ice to freeze around the outside edges of it in the back of the refrigerator. That has to be from poor insulation/sealing around the back edge. It's not really causing any issues at the time since I don't use that ice maker. I suppose the next thing would be to install the upgraded air handler and seal kit. Maybe that would make the whole thing work again.

Yes, lots of members have installed this kit: 5303918784 Air Handler Kit with good success.