Refrigerator buzzes or clicks every so often: ice maker turned on with no water line (or a starved water valve)

When the ice maker is switched on but no water reaches the inlet valve, the ice maker keeps calling for a fill and the valve solenoid buzzes against nothing. The fix is to connect the water or turn the ice maker off. A restricted supply (kinked line, saddle valve, clogged filter) gives a louder-than-normal buzz during fills, and very high house pressure can make the valve chatter.

Cross-checked ~20 min easyBrands: All

Before you start

  • Unplug the refrigerator before pulling it out or touching the inlet valve terminals
  • Close the water supply before disconnecting any line

Diagnostic steps

Unlock all 5 steps with expected values

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

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Refrigerator buzzes or clicks every so often: ice maker turned on with no water line (or a starved water valve) · OnCall Tech