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How to install Frigidaire IM117000 ice maker kit: Easy and Quick

ByArham Hafeez

Installing the Frigidaire IM117000 Top-Mount Ice Maker Kit is a very manageable DIY project. This universal kit fits most modern Frigidaire top-freezer refrigerators.

Before starting, gather a flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips-head or square screwdriver, a 1/4″ hex nut driver, and needle-nose pliers.

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY FIRST

Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical wall outlet before doing any work to prevent severe personal injury or electric shock. Turn off your home’s main water line valve to the fridge as well.

Step 1: Interior Freezer Preparation

  1. Clear the Space: Take out any food and entirely remove the freezer shelf, setting it aside.
  2. Remove the Covers: Locate the small plastic water inlet/electrical cover on the inside back-left wall of the freezer. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the left notch, push right to disengage the snap, and pull it off.
  3. Expose the Plug: Behind that cover, you will see the refrigerator’s built-in electrical harness plug. Pull it out slightly so it is accessible.
  4. Insert Mount Screws: Grab the shoulder screws included in your kit. Look at the freezer’s interior plastic liner to find the pre-marked dimples (a flashlight helps). Use your driver to screw 2 shoulder screws into the left sidewall and 3 into the ceiling liner until they are tight.

Step 2: Mount the Ice Maker Assembly

  1. (For 30″ Wide Fridges Only): If your fridge is 30 inches wide, attach the extension bracket included in the kit to the side of the ice maker first. For standard 28″ wide fridges, skip this.
  2. Plug it In: Lift the ice maker up and plug its wire harness directly into the refrigerator’s electrical connector on the back wall. Ensure it snaps together tightly.
  3. Hang the Unit: Align the ice maker’s mounting keyholes over the two shoulder screws on the left wall. Slide it downward and push back until it clicks securely into place.Check: Make sure the ice maker’s water reception channel sits directly underneath the freezer’s built-in water fill tube.
  4. Install the Top Cover: Take the large plastic housing/cover sheet from the kit, slide it onto the shoulder screws on the ceiling, and push until it snaps locked.
  5. Add the Bin: Lower your freezer shelf to its bottom-most slot, slide it back in, and place the new ice storage bucket on top of the shelf right under the ice maker.

Step 3: Rear Water Valve Installation

Moving to the back exterior of the refrigerator:

  1. Remove the Lower Access Panel: Unscrew the hex screws holding the cardboard or metal access cover at the bottom rear of the fridge to expose the compressor area.
  2. Access the Water Inlet: Near the top-right rear corner, look for the “Ice Maker Installation” sticker. Cut along the dashed lines and push the flaps inward to expose the water inlet pipe.
  3. Install the Upper Water Line: Connect the green water tube to the top water inlet nozzle by hand-tightening the nut, then use needle-nose pliers to turn it an extra $1/4$ turn until snug. Secure the tube down the back of the fridge using the plastic adhesive clips from the kit.
  4. Mount the Water Valve: At the bottom right corner, find the factory-drilled screw holes. Align the new water valve bracket and secure it using the two self-tapping hex screws.
  5. Plug in the Electronics: Find the loose wire harness hanging near the condenser coil area and plug it directly into the new water valve terminal.
  6. Insert the Tube: Take the other end of the green water line tube and push it firmly into the bottom outlet of the water valve. Push it in until the black line printed on the tube lines up perfectly with the valve fitting (it should bottom out).

Step 4: Connecting the Home Water Supply

  1. Take your household water supply line (Frigidaire highly recommends a $1/4$-inch copper or stainless steel braided water line) and attach it to the threaded brass inlet fitting on the water valve.
  2. Tighten the compression nut firmly with a wrench, but do not overtighten as it can crack the valve.
  3. Re-install the bottom rear access panel cover, making sure the power cord and water line safely pass through the pre-cut notches without getting pinched.

Final Check & Start-Up

  • Turn your home’s water supply valve back on and check the back of the fridge thoroughly for any immediate drips or leaks.
  • Plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet.
  • Make sure the ice maker’s wire sensor arm is pushed down into the “On” position.

Keep in mind that it can take up to 24 hours for the freezer to drop to the correct temperature and for the water valve to cycle through its first batches of ice! Throw away the first 1 or 2 batches of cubes to ensure any manufacturing dust in the lines is washed away.

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