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Error code reference

Thermador Refrigerator Error Code 1-3-1

Icemaker

Thermador codesThermador refrigerator codes

Icemaker: Ice production cycle is interrupted.

First step from the service manual

Start icemaker self test and observe if ice tray rotates; check for mechanical blockage.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 1-3-1 means on a Thermador refrigerator

Error code 1-3-1 on a Thermador refrigerator indicates that the icemaker's ice production cycle has been interrupted before completing normally. The icemaker operates through a timed sequence: water fill, freeze period, harvest cycle, and reset. When any phase of this sequence is halted unexpectedly, the control board registers the 1-3-1 fault. The harvest cycle, which involves the ice tray motor rotating to release cubes into the bin, is a common point of failure and is the primary focus of the initial diagnostic step.

The most direct way to begin diagnosing this fault is to initiate the icemaker self-test and observe whether the ice tray rotates through its full harvest motion. If the tray fails to move, stalls partway through rotation, or moves erratically, a mechanical blockage or a failed tray motor is likely responsible. Ice buildup around the tray, a jammed cube, or a foreign object in the icemaker assembly can all prevent the motor from completing its rotation. The control board interprets this interruption as a cycle failure and triggers the 1-3-1 code.

Other contributing factors can include water supply problems that prevent proper ice formation, a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor that misreads freeze completion, or a defective icemaker control module. If the tray rotates freely during self-test but the error persists, attention should shift to the water inlet valve, the freezer compartment temperature, and the electrical connections feeding the icemaker assembly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 1-3-1

  1. 01

    Mechanical blockage in the ice tray

    Wiring / connection

    Ice chunks, frost buildup, or a foreign object can prevent the tray from rotating through the harvest cycle. Inspect the tray and surrounding area for obstructions and clear any ice buildup manually.

  2. 02

    Failed ice tray motor

    Part replacement

    The motor that drives the ice tray rotation may have failed or seized, causing the harvest cycle to stall. During self-test, a tray that does not rotate at all strongly suggests motor failure.

  3. 03

    Water inlet valve failure

    Part replacement

    If the water inlet valve is not delivering the correct amount of water to the icemaker, ice may not form properly, which can interrupt the production cycle before harvest. Check for adequate water pressure and valve operation.

  4. 04

    Freezer temperature out of range

    Wiring / connection

    If the freezer compartment is not maintaining a cold enough temperature, the ice may not freeze fully before the harvest phase begins, causing the cycle to be interrupted. Verify the freezer is holding its set temperature consistently.

  5. 05

    Faulty icemaker control module

    Part replacement

    The icemaker's onboard control module manages the timing and sequencing of the entire production cycle. A defective module can misread cycle completion or fail to advance the sequence, resulting in a repeated 1-3-1 fault even when mechanical components are functioning correctly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 1-3-1

What does 1-3-1 mean on a Thermador refrigerator?
Error code 1-3-1 means the icemaker's ice production cycle was interrupted before it could complete. The icemaker goes through a sequence of filling with water, freezing, and harvesting ice, and this fault triggers when that sequence is stopped partway through. The most common cause is a mechanical blockage preventing the ice tray from rotating during the harvest phase. Running the icemaker self-test to observe tray rotation is the recommended first diagnostic step.
How do I fix a 1-3-1 error on my Thermador refrigerator?
Start by running the icemaker self-test and watching whether the ice tray completes a full rotation. If it does not rotate, check for ice buildup or obstructions around the tray and clear them. If the tray is mechanically free but still does not move, the tray motor or icemaker control module may need to be replaced. Also verify that the water inlet valve is functioning and that the freezer is holding proper temperature.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when error code 1-3-1 is showing?
Yes, the 1-3-1 code is specific to the icemaker system and does not indicate a problem with the refrigerator or freezer compartments themselves. Your refrigerator will continue cooling and preserving food normally. However, the icemaker will not produce ice until the fault is resolved, so you should address the issue if you rely on the icemaker.
Will resetting the icemaker clear the 1-3-1 error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying problem is not corrected, the fault will return once the icemaker attempts another production cycle. Resetting is useful for confirming whether the issue was a one-time occurrence, such as a temporary blockage that has since cleared. For persistent faults, a full diagnostic inspection of the tray motor, water inlet valve, and control module is necessary.
How much does it cost to repair a Thermador refrigerator showing error 1-3-1?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. If the issue is simply a mechanical blockage, clearing it yourself costs nothing. Replacing a water inlet valve typically runs between 75 and 200 dollars in parts, while an ice tray motor or icemaker control module can range from 100 to 350 dollars in parts before labor. Professional service calls for icemaker diagnostics and repair generally add 100 to 250 dollars in labor depending on your location and the complexity of the repair.

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