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Error code reference

Thermador Refrigerator Error Code 5-5-1

Icemaker

Thermador codesThermador refrigerator codes

Icemaker: Internal ice maker fault.

First step from the service manual

Switch appliance off and on; if fault reappears, check water inlet heater at back of appliance; if heater functioning, replace ice maker.

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

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What 5-5-1 means on a Thermador refrigerator

Error code 5-5-1 on a Thermador refrigerator indicates an internal ice maker fault. This code points specifically to a failure within the ice maker assembly or its supporting components, rather than a general refrigeration or temperature issue. The ice maker system relies on several interconnected parts to function correctly, including the water inlet valve, the inlet heater located at the back of the appliance, and the ice maker module itself.

The water inlet heater is a critical component in this diagnostic chain. It prevents the water supply line from freezing and ensures water can flow properly into the ice maker during a fill cycle. If the heater fails or loses continuity, the ice maker may be unable to complete its cycle, triggering this fault code. Technicians should inspect the heater for continuity and verify it is receiving proper voltage before concluding the ice maker module itself has failed.

If a power cycle does not clear the fault and the water inlet heater tests as functional, the ice maker assembly itself is the likely cause. Internal faults within the ice maker module can include failures of the thermostat, motor, or control board integrated into the unit. In those cases, replacing the entire ice maker assembly is the recommended corrective action.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 5-5-1

  1. 01

    Failed water inlet heater

    Part replacement

    The water inlet heater at the back of the appliance may have lost continuity or stopped functioning, preventing water from reaching the ice maker. Check the heater for continuity with a multimeter to confirm whether it has failed.

  2. 02

    Ice maker module internal fault

    Part replacement

    The ice maker assembly itself may have an internal component failure, such as a seized motor, failed thermostat, or defective integrated control board. If the water inlet heater tests as functional, the module should be replaced.

  3. 03

    Temporary control glitch

    Wiring / connection

    Occasionally a transient electrical event can trigger this fault code without an underlying hardware failure. Switching the appliance off and back on may clear the code if no true component failure has occurred.

  4. 04

    Frozen water supply line

    Wiring / connection

    If the inlet heater has been intermittently failing, the water supply line feeding the ice maker may have partially or fully frozen. Inspect the line at the back of the unit for blockage or ice buildup.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 5-5-1

What does 5-5-1 mean on a Thermador refrigerator?
Error code 5-5-1 on a Thermador refrigerator indicates an internal ice maker fault. The refrigerator has detected a failure within the ice maker system that it cannot resolve automatically. Diagnosis begins with a power cycle, followed by inspection of the water inlet heater at the back of the appliance, and potentially replacing the ice maker assembly if the heater tests as functional.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the 5-5-1 error code?
A power cycle, turning the appliance off and back on, is the recommended first step and may clear the code if the fault was caused by a temporary glitch. However, if a hardware component such as the water inlet heater or the ice maker module has actually failed, the code will return after the reset. A recurring 5-5-1 code requires hands-on component diagnosis.
How do I fix error code 5-5-1 on my Thermador refrigerator?
Start by switching the refrigerator off, waiting a few minutes, and turning it back on. If the error reappears, inspect the water inlet heater located at the back of the appliance using a multimeter to check for continuity. If the heater is functioning correctly, the ice maker assembly itself will need to be replaced. This repair involves working with the water supply and electrical components, so technicians or experienced DIYers should handle it.
Is it safe to continue using my Thermador refrigerator when error code 5-5-1 is active?
The 5-5-1 fault is specific to the ice maker system and does not directly affect the refrigerator or freezer compartment temperatures. The appliance should continue to cool and preserve food safely while this code is active. However, the ice maker will not function normally until the fault is resolved, and leaving a failed component unaddressed for an extended period is not recommended.
How much does it cost to repair error code 5-5-1 on a Thermador refrigerator?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. Replacing a water inlet heater is generally a lower-cost repair, while replacing the full ice maker assembly will cost more due to the price of the part itself. Including labor from a qualified technician, total repair costs for this type of fault typically range from around $150 to $500 or more depending on parts pricing and local labor rates.

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