Informational Guide

Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working?

by Andrew

When you invest in a Whirlpool Ice Maker, the good news is that you rarely need to worry about things breaking down and going wrong - but you must keep your machine in good working condition to ensure that you always have it to hand whenever you need it. 

On occasion, however, you may find that your ice maker is not working according to plan - but we have everything you need to get it working again. We have put together the ultimate Whirlpool ice maker troubleshooting guide to give you all the information you need to know. 

When you discover your Whirlpool ice maker not working, there could be a number of common reasons for this. Below, we will take a closer look at these and have put together your ultimate Whirlpool ice maker troubleshooting guide. 

Too High Freezer Temperature 

A common reason for your ice maker not working is that the freezer temperature is too high - this means that the ice maker cannot function properly- the temperature needs to be low enough to create ice. Ideally, your freezer should be at a temperature between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum results. 

It is a good idea to regularly check the condenser coils on your freezer and keep these clean and dust-free, as this helps your freezer run more efficiently and maintain a low temperature. As an added bonus, this will also reduce the amount of energy that you use keeping your fridge cold. 

ice cubes

Jammed Ice Maker 

Another reason for your ice maker not functioning properly is that the ice maker is jammed, which is usually caused by icy water freezing on the stripper, and this causes the harvest fingers to jam. You will need to use a plastic utensil to carefully break and remove any jammed ice, but take care not to cause damage to your ice maker. 

Water Filter Requires Replacement 

Replacing your water filter is an integral part of maintaining your ice maker. If your filter is dirty, you may find that ice is produced but that it is full of sediment and impurities that can have a negative impact on the taste. According to experts, you should replace your water filter every six months, and a funny or unpleasant test is often the first sign that this needs to be done. 

Once you have replaced the water filter, don’t forget to flush it through by dispensing water from the dispenser for 5 seconds, waiting for 5 more seconds, and repeating this a few times. This step is vital for making sure that there is no air in your water system. 

Water Line Incorrectly Connected 

On a similar note, you also need to ensure that your water line is connected correctly, or your ice maker will not receive the water needed to produce ice. This can also result in leaks from your ice maker, which can quickly turn into a more expensive problem. Try and flush water through the line - if this fails, the water line will need to be replaced or adjusted. 

Kink In Water Line 

If you have a kink in your water line, the same issue applies - the water will not be able to flow to the ice maker, and so no ice will be produced. One of the most common causes for this is that your refrigerator is pushed too close to the wall, so ensure that you have plenty of space and that the water line is smooth and flowing. 

Faulty Water Inlet Valve 

Another reason for a lack of ice cubes may be a faulty water inlet valve. This is an essential component of your ice maker and will open and close as needed to allow the water to supply the refrigerator with the water it needs. If your valve is stuck closed or only opening part of the way, the water cannot reach the ice maker. If this is the case, the valve will need a professional replacement. 

Failed Component 

In some cases, there may be a particular feature or component that is no longer working as it should - the most common culprit tends to be the motor, as this is responsible for managing the ejector arms that release the ice and for the water inlet valve. The mold thermostat is another common component that can fail - this prevents the ice maker from refilling any ice molds once the right temperature has been reached, as it never receives the message to do so. Many failed components can be replaced or repaired using quality parts. 

Failed Ice Maker Switch 

In some cases, the fault may lie with the ice maker switch - this may be defective or have been turned off by accident, usually by someone knocking into it. You can check to see which is the case by using a multimeter to test the switch for continuity - if this is not present, then the switch needs to be replaced. This situation may also occur with the door switch. 

Ice Level Control Board 

This is not present in all refrigerators and ice makers, but some models will use an infrared beam designed to automatically sense the levels of ice left in the bucket. When the ice reaches the top, the infrared beam is interrupted, and the ice maker automatically stops making more. 

If this ice control board fails, most ice makers will cease making ice immediately, and this will not resume until the ice level control board receives power. The control board will need removing and replacing unless individual components can be repaired. 

Low Water Pressure 

In some cases, the issue may be outside the ice maker - low water pressure will prevent the icemaker from operating normally. Water for the ice and water dispensers will be supplied by a water inlet valve, and this requires a minimum of 20 psi to function. 

Defective Ice Maker Component 

If none of the steps we have outlined above bring you any joy, and you find that your Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker is not working despite your best efforts, then you may have been unlucky enough to receive a defective ice maker. The manufacturer should be your first port of call if this is the place, as your machine may be under warranty. 

whirlpool icemaker

Troubleshooting Popular Whirlpool Ice Maker Models  

Whirlpool ice makers come in a range of makes and models, and each of these may have its own unique issues. Some of the most popular and common will be explored below. 

Whirlpool Gold Ice Maker 

One of the most common issues typically reported with this model is the water inlet valve - this tends to malfunction and break down more commonly in the Whirlpool Gold icemaker than in many other models. However, the reason behind this is unclear. If you find your Whirlpool Gold ice maker no longer working properly, this should be the first thing you check - remember; you will need to replace the valve if it is faulty. 

Whirlpool In-Door Maker 

When it comes to issues with the Whirlpool In-Door Maker, most problems appear to stem from one of two sources: a jam in the dispenser or an issue with the waterline. Ice jams may also cause problems with the valve, which can get stuck in the closed position or simply blocked. To remove ice jams, start by gently scraping at the ice dispenser with a plastic tool - take it easy, as you do not want to risk damaging the dispenser or the ice maker itself. If this does not rectify the situation and get things flowing again, the waterline may be kinked or broken, or there could be an issue with the valve - in this care, both elements will need to be replaced. 

Whirlpool Side-by-Side Ice Maker 

Whirlpool Side-by-Side Ice Makers are notorious for getting minor clogs in the system, and this is usually water that has failed to pass through the line properly. This means that the water behind it is backed up and cannot reach the main body of the ice maker, and the result is a lack of ice being produced. Check the line carefully for any obstructions - if you discover one, you will need to replace the waterline. 

Whirlpool French Door Ice Maker  

When it comes to issues with your Whirlpool French, the chances are high that this is the result of an ice jam - if you discover your Whirlpool WRX735SDBM is not working, then it is worth heading to the dispenser to check for any bottlenecks or issues. This fault is also commonly reported with the Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ00 and Whirlpool WRX735sDBM00 ice maker models. Carefully scrape any excess ice off using a plastic tool, and then try again. 

If you find your Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ00 not working, then the fault could also lie with the water supply - many users have reported a disrupted water supply as being responsible for issues with this model. This could relate to the water pressure, a faulty or disconnected water line, or an issue with the valve - you will need to check all of these to help isolate the source of the problem. 


How To Reset Whirlpool Ice Makers 

In many cases, resetting your ice maker can be a good place to start, and will resolve a large number of issues. To reset your ice maker, you need to work through the following steps: 

  • 1
    Adjust The Feeler Arm 
    This should be your first port of call when resetting your ice machine, as it is a common problem. The feeler arm is the sensor in your machine that stops too much ice from being made and informs the ice maker that the tray is full. If the feeler arm is stuck, it cannot adjust itself and may assume that the tray is full when this is not the case. If you feel that the arm is frozen or that the spring screws are stuck, you can push down on the arm to break any ice and loosen the screws. If you are successful, the tank should start to fill with water. 
  • 2
    Push The Reset Button 
    If adjusting the feeler arm doesn't work, you can press the reset button - this will vary in location depending on the model of your ice maker but is generally on the side of the appliance, above or beneath the ice tray, or at the bottom of the ice maker. If in doubt, Google it. Once you have found the button, press and hold it for ten seconds, or until you hear a beep - whichever is first. 
  • 3
    Turn It Off And On Again 
    If all else fails, try unplugging your ice maker, leaving it for ten minutes, and then plugging it back in - this solves a multitude of issues. You can also try simply turning it off and on again. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Why is my Whirlpool ice maker not working but the water dispenser is? 

In this case, the issue is likely to be an ice jam in the dispenser or an issue with the sensors that help the machine know when to make more ice. Try to clear any obstructions and reset the ice maker. 

How do you manually cycle a Whirlpool ice maker? 

You can manually cycle your ice maker by moving the feeler arm manually - this can help to dislodge and remove any ice that might be trapped or frozen and alert the sensor to the fact that more ice needs to be made. 

Why does my Whirlpool ice maker freeze up? 

If your ice maker starts to freeze up, you may have your freezer set to a temperature that is too low. You should have your freezer set to between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. 

Does water pressure impact my ice maker? 

If the water pressure of your home is lower than 20 psi, you may find that your ice maker fails to operate correctly - if you fix the pressure, you should see an instant improvement in your appliance.  


Conclusion

An ice maker can be a great addition to your home, but sadly, things can go wrong. By having our handy troubleshooting guide, you will have the information that you need to get your Whirlpool Icemaker up and running in no time, allowing you to kick back and relax with a soothing ice-cold treat! 

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