Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Issues, The through-the-door ice and water dispensers were a pricey addition when refrigerator manufacturers first introduced them. However, it can be annoying when the ice stops flowing. Many Whirlpool refrigerator owners are perplexed as to why their appliances lack ice when the water is still flowing.
Identifying the issue with your Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice maker might not be as challenging as you imagine. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step guide on what to do if your Whirlpool refrigerator is not making ice but water is flowing so that your ice maker will start pouring ice in no time.
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Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works: Step-by-Step Guide on What To Do
Step 1: Check the Ice Maker Shut-Off Arm
Your Whirlpool refrigerator includes a switch attached to a swing arm for the ice maker. This switch stops the ice maker from producing more ice when the bin is full.
The ice maker usually functions when the arm is in the down position. The ice maker will stop generating ice when the ice in the bin prohibits the arm from lowering.
The shut-off arm could be forced up and remain there. This permits you to halt the ice-making process. Also, the Shut-off arm can engage in this position accidentally. So, checking if your ice maker’s shut-off arm is in the down position is essential if you are not getting any ice.
Step 2: Is there Water Flow?
Even if the water dispenser system does produce water, that does not indicate that the ice maker is getting water.
The ice maker and the water dispenser share the same water supply line going to the refrigerator. However, things change inside the fridge. The supply line splits. Therefore you can have a kinked or clogged supply line to the ice maker and a functional line to the dispenser.
So, check for clogs and obstructions in the water supply line. Disconnect it, and clean it with a brush or drain snake if there are any clogs.
The ice maker also has a supply valve to prevent overflow when filling. This valve could malfunction and prevent water from reaching the ice maker.
Step 3: Is Enough Water Flowing?
Most Whirlpool refrigerator ice makers require at least 20 PSI water pressure to function efficiently.
Your ice maker may experience many issues due to low water pressure. Occasionally, the automated inlet valve won’t open. This causes the ice maker not to fill, producing small, irregular ice cubes.
If flushing a toilet or activating many faucets causes the water pressure in the house to drop too much, this issue could appear on and off. A qualified plumber can provide a remedy if you are experiencing low or inconsistent water pressure.
Step 4: Is the Water Line Frozen?
The water pipe feeding your ice maker may freeze if the freezer compartment temperature drops too low.
Lowering the freezer’s thermostat to a slightly warmer setting can help remedy a frozen water line. In some severe situations, the entire ice maker must be taken out of the freezer and given time to thaw.
Step 5: Change Your Whirlpool Refrigerator’s Water Filter
Most contemporary Whirlpool refrigerators with ice makers feature an inbuilt water filter. Periodically replacing these filters is necessary to prevent clogging and water flow interruption.
To find the filter, refer to the owner’s manual that was included with your refrigerator. Replacement filters for your Whirlpool refrigerator are readily available at most hardware and appliance retailers.
It would be best to replace these filters regularly, much like a smoke detector’s batteries.
Step 6: Examine the Ice Maker for Blockages
Your Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker may occasionally become obstructed by ice, making it impossible to dispense ice. Check any ice blocks impeding the automated shut-off arm or the cube ejectors’ ability to move.
If excess water gets into the ice molds, it can freeze into a solid mass, preventing the ejectors from ejecting ice cubes into the bin. Overfilling is a sign of additional control unit or intake valve issues.
Step 7: Check the Freezer Temperature
The freezer’s temperature must be at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit for it to function correctly. The Whirlpool ice maker might not work properly if the freezer is warmer than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn down the freezer’s thermostat and leave the system for 24 hours to adjust before using it again.
The thermostat or condenser may have malfunctioned if your freezer won’t get any colder. In either scenario, your best course of action is to have a certified Whirlpool service expert examine your refrigerator.
Step 8: Examine the Dispenser Chute for Jams
The ice in the storage container will occasionally briefly defrost before freezing again. Large chunks of ice can grow throughout this cycle of thawing and refreezing. Examine the bin for big chunks of ice and break them apart if necessary.
You must remove one of these ice chunks if it becomes stuck in the ice maker’s delivery chute. Utilizing a wooden spoon with a long handle, carefully break apart or remove the large ice chunks. Be cautious to avoid damaging the plastic casing or the dispensing chute.
Never insert your hands or fingers inside the Whirlpool ice maker’s dispensing mechanism. The dispenser’s electrically powered auger transfers the ice from the bin to the discharge chute. Your hands or fingers could get hurt if the dispense is activated accidentally.
Step 9: Check the Door Safety Switch
A door safety switch on your Whirlpool refrigerator stops the ice dispenser from working if the door is open.
This switch can be tested with a bit of assistance. Find the switch by opening the door. Press the door safety switch as you hold a dish or pan underneath the dispensing chute. A friend should then activate the ice dispenser switch. The ice maker should produce a sound as it begins to dispense ice.
The door safety switch is most likely broken if the ice machine does not produce any ice. The ideal individual to perform this repair is a certified Whirlpool service technician.
Step 10: The Refrigerator Door Dispensing Switch
Whirlpool refrigerators rarely experience problems with the door dispensing switch, although it can happen.
The through-the-door unit must be taken apart to inspect the switch using a multimeter. Typically, a Whirlpool service professional with training is required for this repair.
