If you encounter issues with your Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice. Well, you are at the right place to have this issue fixed. We provide solutions to issues that you may encounter with your gadgets and home appliances.
Whirlpool refrigerators are a very common brand and they are known for their durability. Your Whirlpool refrigerator can last for years provided that the product is well maintained. Meanwhile, you can maintain your appliance but you can’t prevent issues from arising.
However, in this article, we would discuss issues relating to your Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice and how to overcome this tempting glitch with your Whirlpool refrigerator.
Why is My Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making ICE
There are several reasons why your Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice issues could emeger. These issues include:
- Clogged water filter.
- Defective water inlet valve.
- Check control arm
- Check water inlet tube
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice
If you have issues with your whirlpool refrigerator not making ice, we would briefly discuss how to fix this issue.
Press the on/off Switch
You can locate the on or off switch either under the ice tray or under the ice tray and cover plate. After locating the switch follow these steps:
- Remove the ice tray and if there is a cover plate also remove it.
- Turn off the switch.
- Wait a few minutes.
- They turn the switch back on.
- Return the ice tray and cover back into your ice maker.
- Now check the working operation of the ice maker, and if the issues have been resolved.
Clean Water Filter
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not making ice it can be due to a clogged water filter. The water filter helps to reduce dirt particles in the water and can get clogged with particles. When the water filter becomes clogged, it can be difficult for water to get to the ice maker. If water doesn’t get to the ice maker your Whirlpool refrigerator won’t be making ice.
The water filter is located either in the base grille below the refrigerator compartment door or inside the refrigerator compartment. Ensure to replace your water filter once in 6 months and routinely check your water filter to check for old filter or clean clogged water filter. You can check the water filter for clogs and you can replace the clogged filter.
If the model of your whirlpool refrigerator has a water dispenser, follow these steps:
- Try to dispense water by using the water dispenser and notice the amount of water flowing.
- Locate and remove the water filter.
- Dispense water without the filter. If water flow increases, then the water filter is clogged or was not installed correctly.
- Replace the clogged filter with a new filter or thoroughly clean the filter.
After replacing the water filter, ensure you flush the water system to remove the air in the water lines. You should always flush the system each time you change the water filter.
Defective Water Inlet Valve
The valve opens and closes with the right amount of pressure so that water can flow through to the ice maker. The valve requires a pressure of more than 20 psi (pound-force per square inch) as anything lesser than that won’t be strong enough to feed the ice maker with the required amount of water.
Check the water pressure that feeds the valve and check the water inlet valve of your Whirlpool refrigerator using a multimeter. Ensure that the positive probe (red) and negative probe (black) is well connected so you can get an accurate reading. If the pressure is enough at 20 psi or higher, then it means you may have to replace the water inlet valve.
Check Temperature Settings
If the temperature of your Whirlpool refrigerator is set too high it could lead to your Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice. The refrigerator or freezer compartment must be kept cold enough to keep up with the rate of ice production.
The thermistor is a device that regulates the temperature of the refrigerator. You can test the thermostat for continuity using an ohm meter or multimeter. If the ohm meter or multimeter fails to read then the thermistor is faulty then it needs to be replaced.
Ensure you check the temperature of your refrigerator, make sure you set the temperature of your refrigerator at a range between 33–40°F (0–4°C).
Check Control Arm
The ice maker control arm can either be a large plastic or metal handle depending on your model of whirlpool refrigerator. The ice maker gauges ice levels in the bin and pauses ice production when the bin gets full. If the control arm is misaligned, loose broken or not properly positioned it can affect the production of ice.
Ensure the control arm is placed in the “on” position and tighten the control arm if it is loose. Ensure you contact a professional to fix it if the arm is broken completely.
Check Water Inlet Tube
If the temperature of your refrigerator is set too low or if the insulation around the water line stops preventing freezing, this could lead to a frozen water line.
The water line is located behind the ice maker and would require completely removing the ice bin and maker to be able to access the water line. You can unfreeze the water line using warm water or air.
Faulty Water Pump
The water pump ensures the circulation of water over the evaporator to form ice. If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not making ice and water is not flowing over the plate. Then the water pump may be faulty and would need to be replaced.
Check Door Light Switch
If the door of your refrigerator is not properly closed or well aligned this can affect the working of your refrigerator. Ensure you take notice of the white door light switch in the control panel section of your refrigerator, as the light will turn on when the door is opened. The contacts in the switch can get burned out and should be replaced.
Press the Reset Button
If you encounter issues with your whirlpool refrigerator not making ice, you can easily reset your appliance. You can find the reset button at the bottom or top of the ice maker unit depending on the model of your Whirlpool refrigerator. Ensure you press the reset button on the Whirlpool refrigerator and your appliance should now work properly.
To reset your whirlpool refrigerator:
- First, locate the reset button.
- Then press and hold the reset button for a few seconds till you hear a beeping sound.
- Once you hear the beep, leave the button.
- The appliance should be automatically reset.
Power Reset Your Whirlpool Refrigerator
Unplug your Whirlpool refrigerator to reset the whole unit, as this should help to cool the compressor and other parts.
To reset your whirlpool refrigerator, follow these steps:
- Unplug your refrigerator from a power outlet.
- Leave your refrigerator unplugged for at least 10 minutes.
- Then plug back into the power source outlet.
- Turn your refrigerator back on.
- Locate the feeler arm and press it down for a couple of time
- The ice tray should be filled with water and ice should be produced again.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works
If the waterworks but you are still experiencing Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice issues. It can be due to an ice maker as large chunks of ice would block your line of sight. This will shut the ice maker down before getting started.
Improper Temperature Settings
The temperature of the ice maker should not be set too high or low. Ensure you keep the temperature of your Whirlpool refrigerator at its optimal settings. Keep the freezer temperature set to 0°F (-18°C), and the refrigerator temperature between 33–40°F (0–4°C).
Frozen Water Inlet Tube
If your Whirlpool refrigerator suffers from a frozen water inlet tube, this will shut down the ice maker. The water inlet tube can be found at the back of the ice maker. You can defrost the inlet tube with warm water or air.
In conclusion make sure you on/off the ice maker switch, unplug or press the reset button of your whirlpool refrigerator. Ensure you clean the clogged or dirty water filter, replace the water inlet valve, replace or reposition the control arm, unfreeze the water inlet tube and change the faulty thermostat.