How to Solve Whirlpool ICE Maker not Working

Having a Whirlpool Refrigerator that comes with an ice maker may cause your ice maker to regularly malfunction since it’s not a stand-alone unit. The Whirlpool ice maker consists of several components that work hand in hand to give an efficient output. In case you encounter a Whirlpool ice maker not working, this article will walk you through the major causes and also how to fix the issue without any hassle. 

A Whirlpool ice maker not working or producing enough ice can be likened to a waste just occupying a freezer space. Common causes that can inhibit your ice maker from working properly or making enough ice have been outlined including a blocked water line hose, faulty water inlet valve, or a kinked water filter.

All these causes can limit the flow of water to an ice maker. Once the aforementioned factors occur, ice production will be restricted or might completely stop. The simple solutions you can try all by yourself before involving a professional have also been included in this post.

Some Whirlpool ice maker compartments include water filters, water valves and lines, ice maker control or feeler arm, ice bin, compartment temperatures, and more. The cause of your Whirlpool ice maker not working may either be caused by either a mechanical/electrical failure or a wrong installation procedure. Read on to find out which is the cause of your issue below.Whirlpool ice maker precautions

Whirlpool Ice Maker Precautions

Even before you experience any glitch on your ice maker, we recommend you follow the precautions listed below and practice them from time to time to keep your ice maker as new as possible. The precautions are:

  • Make sure your water filter is new or recent to help prevent clogs that reduce water flow. 
  • Be sure that the water line at the back of the refrigerator is not swirled or twisted. 
  • Finally, with the aid of a leveler, ensure that your refrigerator and ice maker are leveled so that water can be distributed uniformly throughout the ice tray.

Taking these precautions should also help prevent your Whirlpool ice maker from not working. 

Whirlpool Ice Maker Parts

In case your Whirlpool ice maker won’t still dump ice as it should, then it’s likely a failed component may be halting the ice production. The more reason you should know the components of your Whirlpool ice maker. 

Modern refrigeration systems consist of four main components, which are:

  • Compressor
  • Condenser
  • The Expansion Valve
  • The Evaporator

Refrigerant circulates via each of these ice machine parts, changing temperature throughout the whole process.

Other Whirlpool ice maker parts are the ice maker control arm, water valves and lines, the water filter, the ice bin, and the compartment temperatures.Whirlpool ice maker parts

Why is my Whirlpool Ice Maker not Working?

There are several reasons why your Whirlpool ice maker stop working, it could be related to a mechanical or electrical glitch or you may have missed a step in the installation procedure. Check through the below to detect the exact reason why your Whirlpool ice maker is not working. 

Ice Maker is Off

Every Whirlpool freezer with a built-in ice maker always has a push button. The button usually located behind the front panel of the refrigerator turns the ice maker on and off. Ensure your ice maker is turned on. To turn Off the ice maker, the wire arm attached to the ice maker should be pushed up and lowered down to turn it On

The water inlet tube may be frozen

You may be stuck with a frozen water line when the temperature in the freezer or refrigerator compartment is set too low, or the insulation surrounding the water line is not helping to prevent freezing. This may cause your Whirlpool ice maker, not working issues. 

Check the water fill tube

If your ice maker is not working or the ice cubes produced are small or malformed, then the water fill tubes may be the issue. Ensure to check the fill cup and the tube behind the ice maker. In case they are covered in ice, search for a blockage.

Red Light on Whirlpool Refrigerator 

Once you see a red light beaming on your Whirlpool refrigerator that won’t work, then it’s time to change your water filter.

red light on Whirlpool ice maker

Blocked Ice Maker

A jammed ice maker is one of the most reasons why your Whirlpool ice maker won’t work. These ice jams occur anytime the metal fingers that eject ice cubes fail to grab new ice that’s not yet fully frozen.

Therefore, the water that doesn’t melt freezes on the metal fingers, generating an ice bridge that prevents new cubes from falling into the bin. This will inhibit your machine and prevent it from making more ice, and your fridge will be empty.

Once the water supply is low, you may discover that your ice maker has stopped making cubes completely. The simplest way to prevent this is to clear the bin after every load so the cubes can fall freely onto the fingers.Whirlpool ice maker not working

Blocked water filter

The function of the water filter is to help reduce contaminants in your water, but it can get clogged with particles it may trap over time. A blocked filter can send less water to the ice maker, which may cause a slow ice production process or even stops production.

The feeler arm is stuck

Whirlpool ice maker not working may be caused by a stuck feeler arm. Once it is stuck, the arm won’t be able to adjust itself according to the ice level in the tray. This will make the ice maker think that the ice tray is full when in actual sense, it’s not. The stuck feeler arm could be caused by the following:

  • You have a frozen feeler arm or
  • The feeler arm screws or springs are stuck in place.

Faulty water inlet valve

In case you have a new or recent water filter, then the water inlet valve for your ice maker might be the problem. With the accurate amount of water pressure, the valve opens and closes to pass water through to the ice maker. A water inlet valve with pressure less than 20 psi (pound-force per square inch) is not strong enough to pass the right amount of water into the ice maker.

The refrigerator/freezer compartment is too warm

If the refrigerator or freezer temperatures are set too high, then your Whirlpool ice maker may not be able to keep up with its intended rate of ice production, resulting in slow ice production, very small cubes or no ice production at all.

The Control Arm is not properly positioned

On some Whirlpool models, the ice maker’s control or feeler arm is a large plastic or metal handle that rests by the side or on top of the ice bin, and it’s designed for measuring ice levels in the bin and delaying ice production once the bin is full.

If the control arm is not properly positioned, loose, breaks, or gets accidentally pushed into the off position, it could lead to a stop in the ice production.

How do you check if your ice maker is working?

To check if your Whirlpool icemaker itself is working or not, follow the steps below:

  • Once the icemaker mold is empty, manually pour about 4 ounces of water into the icemaker mold.
  • Wait for about 2 hours.
  • Once the icemaker drops ice cubes out from the mold, then you know that the ice maker itself is working perfectly.

Why is my ice maker not working but water does?

The reason why your ice maker is not working but water is possible is because the water filter for the ice maker is blocked. To fix this issue, locate and replace the water filter with a new one. 

Most filters for ice makers are normally located inside the refrigerator (to prevent them from freezing).Whirlpool ice maker not working

Why is my fridge not dispensing ice?

Your fridge is not dispensing ice because the refrigerator display has been locked, thereby inhibiting it from dispensing water or ice. Fix this by long-pressing the lock key on your display for about 3 seconds to unlock. 

Then ensure that there is ice in the ice bin and that the refrigerator doors are closed when trying to dispense.

Why is my Whirlpool ice maker freezing up?

Your Whirlpool ice maker is freezing up because the pressure of the water getting into your refrigerator is too low or too high, causing your ice maker to freeze over or jam. 

Water pressure over 120 PSI can lead to freezing and jamming specifically. Make sure you check the water pressure and adjust it accordingly.

Why is the red light flashing on my Whirlpool ice maker?

Once you constantly see a red light flashing on your ice maker it means your optics are either blocked in some ways or they need a quick replacement. The red status light should be steadily on and not consistently flashing. 

Is there a reset button on Whirlpool refrigerator?

The most recent model of the Whirlpool refrigerator has a reset button. Long-press on the reset button for about ten seconds once you locate it. You will hear a chime sound (or the ice maker turning on again) and release the button.

In case your unit doesn’t have a reset button, locate the on/off switch and switch the machine off. Then, disconnect the fridge, wait for ten minutes, and connect it back in.Where is the reset button on Whirlpool ice maker

Where is the reset button on my ice maker?

You can locate the reset button at the bottom of the ice maker. However, you need to remove the ice tray to find it. After removing the ice tray, you will find a red button which is the reset button.

Where is on off switch on Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker?

The On/Off switch on Whirlpool refrigerator is located at the bottom of the ice maker. You have full access to the switch after lifting and opening the ice maker door.

To turn On the ice maker, lower the wire shutoff arm. In case you need to manually turn it off, lift the wire shutoff arm. 

What is the feeler arm on a Whirlpool ice maker?

The feeler arm is also known as the control arm is the sensor located inside the ice maker that halts it from making too much ice. It sends a notification to the ice maker once the ice tray is full. 

Once the feeler arm gets stuck, it won’t be able to adjust itself according to the ice level in the tray. The ice maker will therefore think that the tray is full when it is not in the real sense.Whirlpool ice maker not working

Where is the feeler arm on the ice maker?

The feeler/control arm is designed either as a metal rod by the side of the icemaker or as a plastic paddle that sits horizontally under the icemaker. Once the arm or paddle is broken, the ice maker needs an immediate replacement.

How long do whirlpool ice makers last?

A Whirlpool ice maker has a long life span of between 3 to 10 years. You might not need to replace your ice maker until after 10 years depending on the number of times you use it and also the water quality.

You can do a voltage test with the aid of a multimeter or perform an inlet valve test.

How do you reset a whirlpool ice maker?

Resetting your Whirlpool ice maker is another way you can fix the Whirlpool ice maker not working issue. You need to locate the reset button first, usually on the bottom of the appliance.

In case that doesn’t work, you may reset it by adjusting the feeling arm, switching it off and on again, or by simply disconnecting it for 5 minutes. Follow the steps below for a concise reset process:

  • Tap the reset button.
  • Find the reset button (which is usually located at the bottom of the ice maker unit or in some cases at the top or the bottom of the ice tray).
  • After locating the reset button, click on the button down for a few seconds till you hear a beep sound.
  • After a successful reset, check if the issue has been solved.

This should fix the Whirlpool ice maker not working issues. 

Will unplugging my fridge reset the ice maker?

Yes, disconnecting your fridge for some minutes will help reset your ice maker. Follow the steps below:

  • Leave the refrigerator disconnected for about 5 minutes. 
  • This will enable the ice system to reset. 
  • After 5 minutes, connect the fridge back and turn the switch back on.
  • This process should cause the ice maker to begin working perfectly again.

This should also help fix the Whirlpool ice maker not working issues. 

Whirlpool ice maker not working

How do you manually cycle an ice maker?

Follow the steps below to manually cycle an ice maker with the aid of a flat-head screwdriver especially if you have a gear that has a small notch in it. 

  • Use the flat-head screwdriver to turn your gear counterclockwise till you hear the click sound. 
  • The click sound heard will force the ice maker to cycle.

That’s it! You have successfully cycled an ice maker manually. 

How to fix Whirlpool Ice Maker not Working

Here are possible solutions to fix the Whirlpool ice maker not working. 

Change the Blocked Water Filter

Ensure to replace your refrigerator’s water filter once every six months, and always check for signs of an old filter. Some indicators include slowly dispensed water, odd-tasting ice or water, black spots in water or ice, and limited to no ice production.

Replace the Water Inlet Valve

First of all, check the water pressure feeding the inlet valve with your equipment or with the assistance of a professional. Once the pressure is sufficient at 20 psi or higher, then it means you need the water inlet valve needs an immediate replacement.

Regulate the Refrigerator/Freezer Temperature

Always check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures, ensuring that the freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C), while the refrigerator temperature is set within the range of 33–40°F (0–4°C).

Position the Control arm properly

The feeler or control arm is the sensor found in the interior part of the ice maker designed to stop it from making too much ice. It notifies the ice maker once the ice tray is full.

Always check the control arm (also known as the feeler arm) to ensure that it’s in the “on” position. Adjusting the feeler arm is easier than it sounds. Make sure the arm is firmly tightened if it seems loose, or simply contact a professional if the arm is broken.

Unfreeze the Waterline

Usually, the water line is located behind the ice maker, which makes accessing it a bit difficult since it requires you to completely remove the ice bin and ice maker.

While at home, you can unfreeze the waterline with warm water or air, but it’s best to leave it up to a professional with unique tools that can help with the job.Whirlpool ice maker precautions

Remove Ice Clumps from Ice Maker

Another way to fix the Whirlpool ice maker not working is to remove the ice clump from your refrigerator’s ice maker by chipping away at the ice bridge on the ejector’s arm with the aid of a plastic spoon or other similarly-shaped object. Avoid using a metal or sharp object, as it may damage the ejector’s arm and/or ice maker.

Unfreeze the Feeler Arm

Once the feeler arm is frozen or the screws and springs are stuck, you can manually push down on the feeler arm. This will cause the ice to break away from the arm. Push the feeler arm down consecutively. This should loosen up the springs and screws in case they are stuck.

To know if the above worked, can you hear the tank in the ice maker starting to fill with water? Once the pushing on the feeler arm has helped loosen up the mechanism it will do this as it prepares to make more ice.Whirlpool ice maker not working

How do you troubleshoot a Whirlpool ice maker not working?

Here are common troubleshooting guides to help you fix the Whirlpool ice maker not working. Follow the points below:

  • Check the freezer temperature: Ensure you always check the freezer temperature and be sure it’s set to the required temperature for ice-making production. 
  • Check the shutoff arm: Always check the shutoff arm and be sure it’s not frozen or stuck. 
  • Check the supply valve: The supply valve is an essential part of the Whirlpool ice maker. Always check it from time to time against blockage. 
  • Inspect the ejector gear: Ensure to check the ejector gear as it might be one of the reasons why your Whirlpool ice maker won’t work. 
  • Inspect the water supply line: Check the water supply line, it might be clogged with ice. 
  • Test the ejector motor: Always check the ejector motor, it’s one of the essential parts of the Whirlpool ice maker that helps ice production.
  • Test the holding switch: Ensure you check the holding switch from time to time. 
  • Test the ice mold heater: Always test the ice mold heater and be sure it’s set at the required temperature. 
  • Test the shutoff switch: It’s important to always test the shutoff switch from time to time. 
  • Test the thermostat: Always check the thermostat as it’s one of the essential parts that help in ice production. 
  • Test the water inlet switch: Testing the water inlet switch will help to solve the Whirlpool ice maker not working. 
  • Test the water inlet valve: It is important to always test the water inlet valve to prevent clogging. 

This is a complete guide to help you fix the problem of the Whirlpool ice maker not working, I hope you find the solution to your exact issues here. If yes, kindly drop your comment in the comment section below. 

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