A Whirlpool refrigerator making ice is convenient and is one of the perks of owning a newer model refrigerator. Learn how to solve icemaking issues with your refrigerator in this article.
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Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Ice But Not Dispensing – How to Fix
If you find that your Whirlpool refrigerator is not dispensing ice, even though the ice maker is producing ice, check to see if the door is fully closed. On some models, the door switch must be engaged before the dispenser can work. Therefore, open the door and check the contents of the refrigerator.
Ensure the shelves, bins, racks, and contents are arranged appropriately, and none stick out. Otherwise, the door may appear shut when it is still slightly open. Also, inspect the door seal because if it is worn out, the door does not shut tightly. And if the door is slightly ajar, the dispenser does not work. You may have to clean the seal thoroughly if dirty or replace it if weak.
1. Control Lock
If the door is not the issue, check the control lock on the control panel. A lock icon represents it, and if the icon is illuminated, you know the control lock is active. This feature disables the buttons and controls on the dispenser, so you cannot use it. It comes in handy when you want to clean the refrigerator, or there are children around the house.
The refrigerator continues its regular operation and is not affected by the lock feature. Press the Lock button and hold it until the lock icon is no longer illuminated. You can consult the user manual for other methods of deactivating the control lock feature if there is no lock button on the control panel.
2. Ice Bucket
Check the installation of the ice bucket under the ice maker, especially if the refrigerator is a new installation or you recently removed the bucket. The bucket must sit correctly in the refrigerator for the ice maker sensor to detect and release ice into it. If the ice maker fails to dump ice, there will be nothing to dispense.
Pull out the ice bucket and push it back into the refrigerator. Ensure it hits the back of the refrigerator; follow the instructions in the user manual for your specific Whirlpool refrigerator model. Another possibility is that the sensor is faulty and can no longer detect the ice bucket.
Furthermore, ice may be clumped in the bucket or inside the ice maker. The ice may melt and refreeze, forming clumps if you do not regularly dispense ice. If that is the case with your refrigerator, remove the ice bucket or ice maker and break up the ice with a plastic spatula. Alternatively, leave the ice bucket out until the ice melts. Keep the ice maker off if you do not regularly use ice, and turn it on only when you need ice.
3. Ice Dispenser Chute
The ice chute may be clogged with ice. High temperatures and humidity can cause ice to melt and refreeze in the chute, obstructing the flow of ice out of the dispenser. Pour warm water into the ice chute to dislodge the clumps and wipe the dispenser area under the ice bucket with a warm cloth to remove ice fragments.
4. Dispenser Lever
Ensure you fully engage the dispenser level or paddle. The lever is the part you press with your glass to open the dispenser nozzle and release water or ice. If you partially engage it, the dispenser may not work. Select the ice option on the control panel for the dispenser and depress the lever with the glass cup.
If none of the above works, the dispenser may be malfunctioning. The most likely cause is a defective component: the dispenser switch, dispenser actuator, auger motor, dispenser solenoid, ice chute door motor, and dispenser control board.
5. Dispenser Switch
The switch supplies voltage to the dispenser. There is more than one switch, but if one is faulty, the dispenser may malfunction. Test the switches with a multimeter to find the one without continuity and replace it.
6. Dispenser Actuator
The dispenser switches and the actuator interact to provide voltage for the dispenser to run. Th switches may not work well if the actuator is not in good working condition. Consequently, the dispenser fails to function due to a lack of voltage. Replace the actuator if it is broken.
7. Auger Motor
The motor turns the auger to push the ice out through the chute. Remove the ice bucket and manually turn the auger. If it appears to work well, get a multimeter and run a continuity test on it. Replace the motor if it is receiving power but fails to run or there is no continuity.
8. Dispenser Solenoid
The solenoid opens the ice chute door so that ice can be dispensed. After the ice flows out, the solenoid closes the ice chute door again. However, if the solenoid stops working, the door remains shut, and the ice does not dispense. Inspect the actuator pin to see if it moves freely, and test the solenoid to check for continuity. If the pin is stiff while the solenoid has continuity, replace the actuator. But if there is no continuity, replace the solenoid.
9. Dispenser Door Motor
The motor ensures the dispenser door opens and closes to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Otherwise, there is a risk of the ice maker freezing. If the motor becomes faulty, the dispenser will not work. Test the motor to see if it is receiving power.
If it is not getting power, it may stem from other causes, and an appliance technician should provide service. However, if th motor is getting power without powering the door, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. Replace the door motor if you find no continuity.
10. Dispenser Control Board
Finally, check the control board if no other solution seems to fix the problem. A damaged control board cannot supply power to the dispenser, and since it controls the entire system, nothing else can work. Replace the control board if the problem stems from it.
Check out these other articles…
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Whirlpool Refrigerator Starting [Issues, Solutions & Guide]
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Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Ice Slowly – Fixed
Incorrect temperature settings in the freezer can slow the speed of the ice maker. And if the freezer or refrigerator is not correctly stocked, the ice maker may not work as it should, even if the temperature is correct. Frequent door opening, a faulty water inlet valve, and a clogged water filter can also affect the ice-making cycle, and this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice fast explains the repair steps in detail.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Ice But Not Dispensing Water – Solved
Check the following if the ice maker is working, but the refrigerator is not dispensing water:
1. Water Line
The water line that feeds through the door to the water dispenser may be frozen. The line connects to the water supply at the back of the refrigerator, goes through under the refrigerator, and connects to the dispenser through the door. Low temperatures in the refrigerator can cause it to freeze.
So, inspect the line, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power, and allow the ice to thaw naturally if frozen. If that seems like a long process because of frozen foods in the freezer, use a water line cleaning kit to clear the line. You may also want to increase the freezer temperature by a degree or two to prevent the line from freezing in the future.
Another possibility is a disconnection of the water line from the main water source. Inspect the connection on the refrigerator’s top hinge on the door with the dispenser. Ensure the wire harness and wires are correctly connected. Also, inspect the connection under and at the back of the refrigerator. Ensure the connections are tight; if there is a problem with the connection or wiring, get professional assistance.
2. Union Connector
The union connector is a plastic fitting connecting two refrigerator hoses. The water is not one long hose but a set of different hoses connected by this connector. If the union connector is obstructed by dirt or debris, which can happen after long years of usage, it restricts the water flow to the refrigerator. As a result, the water dispenser may fail to work.
In such a case, you can attempt to clean the connector. But most times, the best solution is to replace it. Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and turn off the water from the main supply valve. Empty any water left in the water line by using the dispenser. Place a bucket or container close to you to catch any excess water.
Next, locate the faulty union connector; there may be more than one connector, depending on the refrigerator model and position. Inspect each one if there is more than one, and when you locate the faulty one, remove it from the ends of both lines and install the new one. Reconnect the water and test the connector to see if the water flows well. Also, check for leaks.
3. Water Pressure
The water that flows to the refrigerator needs to have a specific pressure. If the pressure is higher or lower, the water system may malfunction. Check the water pressure if your Whirlpool refrigerator makes ice but does not dispense water. Low water pressure may stem from the main source, a partially closed main supply valve, or a clogged water filter.
Check the main valve under the sink or on the wall behind the refrigerator. The valve may also be in the basement. Ensure it is fully open to provide enough pressure. The problem may stem from the main supply if the valve is open to the maximum. Contact the appropriate authorities or get a plumber to inspect the water system in your home and make necessary adjustments.
However, replace the water filter if none of the above applies. You may have your answer if you have not replaced the filter for a long time. A filter clogged with dirt slows the water flow and lowers the pressure. You can determine whether or not the filter is the problem by removing it from the refrigerator.
Replace it with a bypass plug and try dispensing water. The filter needs a replacement if the water flows and fills a glass within ten seconds. Your home may have an in-house filtration system that filters the refrigerator water. If you use the reverse osmosis water filtration system, it tends to slow the water flow. Consider installing a separate water line to the refrigerator and use a refrigerator filter instead of the filtration system.
How Does a Whirlpool Refrigerator Make Ice?
For a Whirlpool refrigerator to make ice, it requires a voltage supply and an adequate amount of water. Also as important is the temperature in the freezer or refrigerator. The ice maker requires about 120 volts to fill the ice mold, make ice, and eject the ice into the ice bucket. The water line connected to the water inlet valve must supply water at a pressure between 20 to 120 pounds per square inch (psi).
For the ice maker to work, the freezer temperature must be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -18 degrees Celsius. When the unit reaches the correct temperature, the refrigerator sends voltage to the inlet valve at the bottom back. The valve, in turn, opens for a few seconds and allows water to fill the ice mold.
The low temperature freezes the water in the ice mold to form cubes, and when the ice is solid, the ice maker detects it and slowly ejects the cubes into the ice bucket. Once all the ice in the ice maker is ejected into the bucket, the inlet valve opens again to fill the ice mold, and the ice-making cycle begins again until the ice bucket fills to its capacity.
When the bucket is full, the ice maker stops making ice until it detects a drop in the ice level within the bucket. Then, it can resume another cycle of making ice. This process works for all refrigerator ice makers because the working mechanism is the same.
Why Won’t My Whirlpool Refrigerator Make Ice?
Your Whirlpool refrigerator may have trouble making ice due to the shut-off arm. The arm pauses the icemaking process and starts it when due. Check to see if it is in the On position. You can also check the filter; a clogged or faulty water filter can stop the ice maker from working.
The filter may also be incorrectly installed or the wrong type. If the filter is not the problem, check the water inlet valve, temperature setting, and the fill tube. This article on a Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice explains the steps to troubleshoot and fix the problems.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Won’t Stop Making Ice – Solved
If you find that the ice maker in your Whirlpool refrigerator won’t stop making ice, you can try resetting it. Typically, you can reset the ice maker by turning it off and unplugging the refrigerator for about thirty seconds. But if you have a newer model, there may be other ways to reset the ice maker. Consult the user manual for specific instructions.
Another action to take is to clean the ice maker. If there is a significant amount of dirt inside and outside the ice maker, it may prevent certain components from functioning properly. The same is true if ice builds up on the ice maker. Turn off the refrigerator and unmount the ice maker; give it a thorough cleaning with warm soapy water.
Other Possible Causes
However, if resetting or cleaning the ice maker does not fix the issues, the problem may stem from a component. The first component to check is the shut-off arm. Test the arm to see if it turns the icemaking function off; moving it up stops the ice maker from functioning. If the ice maker keeps making ice with the arm up, it may be damaged. You will need to replace the component.
But if the arm works well, you may have to rearrange items in the freezer. An overstocked freezer can keep the ice maker running if the items keep the shut-off arm from moving up to stop the icemaking process. Also, ensure the ice maker does not freeze because the arm may remain in the On position if it is frozen.
Another part to check is the water inlet valve. The valve supplies water to the ice maker by opening at preset times for a few seconds and filling the ice mold. If the valve is faulty and does not stop supplying water, it may cause the ice maker to make ice always. You may also notice frozen puddles and drips in and around the ice maker. In such a case, replace the water inlet valve.
Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to report the issue and request service if none of the above solutions works. Alternatively, hire a qualified appliance technician for further assistance.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Too Much Ice – Fixed
Try turning the ice maker off; move the shut-off arm to the up or Off position. Wait for the click to ensure the machine stops making ice. It should be automatic if the ice maker is in good working condition. But if the shut-off arm does not work, it may need a replacement. Do not force the arm if stiff, and ensure you turn ot off before removing ice from the bucket. Then, turn the ice maker on again after replacing the ice bucket.
Ensure the ice bucket holds nothing else but ice; storing other items in the bucket can damage the shut-off arm. Bagged ice should not go in the ice bucket as it may affect other mechanisms that keep the ice maker functioning.
The ice bucket must sit in the correct position under the ice maker. Incorrectly inserting the bucket can affect the shut-off arm and keep it from shutting off the ice maker. Also, removing any shelf close to the ice maker may increase the space between the ice maker and bucket. Put the shelf back into the freezer and see if it fixes the problem.
Other Issues
You may have activated the accelerated icemaking feature in your Whirlpool refrigerator if it is making too much ice. Some Whirlpool refrigerator models have the Fast Ice, Max Ice, or Accelerated Ice feature for times you need a lot of ice quickly. The ice maker quickens its icemaking process as the freezer temperature drops.
If the feature is active, the ice maker makes a lot of ice. So, check the control panel or the user manual to determine whether or not the feature is active and follow the manual’s instructions to deactivate it.
Check the ice maker sensor to see if it is dirty os obstructed, if the accelerated ice feature does not apply or does not fix the problem. The sensor monitors the ice level in the ice bucket and stops the ice maker from producing more ice when the bucket is full. However, if the sensor is dirty, it may be unable to detect the ice level. The same is true if something obstructs it.
Check the ice scoop in the bucket to ensure it is in its holder. Otherwise, it blocks the sensor. Also, do not put anything in the ice bucket; it should contain only ice to prevent premature damage. The sensor may have a significant amount of dirt, so it does not detect the ice. Clean the sensor if you can locate it; consult the user manual for directions. Constant contact with water can cause a mineral buildup over time or even dirt, so clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
In addition, check the ice maker level; if the machine is not properly leveled, it may not function well. The problem may come from improper installation or if you recently had to remove the ice maker and did not correctly install it. Remove the ice maker and make the necessary adjustments to correct its installation. Get professional help if you have any difficulty fixing the machine.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling or Making Ice – Quick Fix
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling, it cannot make ice. The freezer needs to be as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the ice maker to work. It must not exceed 5 degrees if you take it higher than the freezing point. Several faulty components keep the refrigerator from working, such as the evaporator fan and start relay.
The other parts to check are the condenser coils, temperature control thermostat, thermistor, start capacitor, and condenser fan. Check out this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator and freezer not cooling to find troubleshooting and repair steps.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Hollow Ice Cubes – What to Do
There are several things to check if the ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator makes hollow ice:
1. Check the Temperature
If the temperature is not cold enough, the ice maker may not have enough time to freeze the water to full solidity. As a result, some or all the ice cubes come out hollow. Check the temperature setting for the freezer; ensure it is low enough for the ice maker to work. This means setting the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The ice maker may not work if the temperature exceeds this range.
If the freezer temperature is correct according to the setting on the panel’s display, put a thermometer between two frozen foods or inside a bowl of ice cream. Leave it for about 12 hours to get a correct reading. If the temperature is higher than the recommended range, adjust the setting and wait 24 hours before making another adjustment. Keep using the thermometer until you get the correct reading.
2. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat for the ice maker may be faulty. It may be due to wear or an internal fault. It may cause the ice maker to start an icemaking cycle prematurely, which may cause some cubes to become hollow. Not all ice makers have a thermostat; some run on timers. You can skip this part if yours does not have a dedicated thermostat; the user manual shows whether or not it applies.
However, if your ice maker has a thermostat and it is faulty, it may be time to replace it. The replacement may require disassembling the ice maker, which is a complex process. Consider hiring a qualified technician for further assistance.
3. Check the Water Pressure
The pressure from the main water source may be too slow, causing a drop in the water pressure. A plumber is in the best position to fix this problem if it stems from the main source. Also, you can contact the local water municipal to report the issue. You may also have the refrigerator on a reverse osmosis water filtration system, likely lowering the water pressure. Consider using a separate water line and filter for the refrigerator if applicable.
A clogged water filter restricts the flow of water to the ice maker. It affects the water pressure, and if the pressure is too low, the ice maker produces hollow cubes due to insufficient force. Replace the filter if you have not done so in a long time. Always replace the water filter with the recommended type – Everydrop or Whirlpool. Ensure you install it properly and flush the system after installation by dispensing a few gallons from the refrigerator.
Inspect the water line for kinks or twists. You may have moved the refrigerator, and when you moved it back, it affected the water line. Straighten the line if this applies and ensure there are no clogs. A clear clog in it means there is ice stuck in it. Melt the ice by allowing it to thaw naturally or using a water line kit.
4. Check the Water Inlet Valve
The inlet valve opens for a few seconds to supply water to the ice maker. The water line connects directly to it, and if the valve is defective, it affects the water pressure and ice cubes. Ensure nothing is blocking the valve; you may have to clean it thoroughly. Also, check the main water supply valve under the sink, on the wall behind the refrigerator, or in the basement.
Turn it to open it fully; a partial opening affects the water supply to the valve. However, if the main valve is fully open, test the inlet valve with a multimeter to check power reception and whether or not it has continuity. Replace the valve if there is power yet is not working or if it has no continuity.
5. Check the Refrigerator Leveling
An incorrectly leveled refrigerator will likely cause the ice mold to fill with water unevenly. Consequently, the ice becomes hollow or small due to insufficient water in the mold. Place a level atop the refrigerator and check its level.
Make the necessary leg adjustments following the instructions in the user manual; adjust the unit from side to side and from front to back, with the front slightly raised.
Note: The same steps apply if a Whirlpool refrigerator makes small ice cubes. Insufficient water pressure or too little water in the ice mold are the usual culprits.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Only Making Crushed Ice – Solved
Ensure you select the correct ice option on the dispenser control panel. Sometimes, you may neglect to make the proper selection, and the dispenser fails to produce cubed ice. If the correct option is selected, keep dispensing to see if the ice changes to cubed ones. If the crushed option was recently used, the refrigerator might dispense some crushed ice before cubed ones.
If that does not work, check the lever behind the ice bucket. Dispensing cubed ice means activating the lever to open the ice chute door for cubes to come out. However, one or more ice cubes behind the ice bucket can prevent the lever from working. All you have to do is remove the bucket and check for ice stuck behind it. Once you remove the ice, replace the bucket and try for cubed ice again.
If there are no ice cubes behind the bucket, try the dispenser while the ice bucket is removed from the refrigerator. Close the refrigerator door and press the dispenser lever. If you hear a loud sound, insert the ice bucket back into the refrigerator and try to get cubed ice again. The bucket may have ice stuck in it if there is still cubed ice and you need to clean it. But if there is no loud sound, your refrigerator needs servicing.
Solenoid
Check the solenoid if none of the above works. The solenoid is the part that actuates the lever that opens the ice door. If it fails or falls apart, the cubed ice cannot bypass the crushing mechanism, causing the refrigerator to dispense only crushed ice. You may have to put the solenoid back together or replace it.
Will a Whirlpool Refrigerator Make Ice Without a Water Filter?
A Whirlpool refrigerator will make ice without a water filter, but only if you install a bypass plug. Some models have a built-in bypass plug, so all you may need to do is to use a filter cap to cover the space left by the removed filter. Another possibility is when you use a different water filtration system for the refrigerator. In such a case, your refrigerator can make ice without a filter.
The refrigerator’s water system cannot work without a filter or bypass plug. In other words, the ice maker and water dispenser cannot work without the filter or plug. However, if you use a bypass plug in place of a water filter, it means the water that goes into the refrigerator will not be filtered. Therefore, it is recommended to use the plug for only a limited time and not for extended periods.
How Often Does a Whirlpool Refrigerator Make Ice?
A Whirlpool refrigerator makes ice every 90 minutes until the ice bucket is full. Then, the shut-off arm goes up to the Off position until the ice bucket is empty of the ice level drops. In other words, the ice maker produces 10 cubes of ice every 90 minutes. It may make 100 cubes within a 24-hour period.
If you use the accelerated ice feature for the ice maker, it may take about 55 minutes to produce ice instead of 90 minutes. It is important to note that a new installation usually requires a longer time to produce ice. The reason is that the refrigerator needs to cool adequately before the ice maker can work, and this may take as long as 24 hours. Ensure you throw out the first three ice batches for new installations before using the ice.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Makes Very Little Ice – Quick Fix
A few faults cause a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker to make very little ice. Check the water supply, especially from the main source. Ensure the supply valve is fully open. Also, check the water pressure to ensure it is up to 20 psi. Test the water inlet valve, water filter, fill tube behind the ice maker, shut-off arm on the ice maker, and the freezer temperature, as this article explains.
How to Get My Whirlpool Refrigerator to Make More Ice
Some Whirlpool refrigerators have an accelerated ice feature. You will find Fast Ice on the control panel; pressing the button activates the feature so that the ice maker makes quick ice within a shorter time. The feature automatically goes off after 24 hours, but you can deactivate it before then by pressing the Fast Ice button once.
You can try reducing the freezer temperature to accelerate the icemaking process. The lower the freezer temperature, the faster the ice cubes form. However, remember that if the temperature is too low, the ice maker, fill tube, and items in the freezer may get frozen. Also, check the door seal. If the seal is worn and needs a replacement, the cold air will leak and compromise the freezer’s cooling capacity.
Clean the seal if dirty or replace it if weak to boost the speed of the icemaking process. Consider replacing the water filter, especially if the water quality in your area is poor and you regularly use the ice maker. An old filter restricts the water flow and slows the ice maker. In addition, rearrange and organize the freezer to encourage the flow of cold air inside the section.
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