A refrigerator with a dispenser is convenient for everyday use. This article tackles the issue of a Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing.
Table of Contents
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water – Quick Fix
If you find that your Whirlpool refrigerator is not dispensing water, check the water filter; it may be clogged due to overuse. Also, check the control lock on the panel; it may be active. Consult the user manual for steps to deactivate it. The water supply line may be clogged with ice or dirt, and it is crucial to clear the line for the dispenser to work.
Furthermore, the main water supply source may be restricted. Check the main water supply valve to ensure it is fully open and rearrange the water line to allow for free water flow. You may want to test the water pressure to ensure it is sufficient. Ensure you fully engage the dispenser lever while trying to dispense water. However, if none of these work, the problem may stem from the dispensing system, and this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator water not working explains steps to fix the issues.
Note: If the refrigerator is a new installation, ensure the water line is properly fitted to the cold water supply. Check the main water supply valve to ensure it is fully open and the filter is connected. The water line must have no kinks to encourage the free flow of water.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water or Ice – Fixed
Several issues can cause a Whirlpool refrigerator not to dispense water or ice. Therefore, check the following and fix the necessary ones if your refrigerator has this problem:
1. Control Lock
The control lock on the refrigerator’s control panel may be active. Models with this feature have a dedicated button that controls the lock, and you may accidentally turn it on while cleaning or using the refrigerator. Check the Lock icon on the panel; if it is illumined, it means the lock is active.
Locate the button and press it and hold it for about three seconds to deactivate the feature. When the lock is active, the dispenser functions are disabled so that the water and ice do not work. But once the feature is deactivated, the dispensers work. Try dispensing water or ice after deactivating the Lock feature.
2. Water Filter
If the Lock feature is not active yet, the water and ice do not work, check the water filter. The filter, if faulty, can cause a restriction in the water flow or build pressure that stops water from entering the refrigerator. As a result, the ice maker cannot make ice or even dispense leftover ice in the bucket, and the water dispenser does not work.
If you have not replaced the water filter in a long time, it is time to find a replacement. Ensure you use a Certified Genuine Part (CGP) as a replacement, which means using a Whirlpool or Everydrop water filter. Using another type may get the refrigerator working, but it may not last. In some cases, the water and ice do not work, especially when the filter is a cheap alternative.
Dirt and wrong filter type are not the only trouble a filter can encounter, which causes it to restrict water flow. If the filter is damaged, the refrigerator cannot produce water or ice. Inspect the filter head and body for cracks, dirt, and any other defect. Clean it if dirty but replace it if damaged. Ensure you follow the strict instructions in the user manual when installing the new filter. An improper installation limits the flow of water and may cause other functional issues in the long run.
3. Water Line
The water line is subject to freezing because it passes through the freezer section. And if the tube is frozen, water cannot pass through to the ice maker and water dispenser. The flow will be insufficient even if water manages to pass through the frozen line. The first repair step is to turn off the refrigerator until the water line thaws. You can also use warm water and apply it to the line until the ice melts. A water line kit goes a long way in clearing the obstruction.
The next step is to increase the freezer temperature if it is too low. Setting it between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit does not freeze the tube, but keeping it below 0 degrees Fahrenheit is likely to freeze it. You may also notice other parts of the freezer with frost due to the icy temperature.
4. Door Switch
The refrigerator’s door switch may be defective. The switch controls the dispenser functions, turning them off once you open the door. In some cases, it also controls the internal lights of the refrigerator.
If none of the above works, try activating the door switch by pressing it and see if the dispenser works. It may need a replacement if nothing changes. But before replacing it, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. If the switch registers no continuity, replace it.
5. Dispenser Switch
A dispenser has switches that send voltage to the dispenser to activate it every time you push a button. If one or more of these switches is defective, the dispenser will not have the voltage to become activated, so it does not respond. Get a multimeter and run a continuity test on all the switches. Find the faulty one by determining the one without continuity and when you do, replace the switch.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Ice – Quick Fix
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not dispensing ice, ensure it is making ice. Check the ice maker and ice bucket for ice. Try running an icemaking cycle and see if the machine responds. If it makes and dumps ice into the ice storage bucket but none comes out of the dispenser, check the Control Lock feature to ensure it is not active. It stops the dispenser from working.
The ice bucket must be fully and properly inserted under the ice maker for the dispenser to work. Also, check the dispenser chute for clogged ice and clear it. And ensure you fully engage the dispenser lever with the glass cup while trying to dispense ice.
The problem may stem from the dispenser system, so if none of the above works, check the auger motor, dispenser switch, actuator, solenoid, dispenser door motor, and dispenser control board. Follow the instructions in this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator making ice but not dispensing to troubleshoot and fix the dispenser problem.
Check out these other articles…
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice [Problems & Solutions]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Ice [Guide & Issues Solved]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Running…[Problems Solved]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Starting [Issues, Solutions & Guide]
Whirlpool Fridge Turns Off and On – [Problems Solved]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water or Making Ice – Solution
Ensure the main water valve is open and the water inlet valve is working. Turn the valve to open it fully and inspect the inlet valve. Also, determine whether or not you need to replace the water filter and flush the system to release air that may be trapped in the system. Sometimes, the ice maker may be defective or the water dispenser system may be malfunctioning. Check out this article for further instructions on how to fix this problem.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water After Power Outage – What to Do
The problem may stem from the dispenser control board. But before checking the control board, check the control panel to ensure you have confirmed the power outage. Whirlpool refrigerators show PO, which means power outage, whenever there is an outage. You must confirm it for the refrigerator to work. Press any button on the control panel to turn off the beeping and press another button to confirm the outage.
If that does not apply, inspect the water line that feeds the water dispenser. It should run through the door and under the unit before connecting to the back and to the main water supply. The water line may have an ice piece that may have dislodged during the outage. If there is a translucent obstruction, it is a piece of ice and you can turn off the refrigerator until the ice melts.
The water pressure may be too low to supply water to the dispenser. You may need a plumber to check the water connection and determine if there is a fault. Also, if the house has an in-house filtration system, it can affect the pressure and restrict the flow of water to the dispenser. Ensure the water pressure is high enough to reach the dispenser.
In addition, the problem may be in the dispenser system. The outage may have burned an internal component or caused a wiring issue. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to report the issue and request service to fix the dispenser issue. Alternatively, hire an independent technician for further assistance.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Cubed Ice – Solved
The first step is to select the cubed ice option on the control panel. If you previously used crushed ice, the dispenser may produce some leftover that sticks to the bottom of the ice bucket but switches to cubed shortly after.
If that is not the issue, there may be ice behind the ice storage bucket. Also, check the solenoid that powers the lever for the ice chute door. But before that, try dispensing with the door open. Read this article to learn more about how to solve the dispensing problem.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water After Filter Change – How to Fix
The first step to take after replacing the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator is to flush the system. There is a possibility of trapped air in the water lines which builds pressure and prevents the water dispenser from working. You may even notice a few drops of water from the dispenser while it is idle. Press the dispenser lever until you remove a few gallons of water from the system.
If flushing the system does not solve the problem, check the type of filter in use. Whirlpool recommends using only certified filters in the Whirlpool or Everydrop range for its refrigerators. Any other type of filter may cause the refrigerator not to produce water or ice. If you are using another type of filter outside the certified types, consider replacing it with a Whirlpool refrigerator-friendly one.
Remove the new filter and Install the old one if the filter type is not the source of the problem. If the water dispenser works with the old filter, check the new one for damage or dirt. Clean the filter head if dirty and soak it for some minutes to speed up the process instead of waiting for the refrigerator water to soak it. But if the filter is damaged, it is crucial to replace it.
The area that connects the filter to the refrigerator may have an obstruction. There are small holes in that area through which water comes and is filtered. Ensure there is no piece of the packaging covering that area; the same applies to dirt. Clean the area and try using the filter again.
When installing the filter, ensure you screw it on correctly. It must not be too tight or too loose. It must be the perfect fit for the water to flow freely to the dispenser. You may have to remove the filter and reinstall it, trying the dispenser while doing os. Get someone to press the lever while you install the filter. Stop once you get the right fit.
Before installing it, ensure the gasket over the connection area is secure. Constantly removing or twisting the filter may shift the gasket in the filter housing. If the gasket is out of place, it may affect the water flow to the dispenser and ice maker. If none of these steps works to fix the filter and dispenser problem, your refrigerator may require professional service. Hire a technician for the necessary assistance.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Cold Water – Fixed
The water dispenser usually has cold water if the refrigerator is connected to electric power for several hours. If the Whirlpool refrigerator is a new installation, it needs to run for at least 24 hours to achieve the required internal temperature to preserve food and cool water. If you dispense water from the refrigerator on the same day of installation, you may not get cold water.
Another point is to determine whether or not someone just used the water dispenser. There is a water reservoir that stores water for the dispenser. It holds water and the refrigerator cools it, but it is small so it does not hold much water. Regular usage of the dispenser may empty the tank of the cold water and as it refills, it needs time to cool. If you take water shortly after it fills with water, it will not be cold.
If you have not used the dispenser in a long time, it may produce warm water for the first glass. You see, there is usually some water in the water line running between the reservoir and the dispenser. Not using the dispenser for a long time may leave the water in the reservoir cold but the water in the water line warm. So, the first glass of water may be warm. The next glass should be cold.
Other Possibilities
If these issues and fixes do not solve the cold water issue, it may be due to installation issues. During the refrigerator installation, the water line is connected to the house’s cold water supply. If the installers accidentally connect it to the hot water supply, the dispenser will have a hard time producing cold water. The installers or a plumber should be in the best position to fix the error if it applies.
Also, check the condenser coils. The coils are part of the refrigerator’s cooling system and they must be in good operating condition to keep the refrigerator working well. The coils dissipate heat from the unit and because they control airflow and are exposed, they typically get dirty. Therefore, cleaning them every six or twelve months is crucial. Otherwise, the refrigerator will overheat, the cooling capacity is compromised, and the water does not get cold.
Finally, check the main control board. A faulty control board may keep the dispenser system from producing cold water because the board controls the refrigerator’s functions. You can test the board to determine whether or not it is faulty. And if it is, replace it.
Locate the board on the refrigerator’s cabinet, at the back. Unmount the screws holding the cover in place and remove it. Next, disconnect the wire harness from the old control board and install the new one. Then, replace the cover on the control board compartment.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.
