One of the conveniences of owning a new model Whirlpool refrigerator is the ice maker. But if there is a problem with the Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice, this article helps you fix it.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Won’t Make Ice After Changing Filter – Solved
First, ensure the ice maker is on; check the shut-off arm by the side to see if it is up or down. The up position means the ice maker is off, but the down position means it should be on and working. Make the necessary adjustment and lower the arm. Some ice makers have a power switch; press the switch if your model has one. Check the user manual for specific ways to turn on the ice maker.
You may need to flush the system if the ice maker is on and is not making ice. There may be air trapped in the system, causing pressure to build and restricting water flow. To do this, dispense water for a minute; the flowing water releases air from the system and allows water to flow properly.
But if flushing the system does not work, ensure you have the correct type of filter for the Whirlpool refrigerator. The brand recommends that you use only Whirlpool or Everydrop water filters for its refrigerators. Otherwise, you may have issues with the dispenser or ice maker. You may find suitable water filter brands other than the recommended ones, but your refrigerator may not perform optimally in the long run.
Another possibility is that you failed to install the water correctly. This may mean removing it from the refrigerator and reinstalling it. Follow the instructions in the user manual or check out this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice after a filter change to fix the icemaking issue in your Whirlpool refrigerator.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice After Power Outage – Fixed
If you find that your Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker stops making ice after a power outage, the first step is to ensure it is not off. Inspect the power function of the ice maker if the refrigerator is functioning normally. Push the shut-off arm down to turn it on or use the power button if it has one. Give the machine some time to see if it resumes the icemaking cycle.
But if the ice maker is on, check the fill tube that feeds water into it. The fill tube connects to the inlet valve at the bottom back of the refrigerator and channels water into the machine, but ice may be clogging it. Unmount the ice maker and inspect the tube. If there is ice, use a small object to pry it loose. You may have to increase the freezer temperature to prevent the tube from clogging with ice. Also, rearrange the items in the freezer to ensure the ice maker is not obstructed.
The freezer temperature may be too high to make ice if the fill tube is not clogged with ice. This is another possibility that can keep the ice maker from working. Check the setting; the temperature should not exceed 5 degrees Fahrenheit if the ice maker is to work.
If the power outage lasted some time, the freezer might simply need time to run and cool before the ice maker can work. It may take about 24 hours for the freezer to cool adequately for the ice maker to work. And it may take another two days to fill the ice bucket with ice.
The ice maker may have a faulty component if nothing else seems to work. Over time, the ice maker may fail, especially if the refrigerator is old and you have never replaced the ice machine. Poor maintenance also affects how long the ice maker lasts; it may wear out prematurely. You may not be able to check individual components in the ice to find the possibly faulty ones unless you have training. Therefore, hire a technician to test the machine or contact Whirlpool for further assistance.
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Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice and Leaking Water – What to Do
Several faults can cause a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop making ice and leak water. The first thing to check is the defrost drain. If it is clogged with ice, the defrost system may be malfunctioning, which may cause the freezer temperature to rise and restrict the icemaking process. Plus, the defrost water will leak from the refrigerator. Note that not every refrigerator model has an automatic defrost function, so this step may not apply to all cases.
Therefore, inspect the drain; the location depends on the refrigerator model, but it is generally in the center back of the freezer section, behind the rear access panel. Remove the panel and defrost any ice covering it. Clean the drain if debris prevents the free flow of water from the freezer.
However, check the following if the most common cause of a Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice and leaking water:
1. Water FIlter
The water filter head may be damaged, or the filter may be incorrectly installed if the refrigerator leaks without making ice. If the filter is not correctly working, the ice maker may ot get the water required to produce ice. Remove the filter and inspect the head. If there is dirt, clean it but if there is any damage, replace the filter.
If you recently replaced the water filter, ensure you followed the correct installation instructions. It may be too tight, preventing water from flowing into the ice maker, or too loose, causing a leakage. Remove and reinstall the filter, keeping it to the proper fit this time. Get someone to dispense water while you install the filter to know when you have the correct fit.
2. Water Inlet Valve
A defective water inlet valve can leak while restricting water from flowing into the ice maker. The inlet valve opens for several seconds to allow water to fill the ice mold inside the ice machine. If the valve becomes loose or cracks, it will leak water and not fill the ice maker.
Ensure the water line to the ice maker is securely attached to the valve. If the connections are tight, the valve may be leaking and impeding the icemaking process. Consider replacing it to fix the issue.
You may need professional help if none of the troubleshooting and repair steps fixes the problem. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to report the issue with the refrigerator and request service. Alternatively, hire an independent technician for further assistance.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works – How to Fix
The following are possible ways to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator that is not making ice, but the water is working:
1. Turn On the Ice Maker
One of the most probable reasons the ice maker is not making ice while the dispenser is working is that the ice maker is off. Check the power switch or shut-off arm, depending on the model, and turn on the machine. You may have accidentally shut it off by moving the wire arm to the down position to start the icemaking cycle. You can also check the user manual for other ways to turn on the ice maker using the refrigerator controls.
But if the shut-off arm does not move and is in the up position, it may be stuck. Check to see if it is frozen; use a hairdryer to thaw it if frozen. Otherwise, there may be a malfunction, and you will need a technician or any other professional assistance to fix the shut-off arm issue.
2. Adjust the Freezer Temperature
Next, check the temperature setting for the freezer. The best icemaking temperature in the freezer is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is below the freezing point, the water may form ice, but the ice maker may not be able to dump the ice in the ice bucket due to excessive freezing.
And if the temperature is too warm, ice may form but may not be solid enough to dump. Therefore, adjust the freezer temperature and give the refrigerator time to produce ice. Check for any sign of freezing and keep the temperature a little higher than the freezing point to help melt the ice.
Otherwise, the ejector blades may freeze and become unable to eject the ice from the mold and dump it in the ice bucket. If the ejector arm or blades are frozen, use a plastic or wooden spatula to clear the ice; never use a metal or any other hard object for this purpose. Call a professional appliance technician for assistance if the ice buildup continues after fixing the temperature setting.
3. Clear the Water Line
The water line into the ice maker may be frozen. Low freezer temperatures can cause the line to freeze, so disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and remove the ice maker. Check the water line for ice and thaw it with a hairdryer if it is frozen. Turn on the refrigerator, adjust the freezer temperature to a warmer setting, and run an icemaking cycle to see if the problem is resolved.
You may need to defrost the freezer manually if there is excessive ice buildup. Leave the unit unplugged for some hours until all the ice melts. Also, check for kinks and twists along the water line and loosen them to make for a proper flow of water to the ice maker. And if the water line is leaking, replace it.
4. Test the Water Inlet Valve
A faulty water inlet valve can slow the water flow into the ice maker or stop it altogether. The ice maker cannot produce ice if the water pressure is insufficient, and the same applies if no water flows from the valve to the ice maker. So, while the water in the refrigerator works, the ice maker may fail to function because the inlet valve directly feeds it with water.
Check the valve for leaks at the connection points. Also, ensure there is no leakage from other areas of the valve. Close and open it, and monitor the water pressure. You may have to replace it if it remains low or the valve does not supply water. The same applies if the inlet valve leaks.
5. Replace the Ice maker
If nothing else fixes the problem, you may want to replace the entire ice maker assembly. There may be a defective internal component, and while you may find individual parts, it is usually difficult. The best solution is to purchase a suitable replacement, ensuring you use the refrigerator’s model number for the purchase.
However, check the water filter before replacing the ice maker. If you have not replaced it in over six months, depending on the quality of water in the area, it may cause the ice maker to stop making ice. A clogged may also affect the water dispenser’s functionality, but it helps to be sure the filter is not causing the problem. In addition, the door switch may be faulty. It disables the ice maker once you open the door, and if it fails, the ice maker may stop working.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Crushed Ice – Quick Fix
Ensure you select the crushed ice option on the refrigerator controls. Sometimes, you may accidentally overlook selecting the correct option. If the crushed ice option is selected, inspect the contents of the ice bucket. Ice clumps in the bucket prevent crushed ice from dispensing, so remove the bucket, break the ice with a wooden or plastic spatula, and throw the ice out.
When inserting the ice bucket, ensure you correctly and fully insert it. Otherwise, the ice dispenser may not function. Push the bin down and ensure it hits the back of the freezer. Wiggle it to see if it is loose; remove and reinsert it under the ice maker.
The ice bucket may need a thorough cleaning. If you do not regularly use the ice in the bucket and rarely clean it, ice fragments may clog the dispenser area and prevent crushed ice from dispensing. Pull the ice bucket out, soak it in warm soapy water, and handwash it. Rinse it under running water and thoroughly dry it before correctly reinserting it under the ice maker. Then, try dispensing crushed ice again.
The last thing to check is the motor that powers the crushing mechanism; it may be defective. If you are unsure of correctly checking the motor yourself, it may be time to hire an appliance technician for assistance. Also, compare the cost of fixing or replacing the motor to the price of a new ice maker assembly. It may help you determine the best step forward.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Does Not Make Ice – Solutions
Take the following steps if your Whirlpool refrigerator is not making ice:
1. Check the Water Filter
A clogged water filter keeps the ice maker from working because it restricts the water flow to the refrigerator from the water source. So, replace the filter if it has been used for over six months. This depends on the quality of water in your area; some people do not have to replace the filter for up to one year because of the good quality of water.
Ensure you get the correct type of filter for a Whirlpool refrigerator. According to the Whirlpool brand, it should be a Whirlpool or Everydrop filter. Also, follow the instructions in the user manual to install the new filter according to the model.
2. Check the Water Inlet Valve
The next part to check is the inlet valve. If the water filter is not due for a replacement, ensure the valve is in good working condition. Determine the water pressure from the main water source to the inlet valve; if it is lower than 30 psi, the inlet valve may be unable to supply water to the ice maker.
Consequently, the machine cannot make ice. You can use the services of a plumber or technician to check the water pressure. If the pressure is sufficient and the valve is getting power but is not supplying water to the ice maker, it needs a replacement.
3. Check the Temperature
Most ice makers are in the freezer section of Whirlpool refrigerators. So, check the temperature setting to determine whether or not it is low enough to produce ice. It should be between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the ice machine to work; make the necessary adjustments to keep the freezer cold enough for the ice maker. The same applies to the refrigerator if the ice maker is in that section; keep the temperature between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Check the Shut-off Arm
Take a look at the shut-off arm, a metal or plastic handle by the side or on top of the ice maker. The arm detects the level of the ice in the ice bucket and shuts off the ice maker when the bucket is full to prevent an overflow. If the arm is in the wrong position or is stuck in the up position, the ice maker may not produce ice.
You can wiggle the arm to see if it stuck. If stuck, check to see if it is frozen. Use a hairdryer to thaw the arm if there is ice. It may also be loose, and you can tighten it to restore its functionality. But if the arm is stiff, you may need to call for professional help to determine whether or not it can be replaced.
5. Check the Water Fill Tube
There is a tube that feeds water from the inlet valve into the ice maker through the back of the refrigerator. If it freezes, it stops supplying water to the ice maker, causing the machine to stop working. To inspect the tube, you will need to remove the ice maker from the freezer or refrigerator, depending on your model.
Turn off the ice maker and disconnect the refrigerator; unplug it from the wall outlet. Unmount the screws holding the ice maker secure inside the unit, disconnect the wire harness behind it, and remove the machine. Inspect the tube for any piece of ice blocking and pry it out with a thin object. Alternatively, give the ice time to melt naturally and turn on the refrigerator again. Power the ice maker, give the refrigerator time to cool and check to see if the ice maker is working.
The last possibility is that the ice maker may be defective. The entire assembly may be faulty or it may have a single faulty component. However, it is usually tricky to find individual components for ice makers, so you may have to replace the entire ice maker assembly.
Note: The same steps apply to a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker if it is not making enough ice.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice Fast Enough – Solved
When the ice maker in your Whirlpool refrigerator does not make ice fast enough, the problem usually stems from the temperature. The freezer temperature may be set incorrectly and is not providing enough coolness for the ice maker to work. Check the setting and adjust it to fix the temperature issue. Keep it at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results but if you must increase it, do not exceed 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Several other issues can cause the temperature to rise in the refrigerator. Check the contents of the freezer. It needs to be at least half full for the temperature to be right for ice-making. If the freezer is empty or has little content, it cannot maintain a cool temperature. And if the freezer is too full, it blocks the proper circulation of cold air.
Rearrange the freezer to accommodate the ice maker and eliminate warm and cool air pockets. Ensure nothing is too close to the ice maker to tamper with the shut-off arm. Leave the arm as unobstructed as possible so it does not accidentally shut off the ice maker.
It is also crucial to limit the frequency of opening the freezer door. Opening the door too often can let out the cold air and let in warm air, which compromises the internal temperature. The same applies if you hold the freezer door open for too long. The freezer will struggle to maintain the temperature, which may also affect other components. It helps to decide what you need before opening the door.
Furthermore, check the water filter. If you have not replaced it in over a year, it may be clogged, restricting the water flow to the ice maker. Always replace the water filter every six months to keep the refrigerator’s dispenser and ice maker at an optimal level. Replace the filter and see if the ice maker makes ice faster.
You may also check the water line that feeds the refrigerator. Ice or debris may be blocking it, or it may have kinks that restrict the flow of water to the ice maker. Reposition the refrigerator to prevent future kinks and straighten the water line. Check the water pressure from the inlet valve and ensure the valve is working.
If all else fails, it may be time to get professional help. The ice maker and refrigerator may require service, so contact the Whirlpool Center to request service. You can also hire an appliance technician to check whether or not you need a new ice maker.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice, Red Light Blinking – What to Do
The red light on the ice maker is for running diagnostics. It should always be steady if the ice maker is in good working condition. So, if it is blinking, it may indicate that the ice maker is faulty and cannot make ice anymore.
Typically, you should check the optics boards; they may be obstructed or in need of replacements. Clean them and ensure nothing is in the way. If the light continues blinking, it may be time to replace them.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Won’t Make Ice or Water – Fixed
Ensure the main water valve is open. The valve controls the water supply from the main source into the refrigerator. Turn the valve until it is fully open and check the water supply line. If there is any obstruction, it stops the flow of water, so consider cleaning the line. Follow this guide to clean it.
You may need to check the water filter. If the filter is overused and has not been changed in a while, it may be time to replace it. A clogged filter restricts the flow of water and may impede the dispenser and ice maker from working.
If you recently replaced the filter, the problem may stem from trapped air in the water lines. It is crucial to dispense water from the refrigerator for about one minute after replacing the filter to flush the system. It releases the trapped air and prevents a pressure buildup, which causes the dispenser not to work. You may even notice water dripping from the dispenser in some cases.
Additionally, consider the ice maker and dispenser. If there are connection issues or faults with the dispenser or ice machine, they cannot work. And the refrigerator may need servicing, so hire a professional appliance technician to determine the fault and fix it.
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