Whirlpool Refrigerator: not making ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you frustrated because your Whirlpool refrigerator isn't making ice? This common issue can stem from water supply problems, a warm freezer temperature, or even a disabled ice maker. Let's explore the potential causes and solutions to get your ice maker back in action.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Whirlpool official troubleshooting emphasizes checking if ice maker is turned on, proper water supply, freezer temp, and filter condition.

Possible Causes

Water supply issues

How to Identify: Check if water line is kinked, shut-off valve is closed, low water pressure, water inlet valve malfunction stops water flow to ice maker.

Part: Water supply line / valve

Freezer temperature too warm

How to Identify: Freezer temperature above ~0 °F; ice maker unable to produce ice when too warm. Verify temperature setting and internal temp reading.

Part: Freezer thermostat

Ice maker turned off or control arm off

How to Identify: Ice maker switch/arm is in OFF position; no harvest cycle initiated. Verify it's in ON position.

Part: Ice maker power switch / control arm

Clogged water filter

How to Identify: Water filter not replaced per schedule; restricted water flow; water dispenser may also slow.

Part: Water filter

Ice or fill tube blockage

How to Identify: Ice buildup in water fill tube or chute, preventing water or ice movement; visible ice jams.

Part: Fill tube / ice chute

DIY Solutions

Ensure water supply is on and unobstructed

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate and open the shut-off valve to ensure water flow to refrigerator.
  2. Inspect water line behind fridge for kinks or damage; straighten or replace if needed.
  3. Check water pressure to ensure adequate supply.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply before moving fridge if necessary

Check and reset ice maker and control arm

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Verify that the ice maker power switch or control arm is in the ON position.
  2. Locate reset button on ice maker and press/hold per Whirlpool instructions.
  3. Alternatively, unplug refrigerator for one minute then plug back in to power cycle.

Replace water filter

Easy 5-15 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate water filter housing inside refrigerator.
  2. Remove old water filter by twisting or pushing as directed.
  3. Insert new filter until locked and flush water system if required.
⚠️ Safety First: Follow model-specific instructions

Remove ice or fill tube blockages

Moderate 20-30 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, rag, plastic tool
  1. Open freezer and locate ice maker fill tube and ice chute.
  2. Gently use warm water and cloth to melt ice buildup.
  3. Clear any ice jams carefully without damaging components.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use sharp tools that can damage plastic

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Ice maker assembly replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Diagnose and repair electrical issues/control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Ice maker does not cycle after basic troubleshooting
Water inlet valve or electrical components suspected faulty
Ice maker assembly internal failure or visible mechanical damage

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter: Restricted water flow that can stop ice production
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check freezer temperature regularly: Improper temps that inhibit ice formation
    Frequency: weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Refrigerator not making ice?
Common causes include water supply issues, warm freezer temperature, or the ice maker being turned off.
How do I fix Whirlpool Refrigerator not making ice myself?
Check the water supply, reset the ice maker, replace the water filter, and clear any blockages in the fill tube.
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue seems complex, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty ice maker (5 mentions)
  • Water inlet valve issues (4 mentions)
  • Electrical issues (e.g., door switch, solenoid) (3 mentions)
  • Wiring problems (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Changed out the ice maker and all is working again.

    Success rate: 19.0%

  2. Replaced the freezer door switch which was causing low voltage to the ice maker.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  3. It was the solenoid that needed replacement.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  4. Check and repair the wiring at the bottom of the freezer door.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  5. Fill glasses of water from the fridge to remove air in the line and unplug the fridge for 20 minutes to reset.

    Success rate: 4.0%
Analysis based on 17 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Advice on ice maker repair
  2. Whirlpool Ice maker problems.
  3. Ice Maker Help
  4. Whirlpool ice maker optical sensor light doesn't turn on unl...
  5. Whirlpool Refrigerator No Longer Making Ice - Model WRS588FI...
  6. Ice Maker Troubleshooting - Whirlpool GZ25FSRXYY2 Refrigerat...
  7. Whirlpool wrx986sihz00 ice maker refuses to work
  8. Whirlpool WRF767SDHZ02: *Both* Ice Makers out!?
  9. Ice maker ejecting, no water inlet activation
  10. Whirlpool WRX996SIHZ00 No ice
  11. Refrigerator Ice Machine Won't make ice
  12. Whirlpool Gold Side by Side refrigerator not making ice, but...
  13. Help troubleshoot Whirlpool ice maker after repairing wires
  14. Whirlpool in-door ice maker, cut off cable?
  15. Is my ice maker finally done for good?
  16. Ice maker spilled a ton of water and now it doesn’t make ice...
  17. whirlpool model wrx986sihz02 not making ice after water outa...

Community Discussions

not making ice, but door water works

It was the solenoid that needed replacement.

DIY View on Reddit →

Both ice makers not functioning

New ice maker installed, problem solved.

DIY View on Reddit →

My refrigerator is not making ice.

Changed out the ice maker and all is working again.

DIY View on Reddit →

ice maker not functioning

Replaced the freezer door switch which was causing low voltage to the ice maker.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped making ice

Check and repair the wiring at the bottom of the freezer door.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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