Whirlpool Refrigerator: not producing ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not producing ice? This common issue can leave your ice bin empty, affecting your chilled beverages. Often, the cause lies in a restricted water supply, a clogged filter, or even the ice maker being turned off. Let’s explore the verified causes and solutions to get your ice maker working again.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Whirlpool official troubleshooting emphasizes ensuring water supply connected, valve open, correct temperature and filter condition as key factors

Possible Causes

Water supply issue – restricted, off, kinked, or frozen water line

How to Identify: No water reaching ice maker; check for kinks in line, closed valve, or frozen tubes; water dispenser may work independently.

Part: Water supply line / inlet valve

Water filter problems (clogged or improperly installed)

How to Identify: Ice maker starves for water, produces small or no ice; filter past replacement interval; filter not seated properly.

Part: Water filter

Ice maker turned off or control arm not set correctly

How to Identify: Ice maker switch or mechanical arm in OFF position; no production though water available and freezer cold; confirmed by physical check. (iFixit

Part: Ice maker on/off switch or control arm

Freezer temperature too warm or incorrect temperature

How to Identify: Freezer above recommended ~0–5°F where ice production is hindered; adjust settings and monitor.

Part: Freezer thermostat / temperature control

Internal ice maker assembly failure or electrical control fault

How to Identify: No ice after checking supply, filter, settings; multimeter shows faults in unit control, or mechanical parts unresponsive.

Part: Ice maker assembly / main control board

DIY Solutions

Check and ensure water supply to fridge

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate water shut-off valve to fridge and verify fully open
  2. Inspect water line behind fridge for kinks and straighten
  3. If line inside freezer appears frozen, thaw with warm air/hair dryer on low carefully
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use high heat or sharp tools to thaw lines

Replace or reseat water filter

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate water filter in fridge per manual
  2. Remove and reinstall ensuring proper seating
  3. Replace filter if overdue (every ~6 months)

Check ice maker switch/arm and freezer temperature

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Locate ice maker on/off switch or control arm and ensure ON
  2. Use fridge controls to set freezer to recommended ~0–5°F
  3. Wait several hours for temperature stabilization and ice cycle

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120 (part) + labor

Replace ice maker assembly or control module

Estimated Cost: $80 - $300+ depending on part and model

When to Call a Professional

After ruling out water supply, filter, settings and ice maker still produces no ice
Suspected electrical fault or internal mechanical failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter: Clogged filter restricting water to ice maker
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Regularly inspect water line: Kinks or buildup causing water supply restriction
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Refrigerator not producing ice?
Common causes include water supply issues, clogged filters, and incorrect settings.
How do I fix Whirlpool Refrigerator not producing ice myself?
Check the water supply, replace the filter, and ensure the ice maker is turned on.
How much does it cost to fix not producing ice?
Professional repairs range from $40 to $300+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not producing ice?
Contact a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if there's a suspected assembly failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

57%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty ice maker assembly (4 mentions)
  • Control board issues (1 mentions)
  • Inlet control valve malfunction (1 mentions)
  • Evaporator coils problems (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the ice maker assembly

    Success rate: 30.0%

  2. Diagnosed issue and ordered replacement ice maker

    Success rate: 10.0%

  3. Video tutorial for fixing ice maker

    Success rate: 10.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Confused about Ice Maker Replacement Part for WRX735SDBM02
  2. Own a Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ French Door refrigerator. Ice mak...
  3. Cost to replace an ice maker in refrigerator.
  4. Whirlpool ice maker stopped working in unusual way.
  5. Advice on ice maker repair
  6. Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
  7. Whirlpool ice maker troubleshooting help

Community Discussions

ice maker stopped working

Replaced the ice maker with part W10882923, which includes the necessary harness.

DIY View on Reddit →

icemaker stopped working

Replaced the icemaker assembly for $250, which included technician labor and parts.

DIY View on Reddit →

ice maker not working

Ordered a replacement ice maker after diagnosing the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Water started to continuously drip from the ice tray and run into ice dispenser. Some water froze but most just ran out when dispensing. Turned off ice maker. Water stopped dripping. Turned back on- nothing.

A video was shared that explains the issue and how to fix it.

DIY View on Reddit →

ice maker doesn't work

Attempted to reconnect wires but did not resolve the issue; soldering suggested but uncertain.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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