Whirlpool french door refrigerator ice maker problems

Most of us don’t give our refrigerator ice maker much thought, until it leaves us with no ice and a lukewarm drink. Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working? The freezer temperature may be too high, limiting production. Figure out what’s causing the problem with these ice maker troubleshooting tips.

While a part malfunction is possible, the most likely reasons for a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working have a DIY solution. From the wrong freezer setting to a water filter that needs changing, here’s how to restore ice maker function.

Freezer Temperature Too High

A Whirlpool ice maker won’t make enough ice or will produce misshapen cubes if the freezer temperature is too high. For optimal ice production, make sure your freezer temperature is set between 0-5℉.

If the temperature is properly set and the freezer temperature is still too warm, check the refrigerator’s condenser and evaporator coils. If your refrigerator runs all the time, the condenser coils may need cleaning. Meanwhile, frosted-over evaporator coils could indicate a defrost system malfunction.

Ice Maker is Jammed

During ice production, the ice maker’s harvest fingers may also bring up icy water with the newly-formed ice cubes. This water can freeze onto other ice maker components, creating an ice bridge that jams the harvest fingers during the next cycle. How do you know when your Whirlpool ice maker jammed? The cubes may be smaller or ice production will stop completely. You’ll also notice a visible accumulation of ice around the ejector arm.

Remove accumulated ice with a plastic utensil to avoid damaging any components. This should resolve the problem and resume ice production.

Whirlpool french door refrigerator ice maker problems

Water Filter Requires Replacement

Often, a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working is due to a water filter malfunction. If the filter becomes clogged or is incorrectly installed, water flow to the ice maker will be restricted. When this happens, your ice maker won’t produce ice in large amounts or the cubes may be smaller or misshapen.

Whirlpool suggests changing the refrigerator water filter every 6 months to avoid clogs that limit ice production. Always refer to your user manual’s instructions to install the filter correctly and use Whirlpool’s recommended filter brand for proper fit and function.

Water Supply Issue

If your refrigerator doesn’t receive adequate or consistent water from your home supply the ice maker can’t produce ice.

The following water supply issues can affect ice production:

  • Water line is incorrectly connected: Make sure the line is correctly connected to a cold water supply and that the water supply valve is turned on.
  • Kink in water line: If the water line is kinked it can block the flow of water from your home supply to the refrigerator. Gently straighten any kinks and make sure there’s adequate space between the wall and the refrigerator to prevent kinking.
  • Faulty water inlet valve: The refrigerator’s water inlet valve opens and closes to allow water to supply the refrigerator as needed. If the valve doesn’t open completely or is stuck in the closed position, water won’t supply the ice maker. A faulty water inlet valve requires professional replacement.
Whirlpool french door refrigerator ice maker problems
Image from Whirlpool

Failed Ice Maker Component

If you still find your Whirlpool ice maker not dumping ice like it should, a failed component may be stopping ice production. If the motor on the ice maker module fails, the ejector arms won’t cycle to release ice or the water inlet valve may not open. When the mold thermostat malfunctions, the ice maker won’t refill the ice molds when they reach the proper temperature.

If a failed component is responsible for your Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working it should be assessed by a professional service. A qualified technician can test the ice maker and determine if individual parts or the entire ice maker assembly requires replacement.

Capital City Appliance Service is your source for Whirlpool ice maker repair professionals. Schedule a repair with our expert technicians today!

Why is Whirlpool French Door refrigerator not making ice?

A Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice may come down to incorrect temperature settings. For proper ice production, the freezer should be set between 0-5°F. If the temperature is too warm, ice may not adequately freeze and can appear smaller or misshapen.

Why is my ice maker not making ice but water works?

If your ice maker isn't producing ice at all or is producing crescents or cubes that are smaller than usual, it's typically indicative of a clog somewhere along the supply line. Cause: A common cause for a clog is frozen water in the line. Fix: To repair a frozen line, slide the refrigerator and unplug it.

How do I reset my French door ice maker?

Unplug the machine and wait 10 seconds. Plug the machine back in and press the ON button. You should see a blue light appear, letting you know that the machine has been reset.