Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working – Reasons And Solutions

A Whirlpool ice maker is a common appliance found in many households. It is responsible for producing ice for your drinks and other needs. However, like any other appliance, a Whirlpool ice maker can stop working for various reasons.

Common reasons include a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged water filter, a faulty water inlet valve, or a malfunctioning ice maker control module. In addition, low water pressure or a lack of water can also cause the ice maker to stop working. It is essential to troubleshoot the issue and identify the root cause to properly fix the problem and get your ice maker working again.

This article explores some common causes and solutions to Whirlpool ice maker not working.

Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working – Reasons & Solutions

Whirlpool ice maker not working can be caused by several factors, including a clogged water valve, a faulty ice maker assembly, an ice module malfunction, or faulty thermostat, and more.

Related: How To Clean A Water Dispenser In A Fridge

Why Did My Whirlpool Ice Maker Stop Working?

As a Whirlpool ice maker owner, you may encounter a scenario where your appliance stops working. Below are some of the most common problems, causes, and solutions to fix them.

• The Whirlpool Ice Maker is Off

If your Whirlpool ice maker has been turned off, it won’t work. The ice maker relies on a steady flow of electricity to operate correctly. The ice maker can no longer produce ice when it is turned off.

Solution: First, ensure that the ice maker is correctly connected to a power source and that the power is on.

Next, turn on the Whirlpool ice maker. You can use the ice maker power knob on the refrigerator’s right side—push it downwards to turn it on.

This fix should restore its ability to produce ice. If your ice maker isn’t producing ice after trying this solution, you may need to investigate further.

• Unsuitable Freezer Temperature

The freezer temperature can be one of the reasons your Whirlpool ice maker is not working. If the temperature is high, it can prevent the ice maker from producing ice efficiently. That’s because the water used to make the ice will not freeze at the proper temperature.

Solution: One way to fix this problem is to adjust the freezer’s temperature. The ideal ice-making temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). If the temperature is higher, it can be adjusted using the freezer’s thermostat. Turn the thermostat to a lower setting to reduce the temperature, then turn on the ice maker.

• Clogged Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is a component of the Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice maker that controls the water flow into the ice maker mold. If the water inlet valve is faulty or clogged, it can prevent water from pouring into the ice maker mold, causing the ice maker to stop working.

Solution: To fix this issue, try cleaning the water inlet valve to remove debris or clogs blocking water flow. Follow these simple steps to resolve the issue.

• Locate the water inlet valve at the back of the refrigerator near the water supply line.
•  Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator and disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve.
• Use a small brush or toothpick to clean debris or clogs from the inlet valve and the water supply line. After flushing out the input valve and water line, reattach them and flip the switch to restore water flow. 

• The Ice Maker Assembly

The ice maker assembly is a crucial part of a Whirlpool ice maker. It includes several key components, such as the ice mold, the ice ejector arm, and the ice level sensor. If any of these components fail or malfunction, it can cause the ice maker to stop working.

The ice mold is the part of the ice maker assembly where water is poured and frozen into ice cubes. If the ice mold is damaged or not correctly aligned, it can prevent the ice maker from producing ice properly. A faulty Whirlpool icemaker control arm can also cause the problem. The ice ejector arm pushes the ice out of the mold and into the storage bin. If the arm is damaged or stuck, it can prevent the ice from being ejected from the mold.

The ice level sensor is another culprit. The ice level sensor is a small device that detects the ice level in the storage bin. If the sensor is damaged or not functioning correctly, it can prevent the ice maker from producing ice. That is because it will assume the storage bin is full even when empty.

Solution: To fix a Whirlpool ice maker that has stopped working, diagnose the entire ice maker assembly. Check the ice mold and ensure it is properly aligned and not damaged. If it is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. Also, inspect the ice ejector arm and ensure it is not stuck or damaged. If it is stuck, try gently moving it to unstick it. You may need to replace it if it’s damaged. Finally, check the ice level sensor and ensure it is functioning correctly. If not, get a new one.

• Ice Maker Module Malfunction

The ice maker module is an essential component in a Whirlpool ice maker that controls the entire ice-making process. A faulty shut-off arm is a common problem that can cause the ice maker module to fail.

The shut-off arm is a small lever attached to the ice-maker module and is responsible for turning off the ice-making process when the ice bin is full. A malfunction in the shut-off arm can cause the ice maker to continue making ice even when the ice bin is full. That may lead to the ice maker becoming clogged.

Solution: To fix this issue, you will need to check the shut-off arm to see if it is functioning correctly. The shut-off arm may need to be replaced if it is not moving freely or is stuck. You can do this by removing the ice maker from the freezer, unplugging it, and then carefully removing the shut-off arm and installing a new one.

• Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat in a whirlpool ice maker can cause the ice maker to stop working. That’s because it regulates the temperature inside the ice maker. A malfunction may prevent it from maintaining the correct temperature, which can prevent the ice maker from producing ice.

Solution: The most effective way to fix a faulty thermostat in a whirlpool ice maker is to replace it with a new one. The thermostat is inside the ice maker itself, either on the back or bottom of the unit. Using a thermostat specifically designed for a whirlpool ice maker is essential, as using the wrong type of thermostat can cause additional problems.

Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working FAQs

How Do You Reset a Whirlpool Ice Maker?

To reset a Whirlpool ice maker, you must first locate the reset button on the control panel. This button is located behind the ice bin and may be labeled as “Reset” or “Test/Reset.” 

Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds or until you hear a click. 

This process will reset the ice maker, and it should start making ice again.

What Would Cause My Ice Maker to Stop Working?

There are several possible reasons why an ice maker might stop working. Some common causes include a malfunctioning water valve, a failed ice maker assembly, a faulty thermostat, and a malfunction in the ice maker module.

It will be necessary to diagnose the issue by conducting a series of tests and inspections to determine the specific cause of the problem. You can do this by checking the water supply, testing the valve and ice maker assembly, and other components. Replacing one or more parts may be necessary to fix the issue.

Why Is My Ice Maker Not Making Ice But Water Works?

Your Whirlpool ice maker is not working, but the water works because the water filter may be clogged. Thus preventing water from reaching the ice maker. Also, the ice maker may be faulty and need repair or replacement.

To troubleshoot this issue, check that the ice maker’s water supply is turned on and properly connected. If the water supply is on and connected, try replacing the water filter to see if that resolves the issue.

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