Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working: Quick Fix Guide

Your Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice maker suddenly stops producing cubes, leaving you scrambling for alternatives as your freezer fills with lukewarm beverages. Whether you’re facing completely empty ice molds, mysterious leaks pooling on the freezer floor, or hollow cubes that vanish before they form, this guide delivers precise solutions for every Whirlpool ice maker not working scenario. Forget generic advice—you’ll learn exactly how to diagnose water supply failures, temperature glitches, and sensor errors using professional techniques that work on 95% of Whirlpool models made since 2010.

When your Whirlpool ice maker not working issue strikes, skip the panic. Most failures resolve in under 20 minutes with basic tools and targeted troubleshooting. This guide walks you through verified fixes from Whirlpool’s own service manuals, helping you avoid costly service calls while ensuring your appliance delivers perfect cubes for years.

No Ice Production? Start Here

Before dismantling components, run these three critical tests that identify 80% of failures in under five minutes:

Check the Optic Sensor
Close the freezer door flap and observe the LED on the receiver board (typically behind the ice maker). A solid light confirms proper operation. If it blinks rapidly or stays dark, the infrared beam is blocked by ice buildup or the emitter/receiver boards have failed—common in models made after 2015. Clean the lens area with a microfiber cloth first; persistent issues require board replacement.

Manual Fill Test
Use a turkey baster to pour 4–6 ounces of water directly into the ice mold. Wait 24 hours: If ice forms and ejects automatically, your ice maker module cycles correctly but lacks water supply. This instantly isolates the problem to water valves, filters, or frozen tubing—never the ice maker assembly itself.

Door Switch Verification
Press the freezer door switch while checking for continuity with a multimeter. No continuity means the switch falsely signals an open door, halting ice production even when closed. Replace faulty switches immediately (part #W11396033), as they also disable water dispensers.

Water Supply Failures

Fix Clogged Water Filters

When your water dispenser works but ice production stops, a clogged filter is the prime suspect. Whirlpool’s EveryDrop™ filters restrict flow after six months, starving the ice maker. Replace the filter immediately—never install generic alternatives that lack proper flow rates. After installation, run 2–3 gallons through the dispenser to purge air bubbles that cause temporary low pressure.

Replace Defective Water Inlet Valve

The valve should hum during the fill cycle. Confirm failure by:
1. Verifying ≥20 PSI water pressure at the valve inlet
2. Checking for 120 VAC power during the ice maker’s fill cycle
3. Measuring coil resistance (200–500 ohms) with a multimeter

If any test fails, replace the valve. Use single-solenoid valves (W10408179) for basic models or dual-solenoid (W10865826) for units with water dispensers. Critical tip: Shut off household water supply before disconnecting lines to prevent flooding.

Thaw Frozen Fill Tubes

Remove the ice maker and apply low-heat airflow from a hair dryer to the black fill tube above the mold for 2–3 minutes. Never use sharp tools—punctured tubes cause leaks requiring full assembly replacement. For recurring freezes (common in garages or cold kitchens), wrap the tube with foam insulation sleeves per Whirlpool’s technical service bulletin 81-3211.

Temperature Problems

Set Correct Freezer Temperature

Your freezer must hit 0°F (-18°C) for the ice maker’s thermostat to trigger harvest cycles. Use an infrared thermometer on the evaporator coils behind the freezer wall. Temperatures above 10°F prevent cycling, while readings below -10°F create hollow cubes as water freezes too fast. Adjust the thermostat dial until coils register 0°F—this single fix resolves 30% of “no ice” complaints.

Fix Door Seal Issues

Perform the dollar bill test: Close a bill in the door seal and pull. Easy removal indicates worn gaskets causing temperature fluctuations. Clean seals quarterly with warm, soapy water to maintain flexibility. Replace torn gaskets immediately—Whirlpool’s part #W10877697 fits most side-by-side models and installs in 10 minutes with a flathead screwdriver.

Ice Maker Module Problems

Jump Start Harvest Cycle

When ice sits frozen but won’t eject, force a harvest cycle:
1. Remove the ice maker’s front cover by prying bottom slots
2. Insert a 16-gauge jumper wire into T (test) and H (harvest) holes
3. Hold for 5–8 seconds until gears engage, then release
4. Confirm water flows at cycle end

No movement? Replace the entire assembly (W10882923 for most post-2015 models). Stripped gears won’t repair—attempting fixes often damages the mold thermostat.

Replace Ice Level Control Boards

False “bin full” signals stop production despite empty bins. Diagnose via the receiver board LED:
– Solid light: Normal operation
– Rapid blinking: Blocked IR beam or faulty emitter
– No light: Complete board failure

Replace emitter and receiver boards as a matched set (W10757851 kit). Alignment is critical—misplaced boards cause immediate re-failure.

Quick Reset Procedures

Side-by-Side Reset Sequence

1. Remove the ice bin completely
2. Turn the ice maker switch OFF for 15 seconds
3. Switch ON and hold “ice type + child lock” buttons for 3 seconds until chime sounds
4. Close the door—cycling should begin within 15 minutes

Pro tip: If no chime occurs, the control board may have failed—a common issue in WRX735SDBM models after 2018.

Bottom-Freezer Models

Locate the recessed reset button beneath the ice maker (may require removing the bin shelf). Hold for 10 seconds until you hear a gear engagement click. The unit will run a full harvest cycle within 90 minutes. Warning: Forcing the control arm during resets cracks internal gears—always use the electronic reset.

Prevent Ice Maker Failures

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

• Empty and clean ice bins to prevent odor absorption and clumping
• Verify fill cup alignment—water must hit the mold’s center channel
• Check refrigerator level using a 2-foot level on the freezer floor; uneven units cause leaks

Quarterly Deep Clean

Sanitize bins with warm water and baking soda (1 tbsp per quart). Air-dry for 2 hours before reinstalling—moisture breeds bacteria that create “plastic-tasting” ice. Never use vinegar; it degrades rubber seals.

Annual System Care

Replace water filters religiously, vacuum condenser coils, and test door seals. Critical check: Confirm household water pressure exceeds 20 PSI—low pressure is the #1 cause of intermittent ice production. Install an inline pressure gauge if your dispenser takes >10 seconds to fill 8 ounces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never force the control arm—this delicate component regulates production cycles. If loose or broken, replace the arm kit (W10882923 includes arms). Forcing it strips gears, turning a $15 fix into a $150 assembly replacement.

Avoid aftermarket water filters—they restrict flow by 40% compared to OEM EveryDrop™ filters, triggering premature ice maker failures. Whirlpool’s engineers confirm this in service bulletin 81-2944.

Don’t ignore slow water flow—if your dispenser takes longer than 10 seconds for 8 ounces, address pressure issues immediately. Low flow causes incomplete molds and hollow cubes that jam ejection mechanisms.

When Professional Help Is Needed

Call a certified technician if you encounter:
– Frosted evaporator coils indicating defrost system failure
– Repeatedly frozen fill tubes despite correct temperatures
– Broken wiring harness inside the freezer door (common flex-harness breaks in 2016–2020 models)
– Internal sealed-system problems like refrigerant leaks

Emergency Contact: Whirlpool Customer Care at 1-866-698-2538 or schedule online at whirlpool.com. Provide your model number (found inside the fridge door) for faster diagnosis.

Final Ice Maker Checklist

Before declaring victory, verify:
– [ ] Ice maker cycles every 90–120 minutes
– [ ] Cubes are full-size and clear (cloudiness indicates impurities)
– [ ] No water leaks inside freezer or on floor
– [ ] Bin fills to proper level and shuts off automatically

With these systematic approaches, you’ll transform from frustrated homeowner to ice maker expert. Remember: 70% of Whirlpool ice maker not working issues stem from water supply or temperature errors—not complex electronics. By following this guide’s precise steps, you’ll ensure your refrigerator delivers perfect cubes for years while avoiding unnecessary service calls. For model-specific diagrams, always reference Whirlpool’s official repair manuals at whirlpool.com/support.