Living without the convenience of an ice maker can certainly feel like you’re missing a necessity. So when you’re faced with a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working properly, troubleshooting the problem becomes a priority. We’ll help pinpoint why your Whirlpool ice maker won’t work by discussing common causes like ice jams and freezer temperature issues.
5 Common Causes for a Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
Knowing where to start is half the battle when troubleshooting a Whirlpool ice maker not making ice. Fortunately, some of the most common possibilities are issues that are easy to address.
Ice Maker Not Turned On
The first step in troubleshooting a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working is making sure the ice maker is turned on. A Whirlpool refrigerator on/off switch is typically a wire arm attached to the ice maker. The ice maker is on when this arm is in the down position and clicked into place. The ice maker is turned off when the wire arm is pushed upward.
If your refrigerator was newly installed, the ice maker may not yet be in this down position. It’s also possible that the arm was pushed upwards when items were moved around in the freezer. Check to make sure the arm is facing downward and clicked in place for the ice maker to be turned on properly.
Freezer Temperature Issue
In order to make ice, your freezer’s environment can be neither too hot nor too cold. For proper ice production, the freezer temperature should be between 0-5°F. If the freezer is too cold ice will clump together, jamming the ice maker.
If the freezer is too warm, ice won’t sufficiently freeze. Knowing how to improve cooling efficiency for your refrigerator by cleaning the condenser coils can help the freezer and refrigerator maintain their temperature.
Jammed Ice Maker
Ice jams are one of the most common reasons for a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working. Jams occur around the ejector arm when the metal fingers of the arm try to grab new ice that’s not yet fully frozen. This water then freezes on the ejector arm’s fingers, forming an ice bridge that blocks new cubes from falling into the ice bin.
Use a plastic utensil to gently chip away at the ice bridge on the ejector arm. Refrain from using anything but plastic to avoid damaging the ice maker.
Defective Refrigerator Water Filter
If a refrigerator water filter is clogged, defective, or incorrectly installed it can decrease the amount of water that flows to the ice maker. This, in turn, restricts or eliminates ice production.
It’s recommended that you change your water filter every 6 months to avoid clogs. However, the filter should be changed immediately if it sustains damage or seems defective. Refer to your refrigerator use and care guide for how to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter. This guide will also list the manufacturer-approved brand of replacement filter to use.
Water Supply Problems
Without sufficient water supply from your home’s water line, your Whirlpool ice maker won’t be able to properly produce ice. These water supply problems can affect ice production:
- Make sure the refrigerator’s water line is properly connected to your cold water supply
- Ensure that this water line is free of kinks or pinches. Straighten a bent water line and refrain from pushing the refrigerator too close to the wall to avoid kinks.
- Check to make sure the water shutoff valve is fully open
- Confirm that your home has sufficient water pressure. The refrigerator’s water inlet valve must have adequate pressure to allow for water flow to the ice maker
- If your home has sufficient pressure and no other water supply issues are evident, the water inlet valve may be frozen or damaged, requiring replacement
Don’t let a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not working leave you with warm beverages for too long! Schedule an ice maker repair service with Moore Appliance Service today.
