How to Fix a Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice

Whirlpool refrigerators that are equipped with a built-in ice maker provide you with the convenience of having a consistent supply of ice on hand. Unfortunately, sometimes ice makers can stop working and must be repaired. 

In this article, we will tell you about all the common causes of your Whirlpool ice maker not making ice and advise you on rectifying the problem.

The advice in this article covers all Whirlpool refrigerators with ice makers, including the following model numbers:

1ET25DKXGW00

2-A Y

3EAD19XMWR1

3ECKMF10

3ECKMF8

3ECKMF86

ED5FVGXWS07

WRB322DMBM00

WRF535SMBM00

WRF560SEHZ00

WRF560SEYM05

WRF736SDAM11

WRF736SDAM12

WRF736SDAM13

WRF736SDAM14

WRS322FDAM04

WRS325FDAM02

WRS325FDAM04

WRS571CIDM01

WRS571CIHZ01

WRX735SDBM00

Defrost your ice maker

When a Whirlpool ice maker stops functioning, the best place to start is to check for ice build-ups within the ice maker system. Ice accumulates in the tray or the dispenser hose, hindering the proper flow of water. When this happens, the system must be defrosted to remove the blockages.

Here’s what to do:

• If your refrigerator is equipped with an auto-defrost function, activate it. This will eliminate blockages and restore water flow to the ice maker. If your refrigerator doesn’t have this function, you must defrost the ice maker system by turning off the power and water supply to your refrigerator and letting the system defrost. While defrosting, you need to remove any components that can be taken out and wash them.
• Once defrosted, turn your refrigerator back on and check if the ice maker works. If not, inspect the water supply hose.

Check the water supply hose

The next step is ensuring the water supply hose isn’t blocked. If blocked, the hose cannot supply water to your ice maker. If the hose is damaged, you should be able to adjust it yourself, but if it needs to be replaced, you will need to get a technician to do it for you if you don’t have the tools and experience to do it yourself.

Here’s how to check the water supply hose:

• Locate the hose.
• Carefully check the hose for any leaks or other damage. If damaged, replace the hose.
• If the hose isn’t damaged, ensure water isn’t being prevented from flowing through the hose. If so, adjust the hose.
• Once the hose has been repaired or replaced, check if your ice maker can now operate correctly. 

Test the water pressure

If your ice maker still isn’t working, the next step is to check the water pressure. According to Whirlpool, your fridge needs a water pressure of at least 20 psi, or the ice maker might not work correctly.

Here’s how to test the water pressure:

• Turn the power and water supply off.
• If you have a water pressure gauge, test the water pressure. If under 20 psi, it will need to be fixed by a plumber.
• If you don’t have a gauge, check the volume of water that flows out when the water supply line is disconnected. This can be done by disconnecting the hose, holding the hose over a bucket, and then turning on the water. If water dribbles out slowly, it signifies a problem with the water pressure, which will need to be repaired by a plumber. However, the water pressure is fine if a strong and consistent water flow is observed. 

Replace the water filter

If the water pressure is fine or if repairing the pressure doesn’t solve the problem, we recommend replacing the water filter. This is especially important if you haven’t replaced the filter in the past six months. When the filter isn’t replaced every six months, blockages can occur.

Here’s how to replace the water filter:

• Locate the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator.
• Remove the filter.
• Replace the old filter with a new one.
• Check if the ice maker can now make ice correctly.

Test the water inlet valve

If replacing the water filter doesn’t work, the next step is to check the water inlet valve. This will require you to have a multimeter to test the valve for continuity. If you don’t have a multimeter, you must book a technician to inspect your appliance. A faulty water inlet valve will stop the flow of water to your ice maker, which means it won’t be able to make ice.

Here’s how to check the water inlet valve:

• Switch the power and water supply off.
• Locate the water inlet valve at the back of your fridge. You will likely need to remove the lower back panel.
• Once located, disconnect the valve.
• Use a multimeter to check the valve for continuity.
• If defective, replace the valve.

Test the auger motor

If the water inlet valve is working correctly or if replacing it hasn’t solved the underlying cause of your ice maker not working, the final step is to test the auger motor. The auger helps ice dispense from your ice maker unit. If it becomes faulty, ice won’t be able to dispense, and/or the system will get blocked up.

Here’s how to check the auger motor:

• First, switch the power and water supply off.
• Locate the auger motor and disconnect it.
• Test it with a multimeter for continuity.
• If defective, the auger motor will need to be replaced. If it passes the continuity test, you must book a technician to come and inspect your appliance. The same applies if replacing the component doesn’t fix your ice maker.