Whirlpool side by side ice maker not working but water dispenser is

Though it may seem far away, the heat of summer is fast approaching. That’s why if you find your Whirlpool French door refrigerator not making ice, some rapid troubleshooting is needed before warmer days arrive. From making sure the ice maker is turned on to checking water supply issues, here’s how to have ice at the ready.

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator Not Making Ice? This Could Solve the Problem

Sometimes there’s a simple DIY fix for a French door refrigerator ice maker not working. These top 5 causes will show you how to solve the problem or when to call for a professional assessment.

#1. Whirlpool Ice Maker Isn’t Turned On

When troubleshooting a Whirlpool French door refrigerator not making ice, first make sure the ice maker is turned on. Oftentimes this can be the problem when you find your Whirlpool ice maker not working but water dispenser is still functioning. Locate the ice maker power switch and make sure it’s in the ON position.

Some newer models no longer use a power switch on the ice maker itself though. Instead, these refrigerators use electronic controls to manage the power supply. If you cannot find a power switch on your model, refer to your model’s use and care guide. It will show you how to turn the ice maker on or off using the electronic controls.

#2. Improper Whirlpool Freezer Temperature

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. Meanwhile, temperatures below 0°F could create a buildup of ice and frost that prohibits ice from ejecting.

Whirlpool side by side ice maker not working but water dispenser is
Image from Whirlpool

#3. Whirlpool Ice Maker is Jammed

Ice jams are a common reason for a Whirlpool French door refrigerator not making ice. Often, ice may not be completely frozen when it emerges from the icemaker. When this slushy water remains on the ejector arm and accumulates over time it can cause the ice maker to jam, preventing new ice from falling.

If your Whirlpool ice maker not dumping ice is due to a jam, the buildup needs to be cleared for ice production to resume. To clear ice from the ejector arm, carefully chip away at it with a plastic utensil. Avoid using metal utensils that can damage the ice maker.

#4. Water Supply Issues

In other instances, your a Whirlpool ice maker not making ice may be due to insufficient water supply. A clogged water filter, kinked water line hose, or defective water inlet valve can restrict the water flowing to an ice maker. When this happens, ice production will be limited or completely stop. Here’s how to address water supply issues that can affect ice production:

  • Change your refrigerator water filter. This should be done every 6 months to prevent clogs.
  • Assess the refrigerator’s water line for kinks. Carefully straighten any kinks and avoid others by making sure the refrigerator isn’t pushed too closely against the wall.
  • Schedule a professional repair to replace a defective water inlet valve
Whirlpool side by side ice maker not working but water dispenser is
Image from Whirlpool

#5. Defective Refrigerator Ice Maker

If troubleshooting your Whirlpool French door refrigerator not making ice yields no solution its possible one or more ice maker components are defective. Even if just one part has malfunctioned, you may have to replace the entire ice maker assembly since many parts aren’t sold separately. We recommend professional service for this job.

When you need a refrigerator ice maker repair service to address your Whirlpool French door refrigerator not making ice, call Solar Appliance. We can tackle any need with fast repair service!

We certainly get used to life’s little conveniences and the ice and water dispensers on our refrigerator are no exception. That’s why when your Whirlpool refrigerator won’t dispense ice or water, it can seem like a big problem. We’ll describe the reasons why you may have a Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing ice or water from a jammed ice maker to a clogged water filter.

What to Do When Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Won’t Dispense Ice or Water

Fortunately, there are often straightforward causes and solutions when your Whirlpool refrigerator won’t dispense ice or water. We’ll troubleshoot common causes and provide solutions so you can return to enjoying ice and water at the touch of a button.

Whirlpool Ice Maker Is Turned Off

If you have a Whirlpool ice maker not working but water dispenser is working, it may be because the ice maker is turned off. Many Whirlpool refrigerators use a wire shut-off arm to turn the ice dispenser on and off. The arm automatically stops ice production when it’s in the raised position.

If you’re wondering how to turn on Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker, simply lower the wire shutoff arm and ice production will continue.

Whirlpool Ice Maker Jammed

Sometimes small temperature changes can cause the ice in the dispenser to melt and refreeze, clumping together and causing a blockage. When this happens, your Whirlpool refrigerator dispenser not working will affect ice but not water. Here’s how to reset Whirlpool ice maker and remove jammed ice:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator
  2. Open the refrigerator door with the ice dispenser
  3. Locate the chute where the ice drops down
  4. Slide a long wooden spoon into the jammed ice in the chute to break up clumps and remove the blockage
  5. Close door and plug in refrigerator
Whirlpool side by side ice maker not working but water dispenser is
Image from Whirlpool

Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Line Frozen

A frozen water line is another common cause of a Whirlpool refrigerator water and ice dispenser not working. If your Whirlpool refrigerator water line keeps freezing we recommend checking the freezer temperature to make sure its between 0 and 5degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower, and your water line will keep freezing. Here’s how to defrost a frozen water line:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator
  2. Turn off the water supply valve
  3. Loosen the two screws holding the ice maker to the freezer wall.
  4. Lift up to remove the ice maker from its brackets
  5. Gently unplug the ice maker from the wire harness in the freezer
  6. Place the ice maker on a towel on your counter
  7. Plug a hairdryer into a nearby outlet and turn it on, holding it near the fill tube that protrudes from the freezer wall.
  8. Blow the dryer for about 15 minutes until ice falls out and water stops dripping from the tube
  9. Reconnect ice maker to wire harness and screw it back into freezer
  10. Turn on water supply valve and plug in refrigerator

Defective Whirlpool Refrigerator Inlet Valve

When you press the button on your refrigerator control panel to release water or ice, this command sends an electrical signal to the water inlet valve. The valve then allows water or ice to flow. Sometimes the water inlet valve or its tubing can be faulty or become damaged with time. When this happens ice or water won’t flow and the valve should be professionally replaced.

Whirlpool Water Filter Clogged

Your Whirlpool water filter’s job is to remove contaminants like some mineral deposits and chemicals from water. Over time these contaminants can build up in the filter, causing a clog and reducing the flow of water.

While we recommend preventatively replacing the water filter every 6 months, it will need to be replaced if clogged. We suggest referring to your owner’s manual for the proper replacement filter and instructions.

Whirlpool side by side ice maker not working but water dispenser is
Image from FiltersFast

Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Switch Broken

The dispenser switch is what actually supplies power to the water inlet valve, allowing water or ice to flow. If the switch isn’t working, the water inlet valve won’t receive the signal to release water or ice and neither will dispense.

A dispenser switch needs to be tested with a multimeter to determine if it’s defective. If so, it should be professionally replaced.

As frustrating as it is when your Whirlpool refrigerator won’t dispense ice or water, this troubleshooting guide can help pinpoint the problem. And if you determine the need for a refrigerator repair service, call Callahan’s Appliance to help!

Why does my water dispenser work but not my ice dispenser?

If the evaporator coils are frosted over, part of the defrost system has likely failed. The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to supply water to the dispenser and ice maker. If the water inlet valve is defective, or if it has insufficient pressure, it won't allow water to flow through.

How do I reset my Whirlpool side by side ice maker?

The reset button is usually located at the bottom of the ice maker unit or in some cases at the top or on the bottom of the ice tray. Once located, press the button down for a few seconds until you hear a beep sound. Once you hear the beep sound, let go of the button. Once reset, check if the problem has been solved.

Why is my Whirlpool side by side not producing ice?

Make sure the water supply is properly connected to a cold water supply and the water shutoff valve is fully opened. Check to make sure there are no kinks in the water supply line. A kink in the line can reduce water flow. Straighten the water source line to restore adequate water flow and pressure.

Why is my Whirlpool ice maker not dispensing ice?

If the dispenser paddle or pad is not fully engaged, the dispenser will not dispense ice and/or water. Check to make sure the glass is engaging the paddle or switch by firmly press the pad or paddle. Select water or ice on the display (Depending on Model). Firmly press a sturdy glass against the dispenser paddle.