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Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works (SOLVED!)

James Elder
Last Updated on
by James Elder

Whirlpool refrigerators have a tendency to not produce ice even when the refrigerator or water dispenser is in perfect working order. This can be a frustrating experience, especially during hot summer months when a steady supply of ice is necessary.

Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice usually indicates a faulty water line, clogged water filter or a malfunctioning ice maker component that needs replacement. However, you should first check that the Ice maker has been turned on before making further diagnosis.

In this article, we’ll look at the several possible reasons and solutions to why your whirlpool refrigerator isn’t making ice.

Whirlpool Refrigerator not making ice but water works

Why is my Whirlpool Fridge Not Making Ice?

Here are the main reasons why your whirlpool refrigerator not making ice but water works:

1. The Water Supply Line Is Turned Off or Damaged

Water Supply Line

A fridge’s water supply line is attached to a home’s water source and carries water to the refrigerator. The water supply line is shared by both the ice maker and the water dispenser, but on the inside, the line splits. The water supply lines on the inside are attached to water inlet valves that control how much water flows into the ice maker and water dispenser.

If the water supply valve of the ice maker is not switched on or if there is an issue with the home’s water supply, the ice maker may not operate properly Additionally, frequent use of the ice maker may cause the water supply line to get clogged or damaged and prevent effective operation.

Solution

Check that the water supply line is correctly connected, undamaged, and clear of any clogs or obstructions. A Whirlpool refrigerator’s water supply line is normally found behind or underneath the appliance.

Next, make sure there are no problems with the water supply in the house and that the water supply valve is switched on. The water supply valve is attached to the water supply line through a compression fitting positioned at the bottom of the back of the refrigerator.

2. The Water Filter Is Clogged

 Water Filter

The water filter is an important part of the Whirlpool refrigerator designed to remove harmful substances from the water before it’s dispensed from the refrigerator. The water filter may clog with debris over time, limiting the flow of water to the ice maker and causing the ice machine to malfunction.

Solution

Locate the filter housing on your Whirlpool refrigerator, normally found in the upper right corner of the refrigerator compartment. Remove the water filter and check it for any signs of damage or clogging. If the water filter is dirty, clogged, or damaged, replace it with a new one.

Use Whirlpool-approved replacement water filters. Typically, replacing a filter includes shutting off the refrigerator’s water supply, removing the old filter, and then replacing it in accordance with the filter’s installation instructions.

3. An Ice Maker Component Is Malfunctioning

Malfunctioning Ice Maker Component

The ice maker is an intricate machinery that relies on a lot of components to function effectively. If any of these components is broken or doesn’t work, the ice maker may not provide ice as it should. Additionally, the ice in the dispenser may melt and refreeze during slight shifts in temperature, clumping together and obstructing the flow of ice.

Solution

Find the ice maker inside your Whirlpool refrigerator. It’s usually located in the freezer chamber or the refrigerator compartment, depending on the type of your appliance. Once you’ve found the ice maker, look for indications of obstruction or damage.

If the ice maker is obstructed, remove any debris that may be blocking it. If there is an ice buildup, find the opening where the ice falls and jam it with a wooden spoon to break up the clumps. If the ice maker appears to be damaged, it must be replaced. You can purchase a new one directly from Whirlpool.

4. The ”Shut Off” Arm Is Switched Downwards

Shut Off Arm of Refrigerator

The shut-off arm is a mechanism attached to the ice maker that stops the fridge from creating ice once the ice bin is full. The ice maker stops producing ice if the shut-off arm is switched down. On the other hand, the ice maker will be unable to produce ice if the arm is in the “up” position or if it’s stuck — even when there is an adequate supply of water and the ice maker is functioning properly.

Solution

In a Whirlpool refrigerator, the shut-off arm is normally found on the side of the ice maker bin. Push the arm down firmly until it locks into the “down” position. This ought to prompt the ice machine to resume making ice.

5. The Temperature in the Freezer Compartment Is Too Low

Temperature Settings in Refrigerator

A Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice maker can stop producing ice if the freezer compartment’s temperature is too low. The freezer chamber should be kept at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). If you set the temperature lower, the water supply line may freeze, preventing water from getting to the ice maker. If the temperature is set too high, the ice maker will produce ice, however, it may not be solid enough to make it into the ice cube tray.

Solution

For starters, double-check your refrigerator’s temperature settings. If the temperature is outside the specified range, adjust it to the proper level.

While you’re at it, check the air vents in the freezer compartment to make sure they aren’t obstructed by food or other objects. When vents are obstructed, cold air cannot circulate effectively, which can lead to temperature changes that affect ice production.

6. The Door Safety Switch Is Faulty

Refrigerator Door Safety Switch

The door safety switch in a Whirlpool refrigerator turns off the ice dispenser when the door is open. This precautionary measure is designed to prevent spills or accidents. When the refrigerator door is opened, the safety switch activates, telling the ice dispenser to stop making ice. The safety switch is deactivated once the door is closed again, and the ice dispenser resumes regular operation.

Solution

The switch is located close to the top of the refrigerator compartment, where it comes into touch with the closed door. With the refrigerator door open, press it down with your finger. You should hear a clicking sound.

Try to pour water from the dispenser while pressing the switch down. If you can pour water, that means that the switch is not the problem. If you can’t pour water, then it may be due to a malfunction in the safety switch. In this situation, it’s best to replace the switch or have an experienced technician fix it.

Conclusion

If your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t producing ice, but the water dispenser remains functional, there are a few possibilities to explore.

It could be a problem with the water supply line, the water filter, the ice maker components, or the temperature settings. Furthermore, the shut-off arm or door safety switch can also cause issues with the ice dispenser.

We hope that this article has assisted you in resolving these potential issues without the need for expert assistance. If you’re unsure how to go about it or the problem looks to be more complicated, consult the instruction manual for your particular Whirlpool fridge model or contact a trained technician. Good luck!


James Elder
James Elder
James Elder has been fiddling with gadgets and using tools from a young age. His father was an excellent craftsman and James enjoyed spending time with his dad and learning all he could about working with wood, drywall, electronics, and various household projects. James has worked professionally for many years and his passion is to share knowledge that is especially useful to aspiring handy men & women to get more done around their homes.
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