Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working? How to Fix It

ByDaniel Hayes

Quick answer: Make sure the ice maker is switched on and the freezer is near 0°F. Then replace an old water filter and check for a frozen fill tube.

Many Whirlpool ice maker problems are found in the first few checks. Work through them before buying parts.

Safety first: unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) before you open any panel. If you’re not comfortable testing parts, call a qualified technician.

1. Is it switched on?

Check that the ice maker switch is on, or that the wire arm is down. A raised arm tells the ice maker the bin is full. Whirlpool notes the ice maker is often accidentally turned off: if yours has a reset button, press and hold it, or unplug the refrigerator for one minute. Then wait a couple of hours and check for ice.

2. Freezer temperature

The freezer needs to be cold enough, close to 0°F, for the ice maker to cycle. Check with a thermometer.

3. Water filter

A clogged or old filter cuts water flow and makes small cubes. Replace it if it’s past its change date (Whirlpool suggests about every 6 months). If you just installed a filter, make sure it’s locked in. After a new filter, run water through the dispenser to clear air.

4. Frozen fill tube

If water froze in the tube that feeds the ice maker, no water gets through. Thaw it with a hair dryer on low, keeping the dryer and its cord away from water, or leave the freezer door open with the ice maker off until it thaws.

5. Water supply and inlet valve

Make sure the supply valve is open and the line isn’t kinked. If water reaches the fridge but not the ice maker, the water inlet valve may have failed.

6. The ice maker itself

If water reaches it and the freezer is cold but it never cycles, the ice maker assembly is likely at fault.

Find the right part

See our Whirlpool ice maker parts guide and order by your refrigerator’s model number.

Where to buy Whirlpool ice maker parts

Always order by your full model number. Two good places to buy:

  • Amazon – carries many common parts, but check the listing names your model number
  • PartSelect – search by model number and see your model’s parts diagram

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Official help for this problem

Check your model’s manual. Steps, error codes and parts can differ between models, so your manual has the final word. Find your owner’s manual free on Whirlpool Product Help by searching your model number.

About this guide. Written by Daniel Hayes for AppliancePartFinder.com. It covers common causes, in the order that’s quickest and cheapest to check. It’s general information, not a substitute for your owner’s manual or a qualified technician. Appliance designs vary, so always confirm a part by your model number before you buy.

Spotted something wrong, or found a fix we missed? Let us know at support@appliancepartfinder.com and we’ll review the guide.