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:
- Unplug the refrigerator
- Open the refrigerator door with the ice dispenser
- Locate the chute where the ice drops down
- Slide a long wooden spoon into the jammed ice in the chute to break up clumps and remove the blockage
- Close door and plug in refrigerator
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:
- Unplug the refrigerator
- Turn off the water supply valve
- Loosen the two screws holding the ice maker to the freezer wall.
- Lift up to remove the ice maker from its brackets
- Gently unplug the ice maker from the wire harness in the freezer
- Place the ice maker on a towel on your counter
- Plug a hairdryer into a nearby outlet and turn it on, holding it near the fill tube that protrudes from the freezer wall.
- Blow the dryer for about 15 minutes until ice falls out and water stops dripping from the tube
- Reconnect ice maker to wire harness and screw it back into freezer
- 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 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!