Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not making ice but water works

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 refrigerator ice maker not making ice but water works
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 refrigerator ice maker not making ice but water works
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 is my ice maker not working but water does?

The water filter might be dirty and need replacing. Another potential reason behind an ice maker that quit working is a dirty water filter. Smart fridges will often indicate when the filter needs to be changed, but a good rule of thumb is to replace it every 6 months.

Why is my Whirlpool fridge not making ice but water works?

A clogged water filter can restrict the flow of water to the dispenser and prevent the ice maker from working properly. The water filter should be replaced about every six months to maintain proper water flow and ensure water quality. The icemaker mold thermostat monitors the temperature of the ice mold (ice tray).

How do you reset a Whirlpool 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 did my Whirlpool side by side refrigerator stopped making 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.