Whirlpool Refrigerator Side by Side Ice Maker Troubleshooting: Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Introduction

If your Whirlpool refrigerator side by side ice maker is not working, you are not alone — and in most cases, you can fix it yourself in under 30 minutes without calling a technician.

This is the most complete Whirlpool refrigerator side by side ice maker troubleshooting guide available. It covers every real problem people experience — no ice, slow ice, small ice, bad-tasting ice, ice maker not turning on, ice maker not turning off, reset button location, on/off switch location, water inlet issues, and when to replace the ice maker entirely.

Here is the honest answer upfront: 90% of Whirlpool side by side ice maker problems are caused by one of five things — the ice maker is accidentally turned off, the freezer temperature is too high, the water filter is clogged, the water line is kinked, or the ice maker needs a reset. Every single one of these is fixable at home with no tools.

Quick Diagnosis — Find Your Problem Fast

Use this table to identify your issue and jump straight to the fix.

Symptom	Most Likely Cause	Quick Fix
No ice at all	Ice maker switched off	Check on/off switch or arm — see Section 10
No ice, water dispenser works	Clogged filter or frozen water tube	Replace filter, defrost water line
No ice, water dispenser also not working	Water supply shut off or kinked line	Check water valve behind fridge
Ice production very slow	Filter clogged or temperature too high	Replace filter, set freezer to 0°F
Small or hollow ice cubes	Poor water flow or wrong temperature	Replace filter, check water pressure
Ice dispensed but won’t drop	Ice clump in bin or chute	Break up ice, defrost bin
Ice tastes or smells bad	Old filter or stale ice	Replace filter, discard old ice
Ice maker making too much ice	Broken control arm	Inspect and replace control arm
The ice maker switched off	Misaligned fill cup or ice clump	Check fill cup alignment
The ice maker is completely frozen	Temperature set too low	Set freezer to 0°F, defrost water line
Ice maker making noise but no ice	Frozen water inlet tube	The ice maker making too much ice

Problem 1: Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working / Not Making Ice

This is the most searched problem — and the good news is that it is almost always one of five simple causes. Work through them in order before assuming a major repair is needed.

Step 1 — Check That the Ice Maker Is Actually Turned On

This is the number one cause of “ice maker not working” calls — and it happens to everyone. On Whirlpool side by side refrigerators, the ice maker can be accidentally switched off in two ways:

Option A — The Ice Maker Arm (Shut-Off Arm) On many Whirlpool side by side models, there is a wire or plastic shut-off arm on the side of the ice maker module inside the freezer compartment. When this arm is in the UP position, the ice maker is OFF. When it is in the DOWN position, the ice maker is ON.

Check the arm position. If it is up, push it down gently and wait 24 hours for ice production to resume.

Option B — The On/Off Switch or Button Some Whirlpool side by side models have a dedicated ON/OFF switch or button on the ice maker itself, or on the control panel inside the freezer. See the complete guide to the switch location in Section 11 below.

Step 2 — Check the Freezer Temperature

The ice maker requires the freezer to be at 0°F (-18°C) to function properly. If the freezer is set warmer than 10°F (-12°C), ice production slows significantly or stops entirely.

How to check and fix:

1. Open the freezer door and locate the temperature control — usually a dial or digital panel
2. Set the freezer temperature to 0°F (-18°C)
3. Set the refrigerator temperature to 37°F (3°C) — the middle of the 33–40°F recommended range
4. Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize before expecting ice

Step 3 — Check the Water Filter

A clogged water filter is one of the most common causes of stopped or slow ice production in Whirlpool side by side refrigerators. Whirlpool recommends replacing the water filter every 6 months. A filter that has not been replaced in over a year can restrict water flow to near-zero.

Signs your filter needs replacing:

• Water from the dispenser flows slowly
• Ice cubes are smaller than normal
• The filter indicator light on the control panel is orange or red
• Ice or water tastes unusual

Where is the water filter on a Whirlpool side by side refrigerator? On most Whirlpool side by side models, the water filter is located in the upper right corner inside the refrigerator compartment. On some older models, it is located in the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator. Check your model’s use and care guide if you cannot locate it.

How to replace it:

1. Turn the old filter counterclockwise to remove it
2. Insert the new filter and turn clockwise until it locks
3. Run 2 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush the new filter
4. Press and hold the filter reset button (usually labeled “Filter Reset” on the display) for 3 seconds to reset the indicator light

Step 4 — Check the Water Supply Line

If the water filter is fine but the ice maker is still not making ice, the water supply line behind the refrigerator may be kinked, bent, or turned off.

How to check:

1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall carefully — do not pull too hard or you can kink the water line
2. Look at the thin plastic or copper water line connecting from the wall valve to the back of the refrigerator
3. Check that the shut-off valve on the wall is fully open (handle parallel to the pipe = open)
4. Look for any kinks, bends, or pinches in the line — straighten them carefully
5. Push the refrigerator back without pushing so far that it re-kinks the line

Step 5 — Check the Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is located at the back of the refrigerator where the water line connects. It requires a minimum water pressure of 20 psi to open properly. If the water pressure at your home is lower than 20 psi, the valve cannot open fully, and the ice maker receives little or no water.

How to check:

• If water pressure is low throughout your home (weak shower pressure, slow-filling toilets), this may be the cause
• A plumber can test and confirm the water pressure
• If pressure is adequate but water still does not reach the ice maker, the inlet valve itself may have failed and needs replacement

Problem 2: Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works

This is a very specific and very common situation — water dispenses normally, but the ice maker produces nothing. This tells you the water supply line and filter are fine. The problem is specifically with the ice maker mechanism.

Most likely causes:

1. Frozen Water Fill Tube The small tube that carries water from the water inlet valve into the ice maker mold is located at the rear of the freezer. This tube can freeze solid, especially if the freezer temperature is set too low (below -5°F) or if the door seal is not sealing properly, allowing warm moist air to enter and freeze on contact with the cold tube.

Fix: Unplug the refrigerator. Use a hair dryer on the LOW setting to gently warm the fill tube at the back of the ice maker for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not use high heat — it can warp plastic components. Once thawed, set the freezer to exactly 0°F to prevent refreezing.

2. Ice Maker Module Has Failed If the fill tube is not frozen and the ice maker is turned on with adequate temperature and water supply, the ice maker module itself (the mechanical unit that controls the freeze-harvest-eject cycle) may have failed.

Fix: Try a reset first (see Section 10). If the reset does not restore function after 24 hours, the module likely needs replacement. See Section 13 for the replacement guide.

3. Ice Maker Is Turned Off Even though water works, the ice maker itself has a separate on/off control. Double-check that it is switched on.

Problem 3: Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Getting Water

If you can hear the ice maker cycling (the motor runs, the ejector arms move) but no ice is being produced, the ice maker is not receiving water. This is a water supply problem, not an ice maker problem.

Diagnostic steps in order:

1. Check the water supply valve — is it fully open? (Handle parallel to the pipe = open)
2. Check for a kinked water line — pull the fridge out and inspect
3. Check the water filter — a severely clogged filter can reduce flow to zero
4. Check water pressure — must be at least 20 psi at the inlet valve
5. Check the water inlet valve — it has two solenoids. One controls the dispenser, one controls the ice maker. The dispenser solenoid may work while the ice maker solenoid has failed. This requires replacing the inlet valve.

How to test the water inlet valve: Listen carefully when the ice maker calls for water (typically every 90 to 120 minutes). You should hear a faint buzzing or humming sound from behind the refrigerator as the solenoid opens. No sound = the solenoid is not receiving a signal or has failed.

Problem 4: Ice Maker Making Small or Hollow Ice Cubes

Small, hollow, or misshapen ice cubes from your Whirlpool side by side are almost always a water flow problem. The ice mold is not filling before the freeze cycle begins.

Causes and fixes:

Cause	How to Identify	Fix
Clogged water filter	Filter not replaced in 6+ months	Replace filter, flush 2 gallons
Low water pressure	Weak flow from dispenser too	Test and improve home water pressure
Kinked water line	Check behind refrigerator	Straighten water line
Freezer too cold (below -10°F)	Ice freezes instantly, ejects before fully filled	Set freezer to exactly 0°F
Partially frozen fill tube	Ice cubes inconsistent size	Ice freezes instantly, ejects before filled

Problem 5: Ice Maker Making Ice But Not Dispensing

The ice bin is full but when you press the dispenser paddle, nothing comes out — or you hear grinding and very little ice drops.

Ice Clump in the Bin

This is the most common cause. Ice cubes stick together into a solid mass that the auger cannot break through.

Fix:

1. Open the freezer door and remove the ice bin
2. Break up the ice clump by hand or with a wooden utensil (never metal — it can damage the bin)
3. If the clump is too solid, let the bin sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, then break it up
4. Reinstall the bin and test the dispenser

To prevent clumping: Use ice regularly. If you are going on vacation or not using much ice, remove the bin and empty it before leaving. Clumping happens when ice sits for a long time without being disturbed.

Ice Clump in the Dispenser Chute

Ice can lodge in the chute — the channel between the freezer and the dispensing area. Look up into the chute carefully from below.

Fix:

• For small loose cubes, jiggle them free with your finger
• For a large ice block lodged in the chute, place a towel and a bowl beneath the dispenser and allow the ice to melt naturally — do NOT chip at it with metal objects, which can crack the chute

Frozen Auger Motor

The auger is the spiral inside the ice bin that pushes ice toward the chute. In refrigerators that are not used often, the auger motor can freeze over.

Fix: This requires a professional to defrost safely — defrosting the motor yourself can damage it with moisture.

Problem 6: Ice Maker Making Too Much Ice or Overflowing

If the ice bin is overflowing or ice is spilling into the freezer, the ice maker cannot detect that the bin is full.

Broken or Mispositioned Control Arm

The shut-off arm (also called the feeler arm or ice level arm) is a wire or plastic lever that sits above the ice bin. As the bin fills, the rising ice level lifts the arm until it reaches a set height and shuts off ice production. If the arm is broken, bent, or stuck in the down position, the ice maker never shuts off.

Fix:

1. Open the freezer door and locate the arm on the side of the ice maker
2. Check that the arm moves freely up and down
3. If it is broken or cracked, it needs replacement — this is an inexpensive part ($15–$30) available on Amazon or directly from Whirlpool
4. If it is stuck, try gently freeing it. Do not force it if it seems jammed by ice.

Ice Bin Not Seated Correctly

If the ice bin is not fully pushed into position, it sits lower than normal, which can confuse the arm sensor or cause ice to miss the bin entirely.

Fix: Remove the ice bin completely, check for any ice obstructions in the bin track, and reseat it firmly until it clicks into place.

Problem 7: Ice or Water Has Bad Taste or Smell

Strange-tasting ice is unpleasant and usually has a straightforward cause.

Expired Water Filter

A water filter that is 6+ months old can no longer effectively filter contaminants, and the trapped particles inside the filter can begin to leach back into the water. This produces a musty, chlorine-like, or chemical taste.

Fix: Replace the water filter and run 2 full gallons through the dispenser before using the ice maker. Discard the first two full bins of ice after replacing the filter.

Stale Ice

Ice that has been sitting in the bin for weeks absorbs odors from the freezer — especially from strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, fish, or leftovers that are not tightly sealed.

Fix:

1. Remove and discard all ice in the bin
2. Wash the ice bin with warm water and mild dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry
3. Make sure all food in the freezer is sealed in airtight containers or bags
4. The first two batches of fresh ice may still taste slightly off — discard those as well

New Refrigerator or New Filter — Initial Taste

Brand new refrigerators and freshly installed water filters can produce ice with a plastic or carbon taste for the first few batches. This is normal.

Fix: Run 2 gallons of water through the dispenser and discard the first two full ice batches.

Problem 8: Ice Maker Frozen Solid

If the ice maker unit itself is encased in ice, or ice is forming in unusual places inside the freezer, something is causing moisture to accumulate and freeze where it should not.

Freezer Temperature Too Low

A freezer set below -5°F causes the water fill tube to freeze before water can reach the ice mold. The water then backs up and freezes around the ice maker unit.

Fix: Set the freezer to exactly 0°F (-18°C). Do not set it lower. Give it 24 hours to stabilize and thaw the frozen components naturally.

Door Seal Not Sealing

A damaged or dirty door gasket allows warm, humid outside air to enter the freezer. When this humid air hits the cold ice maker, it condenses and freezes on contact.

Fix:

1. Inspect the door seal around the entire freezer door — look for cracks, tears, or gaps
2. Clean the seal with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth — a dirty seal does not seal properly
3. Close the door on a piece of paper — if you can pull the paper out easily, the seal is not gripping properly and needs replacement

Frozen Water Fill Tube

If the small tube that fills the ice mold is frozen, water cannot enter the mold and backs up, eventually freezing around the ice maker.

Fix:

1. Unplug the refrigerator
2. Use a hair dryer on LOW to gently warm the fill tube area for 3 to 5 minutes
3. Once thawed, plug the refrigerator back in and set the freezer to 0°F
4. Allow 24 hours before testing ice production

Problem 9: Ice Maker Leaking Water

Water pooling inside the freezer, under the refrigerator, or at the base of the refrigerator can all be caused by the ice maker.

Misaligned Fill Cup

The water fill tube delivers water into a small fill cup that directs water into the ice mold. If the fill cup is misaligned, water misses the mold and drips directly into the freezer.

Fix:

1. Open the freezer and locate the ice maker module
2. Find the fill tube (at the rear of the ice maker) and the fill cup below it
3. The cup should be positioned directly below the tube — if it is off-center, gently realign it

Unlevel Refrigerator

A refrigerator that is not level can cause water to pool in areas without drains, eventually finding its way out as a leak.

Fix:

1. Place a level on top of the refrigerator
2. Adjust the front leveling legs (usually beneath the grille at the bottom) until the refrigerator is level front-to-back and slightly tilted back left-to-right (a small backward tilt helps the doors close automatically)

Ice Clump Melting in the Bin

Ice that has clumped together creates a sealed mass. As edges melt, water cannot drain properly and can overflow the bin.

Fix: Remove and break up the ice clump as described in Problem 5.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Side by Side Ice Maker

Resetting the ice maker clears any error in the control cycle and is often the fastest fix for an ice maker that has stopped working without an obvious cause. Here are the three reset methods for Whirlpool side by side refrigerators:

Method 1 — Using the Reset Button (Recommended)

1. Open the freezer door and locate the ice maker module inside the freezer (usually in the upper left area of the freezer compartment on side by side models)
2. Look for a small rectangular button on the bottom or front of the ice maker module — this is the Test/Reset button
3. Press and hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a chime, a beep, or the ice maker begins to cycle (you will hear the motor start)
4. Close the freezer door and wait 24 hours — the ice maker should begin producing ice within 1 to 2 hours if all other conditions are correct

Method 2 — Using the Shut-Off Arm Reset

1. Lift the shut-off arm to the UP (off) position
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Push the arm back DOWN (on) position
4. Wait 24 hours

Method 3 — Power Cycle Reset (Works on All Models)

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet
2. Wait 5 full minutes (this clears the control board memory)
3. Plug the refrigerator back in
4. Set the freezer temperature to 0°F
5. Wait 24 hours for ice production to resume

Important: After any reset, do not expect ice immediately. The ice maker needs time to reach the correct temperature and complete a full freeze-harvest cycle. Allow at least 24 hours before concluding the reset did not work.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker On/Off Switch Location

The on/off switch location varies by Whirlpool side by side model. Here is where to look on the most common models:

Most Common Location — Shut-Off Arm

On the majority of Whirlpool side by side refrigerators, the “switch” is actually the wire or plastic shut-off arm attached to the ice maker module inside the freezer. It is located on the right side or bottom of the ice maker module.

• Arm DOWN = Ice maker ON
• Arm UP = Ice maker OFF

Push the arm down to turn the ice maker on. Lift the arm to the horizontal position to turn it off.

Digital Control Panel Models

On newer Whirlpool side by side models with a digital display (touch screen or button panel on the freezer door or inside):

1. Press the “Ice Maker” or “Ice” button on the control panel
2. The display will show “ICE ON” or “ICE OFF”
3. Press the button again to toggle between on and off

Consult your specific model’s use and care guide if you cannot locate the control — Whirlpool model manuals are available free at whirlpool.com/owners.

Older Models With Toggle Switch

Some older Whirlpool side by side models have a small rocker switch or slide switch mounted directly on the front face of the ice maker module inside the freezer. It will be labeled ON/OFF. Slide or press it to the ON position.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Reset Button Location

The reset button on Whirlpool side by side ice makers is located on the ice maker module inside the freezer. Here is exactly how to find it:

1. Open the freezer door (the left door on a standard side by side)
2. Look in the upper left area of the freezer compartment — this is where the ice maker module is mounted on most Whirlpool side by side models
3. The reset button is a small rectangular or round button on the bottom face or front face of the module
4. It may be labeled “TEST”, “RESET”, or have no label at all — look for the only button on the module

On some Whirlpool models, the reset function is performed by pressing and holding the “Ice Maker On/Off” button on the control panel for 3 seconds instead. If you cannot find a physical button on the module, check the control panel.

No button found? Use Method 3 (power cycle) described in Section 10 above — it works on all Whirlpool models regardless of whether they have a physical reset button.

How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker

If troubleshooting has not resolved your ice maker problem and the module itself has failed, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair. A Whirlpool refrigerator replacement ice maker module typically costs $40 to $120 and can be installed in under 20 minutes.

What You Need

• Replacement ice maker module (search your model number on Whirlpool.com, AppliancePartsPros, or Amazon — use your exact model number for compatibility)
• Phillips head screwdriver
• A small flathead screwdriver

Step-by-Step Replacement

Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Safety first — never work on electrical components while plugged in.

Step 2: Open the freezer door and remove the ice bin by pulling it straight out.

Step 3: Look for 2 to 3 screws holding the ice maker module to the freezer wall. Remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. Keep the screws in a safe place.

Step 4: Tilt the ice maker module forward gently. You will see an electrical connector (wiring harness) plugged into the back of the module.

Step 5: Press the tab on the wiring harness connector and pull it out. The old module is now free.

Step 6: Connect the wiring harness to the new replacement module — it only connects one way.

Step 7: Position the new module against the freezer wall and align the screw holes. Reinstall the screws.

Step 8: Reinstall the ice bin.

Step 9: Plug the refrigerator back in, ensure the ice maker is switched ON, and wait 24 hours for the first batch of ice.

Model number location: On Whirlpool side by side refrigerators, the model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment — usually on the left wall near the top, or on the inner door frame.

FAQs

When to Call a Technician

Most Whirlpool side by side ice maker problems are DIY-fixable using the steps above. However, call a technician if:

• The water inlet valve has failed (the ice maker receives no water despite open supply and good pressure)
• The ice maker control board has failed (module cycles incorrectly, ejects ice at wrong times)
• There is a refrigerant issue (freezer cannot reach 0°F regardless of settings)
• There is significant ice buildup inside the freezer walls that is not clearing with normal defrost
• The wiring harness is damaged or corroded
• Your refrigerator is still under warranty — always check warranty coverage before paying for repairs. Whirlpool refrigerators typically come with a 1-year full warranty and a 5-year sealed system warranty.

To schedule a Whirlpool service appointment, visit: whirlpool.com/repair

The Bottom Line

Whirlpool refrigerator side by side ice maker troubleshooting is something most homeowners can handle themselves. The vast majority of ice maker problems — no ice, slow ice, small ice, bad-tasting ice, dispenser clogs, and overflows — have simple DIY fixes that cost nothing or require only an inexpensive water filter replacement.

Start here every time:

1. Confirm the ice maker is switched ON
2. Check the freezer temperature (must be 0°F)
3. Replace the water filter if it has been over 6 months
4. Check the water supply line for kinks
5. Run a reset if all of the above are correct

If those five steps do not resolve your problem, use the detailed sections above for your specific symptom. In 90% of cases, you will have ice again within 24 hours — without a service call. The Bottom Line

Whirlpool refrigerator side by side ice maker troubleshooting is something most homeowners can handle themselves. The vast majority of ice maker problems — no ice, slow ice, small ice, bad-tasting ice, dispenser clogs, and overflows — have simple DIY fixes that cost nothing or require only an inexpensive water filter replacement.

Start here every time:

1. Confirm the ice maker is switched ON
2. Check the freezer temperature (must be 0°F)
3. Replace the water filter if it has been over 6 months
4. Check the water supply line for kinks
5. Run a reset if all of the above are correct

If those five steps do not resolve your problem, use the detailed sections above for your specific symptom. In 90% of cases, you will have ice again within 24 hours — without a service call.