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Whirlpool Refrigerator ice maker not dispensing ice
Common reasons your Whirlpool Refrigerator ice maker not dispensing ice
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator icemaker is not dispensing ice are an inoperative user interface control, a malfunctioning PCB, or a broken dispenser switch.
48% of the time it's the User Interface Control
30% of the time it's the PCB
13% of the time it's the Dispenser Switch
9% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator
User Interface Control Replacement
When a refrigerator user interface control becomes inoperative, it loses the ability to communicate with the main control board, affecting settings like the dispenser and temperature or icemaker status. The interface will cease to display, creating the appearance of a powerless refrigerator. In some instances, it may only show an error code. If the user interface solely controls drawer temperature settings, a crack in the shelf housing the interface can prevent it from responding to the selected settings.
PCB Replacement
A defective printed circuit board (PCB) can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power, lack of cooling, and water leaks. The PCB controls communication and power between various components of a refrigerator that control temperature regulation, fan operation, the defrost cycle, icemaker functions, and dispenser functions. If the PCB fails, any or all of these components may stop working. Because so many components can be impacted, Sears Home Services professionals should conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Dispenser Switch Replacement
When the dispenser switch in a refrigerator is broke, it can directly affect the appliance’s ability to dispense ice. The dispenser switch is responsible for activating the ice dispensing mechanism when pressed. If the switch is defective, it may fail to initiate the dispensing process, resulting in no ice being dispensed. In some cases, a malfunctioning dispenser switch can cause intermittent operation, where the ice dispenser works sporadically or not at all. A broken switch might prevent the dispenser motor from receiving the signal to operate, leading to further complications in the ice dispensing system. Ensuring the dispenser switch is in good working condition is crucial for the consistent and reliable dispensing of ice from your refrigerator.
Why is my Whirlpool ice maker not releasing ice?
Issues such as dispenser settings, a clogged ice dispenser chute, dispenser malfunction and lack of ice production can prevent your Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker from releasing ice.
Check Dispenser Settings
Check child lock setting on your dispenser to make sure that feature is turned off. The ice dispenser won’t dispense ice if the child lock is turned on.
Turn that feature off if you find it enabled.
Make sure that the ice maker is turned on so that it produces ice to fill the ice bin.
Look for a Clogged Dispenser Ice Chute
Open the door and check for a glob of ice cubes blocking the ice dispenser ice chute.
Clear ice cubes from the ice chute if you find it clogged.
Troubleshoot the Ice Maker
If the ice bin is empty and the ice maker isn’t dumping ice into the bin, troubleshoot the ice maker so it resumes ice production.
- Check the water dispenser to see if the refrigerator water supply is okay. If the water dispenser doesn’t work, check the water supply cut-off valve to make sure that it’s open. If the fridge isn’t getting any water through the water supply line, have a plumber fix that problem.
- Reset the ice maker by turning it off for 2 minutes and then turning it back on. If it still doesn’t dump ice, unplug the refrigerator power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker for 2 minutes to reset all of the control boards in the fridge. Restore power and see if the ice maker works.
- Check for an ice cube stuck in the ejection arms of the ice maker and clear any ice cubes from that area.
If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the ice maker problem, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator icemaker not dispensing ice issue
How is the icemaker not dispensing ice issue fixed?
Correcting most refrigerator icemaker not dispensing ice problems usually involves replacing the user interface control, the PCB, or the dispenser switch. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator icemaker not dispensing ice problem
When a refrigerator icemaker is not dispensing ice, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures, including issues that require Whirlpool refrigerator repair ice maker services.
What to look out for with a refrigerator icemaker not dispensing ice diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.