A refrigerator not making ice is frustrating, but it can be more vexing if it does not makes ice but the water dispenser is still working. There are some reasons why this happens and there are simple solutions you can do. We have done our research to help you fix this concern.
There are several reasons why your refrigerator may stop making ice while still dispensing water. This can be because of the following:
- The ice maker switch is not on.
- The freezer is at the wrong temperature.
- The ice maker is jammed.
- There is not enough water supply and/or water pressure.
- The water line is frozen.
- The water filter is clogged.
Before you can solve these issues, you need to do troubleshooting and look for some issues that are causing these problems.
Continue reading as we go through these concerns in more detail. We will also discuss some things that you can do to fix them and answer some frequently asked questions. Let's get right into it!
Reasons Why Your Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works
Finding and troubleshooting the problem with your Whirlpool refrigerator is the first step you need to do before trying to fix any issues. These are the most common issues that you can encounter when it's not making ice but still dispenses water:
The Ice Maker Switch May Not Be On
There are some cases in that most homeowners are worried right away without checking on the switch. This may be a very simple issue and may seem obvious, but it's still important to check on it.
Locate the power switch of your ice maker and make sure that it is in the ON position. You can find this button below the ice maker. You can access this by lifting and opening the ice maker box.
Some models do not have a power switch so it is better to check your manufacturer's manual if you're unsure how to do this.
Incorrect Freezer Temperature
You can only produce ice at the right temperature. One reason why your fridge doesn't make ice is when the freezer temperature is not cold enough to make one. Remember that the correct freezer temperature to produce ice is between 0-5°F.
You will only expect your refrigerator to produce water if the temperature is too warm to make ice. However, if you put it lower than 0°F, then the fridge can also form frost that will prevent the ice from ejecting.
The Ice Maker Is Jammed
If your refrigerator stops making ice, ice jam might be one of the reasons. This happens when the ice has built up on the ejector's arm making it hard to eject ice from the maker. Ice build-up usually happens when you often open your freezer on hot days.
You can try to remove the ice build-ups by clearing them with a plastic utensil. Never use metal utensils because they can damage the ice maker.
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Not Enough Water And Water Pressure
To ensure that your refrigerator will produce ice, make sure that there is enough water supply. Make sure that the water inlet is not clogged so that water will continue flowing through the ice maker.
Additionally, a Whirlpool refrigerator requires water pressure between 30-120 psi for it to work efficiently. You can check if the water pressure is correct by using a water pressure gauge.
Frozen Waterline
The ice maker can only make ice if there is enough water flowing into it. If there is no water flowing, then you need to check if the waterline is frozen. A frozen waterline will prevent the water to flow freely to the ice maker making your fridge stop making ice.
If this happens, it's time to check if the temperature you're using is not too low to freeze water. The best way to fix this issue is to defrost the frozen water line. Whirlpool recommends defrosting your freezer once a year or more often when there is always ice build-up on your fridge.
Clogged Water Filter
There is a water filter inside your Whirlpool French Door refrigerator that, if blocked, might prevent water from flowing. This can cause the fridge to stop making ice. You should consider replacing the filter not only for your appliance but also for safety purposes.
How To Reset The Ice Maker On A Whirlpool Refrigerator?
Whirlpool makes one of the bests refrigerators in the fridge industry. However, they are not exempt from freezer issues. If you run into such a problem, there's no need to worry because sometimes resetting the appliance is all it takes to solve it.
The following are some ways you can do to reset Whirlpool refrigerators:
1. Use The Reset Button
The reset button for most Whirlpool refrigerators can be found below the ice maker. Before resetting, make sure that there is no more ice on the ice maker box. Press and hold the reset button until you hear a chime sound. And the reset process starts.
2. Press On/Off Switch
If the reset button did not work or your ice maker doesn't have a reset button, you can try resetting the ice maker using the On/Off switch. Remove the ice tray and front cover of the ice maker before resetting.
3. Unplug The Fridge
The next way is to turn off the power button, unplug the fridge and wait for at least 5-10 minutes. After waiting for a few minutes, you can finally plug the fridge in again and press the power button on.
4. Adjust The Feeler Arm
A feeler arm is a metal wire that tells how much ice your ice maker makes and stops when your ice maker box is full. If the feeler arm will not work properly if it can't move due to ice. This is why adjusting it is necessary so you will be able to know how much ice is in your ice maker.
To do this, simply push it down manually and continuously until some ice breaks from it. Once it loosened, it will start working properly again.
How To Clean An Ice Maker?
Cleanliness is a must for every family. That includes having a block of clean, fresh ice for your drinks. One way to keep it clean is by regularly cleaning your ice maker.
The first thing to do before cleaning any appliance is to plug it out from the power outlet to prevent any electric shock accidents. Then, make sure to remove all the ice from the ice maker box. If it's icy, you need to wait a few minutes for it to defrost.
Next, drain out the water on the water pan located at the back unit of the ice maker. Pour a food-grade ice maker cleaner and water into the water pan, then push the cleaning button in the settings to start the process.
Once the process is finished, you can now remove and drain the cleaning solution and replace the drain cap. Make sure that it is secured in place.
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How To Maintain Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter?
There is no better feeling than drinking your favorite drink with ease knowing that it is clean and safe. The water filter on refrigerators plays a vital role in this. You need to keep them clean not only for safety but also to keep your fridge lifespan longer.
The first thing to do is to keep your water filter clean to prevent bacteria build-up. If the filter gets dirty that cleaning can't do any longer, then you need to consider replacing it. Also, keep in mind that the refrigerator's water filter should be replaced every six months or more frequently depending on the dirt level that accumulates.
Moreover, you need to choose the right water filter for your refrigerator to keep it working properly. You need to always consult the manufacturer's guide to know what type of filter your fridge model needs since they come in various sizes and shapes. This will also prevent you from buying an incorrect filter and wasting your time and money.
Lastly, always keep your whole refrigerator unit clean. If your unit is dirty, it can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and dirt that can also lead to the water inlet of your ice makers.
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Final Thoughts
There are different reasons why your Whirlpool French Door refrigerator suddenly stops making ice. Before attempting to fix the issue, you need to troubleshoot and identify the problem first. In this way, it will be easier for you to check what's wrong and what you need to do.
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