Why Is My Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice?

Is your Whirlpool ice maker not producing ice? There are several reasons behind the issue, but there are simple solutions you can follow.

If a Whirlpool ice maker is not dispensing ice, here are some common reasons why:

• Clumping of ice in the storage bin
• Clogged ice delivery chute
• Ice stuck in the tray
• Clogged ice maker components (e.g., ejector arms, harvest fingers)
• No ice in the bin

Depending on the cause of the issue, the solutions available can be simple to complex.

If your troubleshooting is successful, you must maintain the ice maker’s condition to avoid the problem. Continue reading to learn how to deal with a Whirlpool ice maker not dumping ice below!

What Causes A Whirlpool Ice Maker Not To Dump Ice?

A Whirlpool ice maker is a functional investment for your kitchen if you love to serve refreshing drinks with ice. You can set the machine to produce the ice you need.

All of its internal components are vital for regular ice dispensing.

The ice maker will release ice to the storage bin regularly. However, the machine cannot release the ice for the following reasons.

1. Ice Clumping In The Bin

The ice can clump inside the bin if the built-in auger cannot break the large ice cubes formed.

The drill’s function is to break the average ice cube size. You might hear a grinding sound from the machine because the drill is trying to help dispense as many ice cubes as possible.

Use a plastic utensil to break up the ice. Then, discard the ice fragments out of the bin. Avoid using sharp tools that will damage the machine.

The problem can also be a frozen auger. Defrosting the auger can be challenging, so it is best to let a professional do the job.

Adjust Ice Cube Size And Yield

If the problem persists, you can adjust the ice cube size on your Whirlpool ice maker.

The process varies by model, so consult the product manual. Older models have an adjustment knob, while newer machines require manual adjustment.

Here are the steps to adjust the ice cube size of a Whirlpool refrigerator ice refrigerator:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source.
2. Open the freezer to access the ice bin. Then, remove the ice from the container.
3. Find the ice maker and remove its cover.
4. Locate the water level adjustment screw. You can find it on the right side of the motor below the flex tray.
5. Turn the screw in the direction of the plus or minus sign. The plus sign will increase the water level, while the minus sign will decrease it. Fully turn the screw once.
6. Return the cover of the ice maker and ice bin.
7. Turn on the refrigerator to test it.

Moreover, you can avoid producing too much ice by conducting a cube count test. The number of ice cubes produced varies by model, so compare your results with the machine’s normal range.

Here are the types of Whirlpool ice makers and their ice production capacities:

• Freezer only – 56 to 72 cubes
• Refrigerator (bin not on the door) – 80 to 120 cubes
• Refrigerator (bin on door) – 100 to 140 cubes
• Dual ice maker – 147 to 252 cubes

To regulate ice production, you can also disable the “Fast Ice” or “Max Ice” settings. Regardless of the type, the ice bin will fill in 2-3 days.

2. Clogged Ice Chute

No ice will come from the ice maker if ice blocks the chute, which is the dispensing part of the ice maker. Ice makes its way from the tray to the hatch that opens when releasing ice.

The problem can happen when the ice stuck will melt if the temperature is warm, then re-freezes in the chute, causing the blockage.

If the problem is due to the clogged chute, follow these steps:

1. Place a large bowl beneath the ice dispenser.
2. Locate the top of the chute and open it.
3. Pour a cup of warm water into the chute. Then, wait for a few minutes.
4. Test dispensing some ice.
5. If ice is not dispensing, you will need the long handle of a wooden spoon to unblock the chute.
6. After breaking the ice, wipe the chute with warm water. Dry it and test dispensing ice again.

3. Ice Stuck In The Tray

The tray will tip off the ice and transfer it to the bucket. However, the ice will not come out if there are irregularly formed ice cubes.

One solution is to open and close the ice maker door a few times. If that doesn’t work, pour warm water or vinegar into parts with the remaining ice.

If the ice tray is damaged, change it so the machine can work properly.

4. Clogged Ice Maker Components

An ice maker will not release ice if it has clogged components. The common parts that hinder ice release are the ejector arms and harvest fingers.

Water can freeze on these parts if the temperature is not constant. It will help if you let the ice inside the machine completely melt. Then, drain all the water afterward.

5. No Ice In The Bin

If nothing comes out of the ice maker, there is no ice inside the bin. You can check if you have turned on the machine and if there is a power supply.

There can also be problems with the water inlet line and defrost function.

Do You Need To Reset A Whirlpool Ice Maker If It Won’t Make Ice?

Resetting a Whirlpool ice maker is another solution to the problem of dispensing ice and other issues.

The most common solution is to unplug the machine and wait three minutes before turning it back on. Another way is to hold the power button for five seconds.

You can also press and hold the reset button on the ice maker for five seconds, typically behind the machine. The button location varies by model, so check the owner’s manual for specifics.

Other ways to reset the ice maker are the following:

• Turn on the ice maker, then fill it with at least 2 gallons of cold tap water.
• Then, turn off the machine.
• Pour water into the machine to remove any debris from previous use.

If your ice maker is not in good condition, it will require a reset. Hence, you must learn to maintain and keep the machine running well.

Cleaning A Whirlpool Ice Maker

Cleaning the ice maker is a must. You cannot get fresh and abundant ice if the machine is not completely dry. Water left inside the device will re-freeze, causing the blockages.

Whirlpool recommends Affresh Ice Machine Cleaner for its ice makers. For more information, refer to the care guide for the ice maker model. Below are the cleaning processes for the two types of ice makers.

Freestanding Ice Maker

Here are the steps to clean a freestanding ice maker:

1. Turn off the machine and unplug from the outlet.
2. Empty the bottom ice bin.
3. Wait for ten minutes to allow any stuck ice to melt.
4. After the ice melts, remove the drain cap of the unit. Let the water completely drain out.
5. Pour one bottle (equivalent to 16 ounces) of the suggested cleaner into the water pan.
6. Fill the cleaner bottle with water and pour it into the pan twice.
7. Press the CLEAN button to start the cleaning cycle. The light will blink during the cycle and will light after completing it.
8. Empty the water pan by removing the drain cap.

Refrigerator Ice Maker

For refrigerator ice makers, the steps are similar.

1. After emptying the ice bin, clean the ice dispenser chute below the ice bin. Use a warm washcloth to clean the line. Allow it to dry afterward.
2. Wipe the ice bin with the recommended cleaner using a washcloth. Dry it thoroughly before returning it to the refrigerator.
3. Run a few cycles to remove the cleaning solution in the machine.

To Finish Up

There are several reasons that will not allow a Whirlpool ice maker to release the ice. A clogged ice bin, tray, or chute and the inability to produce ice cause the issue.

You don’t need to worry because the solutions are easy to follow.

Once you find the cause and resolve the issue, you should also maintain the condition of the ice maker by cleaning it regularly.

Always refer to the owner’s manual because there are specific guides for different ice maker models.

Want to catch up on what you missed? Read these related articles!

LG Refrigerator Door Alarm Keeps Beeping: How To Turn It Off?

Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating – What To Do?