Whirlpool Refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice

Common reasons your Whirlpool Refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator icemaker is not dumping ice are a faulty icemaker assembly, a failed thermistor, or a malfunctioning PCB.

  • 48%

    48% of the time it's the
    Icemaker Assembly

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    Thermistor

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    PCB

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator

Icemaker Assembly Replacement

A faulty refrigerator icemaker can have diverse effects, impacting various aspects of the refrigerator's operation, including its ability to make ice. Increased noise during the ice-making process could indicate a problem in the icemaker's components. A malfunctioning icemaker may lead to water leaks around the icemaker assembly, potentially causing water puddles in and around the refrigerator. If the bail arm fails to shut off ice production, it could result in the icemaker drawer jamming due to an overproduction of ice, potentially leading to damage to the drawer or adjacent shelf. The failure of other components in a refrigerator that stops cooling will affect ice production, so a thorough inspection of the refrigerator by a Sears Home Services professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

Thermistor Replacement

In refrigerator models that use an electronic control board to regulate temperatures, the thermistor is responsible for sensing internal temperatures. It then sends the temperature signal to the electronic control board. The electronic control turns the compressor on and off to regulate temperatures based on the thermistor temperature signal. An errant temperature signal can prevent the control board from regulating refrigerator and freezer temperature accurately.

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.

Why is my Whirlpool fridge not dumping ice?

Check the ice maker settings and make sure that the ice maker is turned on. If the ice maker is turned on, follow these troubleshooting tips to resolve the ice maker failure.

check-the-refrigerator-water-valve

Lack of water

Lack of water due to a faulty inlet water valve is a common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop making ice.

If the water dispenser isn’t getting water and your ice maker isn’t filling with water, you’ll likely need to replace that valve.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace a refrigerator water inlet valve:

Frozen fill tube above the ice mold

If the ice mold is dry but the water dispenser works, check the fill tube above the ice mold by squeezing it. If it’s clogged with ice, defrost the fill tube using a hair dryer on a low heat setting.

Check for a jammed ice cube blocking the ejector arm

An ice cube that’s jammed and blocking the ejector arms from rotating can prevent the ice maker from working.

If you see an ice cube stuck in the ejector arms, use a wooden spoon to pry out the ice cube.

If the stuck ice cube didn’t damage the ice maker ejection arms and gears, the ice maker may start working again. If not, you’ll likely need to replace the ice maker module.

When you’re unable to find and fix the cause of an ice maker problem in your GE refrigerator, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to diagnose and repair the problem.

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator icemaker not dumping ice issue

How is the icemaker not dumping ice issue fixed?

Correcting most refrigerator icemaker not dumping ice problems usually involves replacing the icemaker assembly, thermistor, or PCB. 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 dumping ice problem

When a refrigerator icemaker is not dumping 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 dumping 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

Why isn’t the ice maker in my Whirlpool refrigerator dumping ice?
A faulty ice maker motor, broken auger, or clogged ice chute could prevent the ice maker from dumping ice. Inspect these components for damage or blockages.
Could a clogged ice chute prevent my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker from dumping ice?
Yes, if the ice chute is blocked, the ice maker won’t be able to dump ice. Clearing the chute should resolve the issue.
How can I fix my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker if it’s not dumping ice?
Check the ice chute, auger, and ice maker motor for damage or blockages. Replacing any faulty components should restore functionality.
What should I do if my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker still isn’t dumping ice after clearing the chute?
If the issue persists, the control board or other internal components may need professional inspection and repair.

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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.

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