How to Check a Whirlpool Ice Maker

Whirlpool ice makers may stop producing ice and sometimes produce hollow or odd sized cubes. Often the digital read out on the refrigerator starts blinking or a short message appears stating that there is a problem with the icemaker. You can check the Whirlpool ice maker without a repairman.   

Things You'll Need

Sanitary cleaning cloth

Screwdriver

Turkey baster

12-14 gauge insulated solid copper wire

Problems with the Digital Read Out on a Whirlpool Icemaker

1. Check to see if the ice maker is turned on. Push switch to on position, if turned off. Check to see if digital read out stops blinking or corrects itself after each step, if not continue to the next step.


2. Remove debris from digital read out and clean lenses using a sanitary cloth.


3. Check to see if the door to the unit is closed.


4. Unplug refrigerator for five seconds.


5. Check to see if wiring is correct.


6. Order and replace new emitter and receiver boards.

Deficient Ice Cubes in a Whirlpool Icemaker

1. Unplug the refrigerator.


2. Remove the screws and unplug the ice maker from the refrigerator. You should pull up on the unit to detatch the hooks.


3. Notice the ice cubes. You will need to run a test cycle if the ice cubes are hollow or unusual in size. Melt the ice cubes by running hot water over the unit.  


4. Plug the ice maker back into the refrigerator and plug the refrigerator back into the electrical supply without attaching it to the freezer wall. 


5. Remove the cover from the unit with a slight pull.


6. Skip this step if it is producing ice. Fill the ice mold with water using a turkey baster and allow one full cycle. Inspect the fill tube, if the icemaker dumps the ice, to see if it is frozen shut. Allow the fill tube to thaw with the refrigerator unplugged, if it is frozen. Check and replace the water valve if the fill tube is not frozen. 


7. Jump-start the Whirlpool icemaker with a short piece of 12-14 gauge insulated copper wire. Bend wire slightly forming the shape of a "U."  


8. Insert the wires into the holes labeled "T" and "H" until a click is heard. Make sure the metal ice sensor arm has freedom of movement. 


9. Skip to the next step if the ice does not dump. Order and replace the thermostat if it works properly after the jumpstart or consider replacing the icemaker.


10. Skip to the next step if the metal ice senor arm will not lift up and down. Order and replace the motor modular (part number 8201515) if the ice does not dump and the metal ice sensor arm lifts and drops freely.


11. Insert the metal ice sensor arm into the hole at the back of the ice maker head.