Whirlpool ice maker repair, in the freezer or under the counter
The bin on a Whirlpool undercounter ice maker is not refrigerated. Above 90°F in the room, output drops and the stored ice melts faster, so a hot spot can look like a failure. We sort out which it is in Oahu homes.
Whirlpool ice numbers
Sources: Whirlpool product help on refrigerator ice maker troubleshooting, freestanding ice maker noises, the cleaning light and water filter changes
Refrigerator ice maker or undercounter Whirlpool?
| Question | In the refrigerator | Freestanding undercounter |
|---|---|---|
| What keeps the ice frozen | The freezer, set at 0 to 5°F | Nothing: the bin is not cooled, so some melting is normal |
| Where the water goes | Into the mold and frozen in place | Over a cold plate; the extra drains out through a hose or pump |
| Reset | Hold the reset button a few seconds, or unplug for 1 minute | Unplug or switch off the breaker to reset the controls |
| Routine care | Filter every 6 months or at the light | Cleaning cycle at the light, plus the condenser |
| Power | The refrigerator's own outlet | 115 volt grounded outlet on a 15 or 20 amp circuit, no extension cord |
Whirlpool undercounter faults and their usual cause
Whirlpool's help pages for its freestanding ice makers keep pointing at the same few parts. Several are simple to check. A couple are installation errors that only show up months later.
Thin ice, or none
A loose drain cap on the water pan inside the bin. Unscrew it, let the pan empty, then refit it snug.
No power at times
A kinked drain hose or a disposer knockout plug left in can cut power, not just output, Whirlpool says.
Bin overfills
The bin sensor on the right wall is dirty or the scoop leans on it. Wipe it with warm soapy water.
Loud whistle on fill
Supply pressure above 60 psi. Whirlpool suggests bringing it down toward 50 psi; a part-closed valve can buzz too.
Water behind it
Loose fittings, a missing hose clamp, or a drain hose not pushed about 6 in into the drain pipe.
Output slowly fading
Scale in the water system or lint on the condenser. Both are part of the cleaning routine.
How a Whirlpool undercounter unit gets cleaned
Watch the light
Clean when Cleaning Needed lights up, after 9 months, or when output falls off sharply. Very hard water can mean every 6 months.
Right cleaner
One 16-ounce bottle of approved ice machine cleaner. Whirlpool names affresh Ice Machine Cleaner, part W11179302, for the job.
Run it through
The cycle takes about 70 to 90 minutes. If it gets interrupted the Clean light keeps blinking; press Clean to pick it back up.
Condenser too
Four screws hold the lower panel. A vacuum brush clears the fins; Whirlpool says every six months, or three in dusty spots.