Whirlpools refrigerator ice maker not working

Appliance Repair Questions › Category: Refrigerators › Whirlpools refrigerator ice maker not working

Jay Miler asked 1 year ago

I've been encountering ongoing problems with the ice maker in my appliance. Initially, I replaced the ice maker itself, which resulted in the production of a few batches of ice, but then it stopped working again. Following this, I replaced the dual water inlet valve, yet the issue persisted with only a couple of batches of ice being made before ceasing production. I sought the help of a repair technician, who suggested that the problem might lie with the electronic boards of the appliance. However, he didn't conduct any diagnostic tests and estimated the repair cost to be over $400. Given this, I'm hesitant and concerned about spending such a significant amount without any guarantee that it will resolve the issue. I'm looking for a way to verify whether the electronic boards are indeed the root of the problem before investing further. Any advice or methods to check the functionality of the electronic boards, or other potential causes, would be highly valuable to avoid unnecessary expenses.

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Appliance Repair Staff answered 4 months ago

To address the issue with your ice maker, which continues to malfunction even after replacing the ice maker and the dual water inlet valve, there are a few steps you can take to diagnose the problem before considering the replacement of electronic boards:

1. Check the Freezer Temperature

Issue: Ice makers need the freezer to be at a certain temperature, typically around 0°F (-18°C), to function correctly.

Solution: Verify the freezer temperature. If it's too high, the ice maker won't produce ice efficiently.

2. Inspect the Water Supply Line

Issue: A blocked or frozen water supply line can prevent water from reaching the ice maker.

Solution: Ensure the water supply line is not kinked or frozen. You can try thawing it with a hair dryer if it appears frozen.

3. Water Filter Check

Issue: A clogged water filter can restrict water flow to the ice maker.

Solution: If your refrigerator has a water filter, replace it or remove it temporarily to see if it improves the situation.

4. Test the Water Pressure

Issue: Low water pressure can impede the water flow to the ice maker.

Solution: Check the water pressure to ensure it is sufficient for the ice maker’s requirements (usually around 20 psi).

5. Inspect the Fill Tube

Issue: The fill tube can sometimes freeze, blocking water flow.

Solution: Check if the fill tube is frozen and gently thaw it if necessary.

6. Manual Testing of the Ice Maker

Issue: Understanding if the ice maker itself is faulty.

Solution: Consult your refrigerator manual for instructions on how to manually trigger an ice-making cycle. This test can help determine if the ice maker mechanism is functioning.

7. Electrical Connection Check

Issue: Loose or faulty electrical connections can lead to malfunction.

Solution: Ensure all electrical connections to the ice maker are secure and intact.

8. Seek a Second Opinion

Issue: Uncertainty about the diagnosis and solution provided by the repair technician.

Solution: Before committing to expensive repairs, consider getting a second opinion from another repair technician.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, it may then be worth considering the electronic board replacement. However, a thorough diagnosis by a qualified technician is recommended to confirm this before proceeding with such an investment.

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