So, your Whirlpool ice maker is giving you the cold shoulder?
Ice makers, like all kitchen appliances, will have wear and tear. Resetting your ice maker is good practice whenever you notice any concerns with its functionality.
Often, it is not necessary to over-diagnose or overanalyze the problem.
You can often get your ice maker functioning as good as new by merely flipping the switch off and then back on.
In this post, I’ll share in-depth details on how to reset your Whirlpool ice maker. I’ll also go through some simple troubleshooting to get your ice maker working properly again in no time.
How to Reset Your Whirlpool Ice Maker
How you reset your ice maker depends on your specific Whirlpool model. Whirlpool manufactures a wide range of ice makers, each with its own unique reset process.
So the first thing you need to do is find your model number.
Look for the 12-digit serial number found on the back or bottom of your Whirlpool ice maker. This number will help you identify which Whirlpool model you have and determine the correct reset process for that specific unit.
Once you know your Whirlpool ice maker model number, it’s time to get to work!
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common Whirlpool Ice maker reset methods.
Whirlpool Ice Maker Soft Reset – Red Reset Button
Press and hold the red reset button for about 10 seconds. This should be easy to find if it’s there, as it’s usually located in a clear, visible spot.
Doing so will instantly reset your Whirlpool ice maker and may fix your problems.
Whirlpool Ice Maker Soft Reset – On/Off Button
Turning your ice maker off and on again is a quick way to reset it. Simply press the on/off button, wait for about 30 seconds, and then press it again to turn it back on.
Whirlpool Ice Maker Hard Reset – Unplug the Refrigerator
If you can’t find a reset button anywhere, or the other two methods mentioned above didn’t help, consider unplugging the ice maker from its outlet.
To do so, slowly push the refrigerator away from the wall, turn it off and unplug the socket. Then, wait about 30-45 minutes before plugging it in again.
Note – You should make sure your refrigerator and freezer doors are kept closed for the duration to maintain the inner temperature.
This method will likely erase all custom settings, so you’ll have to reconfigure these when you turn the power back on.
It’s also worth noting that it takes quite a bit of time before your ice maker starts churning out ice again (1-2 hours). Try to be patient and resist the urge to reset it again before giving it an opportunity to produce ice.
When Resetting the Ice Maker Doesn’t Solve the Problem
If you’ve tried everything mentioned above, but nothing works, don’t throw in the towel just yet.
This could indicate that the problem has more to do with the refrigerator than the ice maker itself – indicating either an electrical or mechanical problem.
Here are a couple of reasons why your ice maker doesn’t work despite resetting and how to troubleshoot.
The Feeler Arm May Be Stuck or Need to Be Adjusted
The feeler arm is a small, spring-loaded arm that sits on the ice tray and has a sensor to detect when the water level reaches its required level.
Its function is to regulate and monitor how much ice is produced, so whenever the ice tray fills up – the feeler arm tells the ice maker to stop making ice.
To adjust the feeler arm, simply slide it so that it’s in the right position. Whirlpool recommends moving it up or down, depending on whether your ice tray is filling too quickly or too slowly.
If the arm is stuck and cannot return to the neutral position, your ice maker will not make the next batch of ice.
You can check the feeler arm is free by pushing it down gently – if you feel this becoming unstuck, the ice maker should start working again.
Your Freezer Isn’t Cold Enough
Another common problem is that the freezer compartment isn’t set cold enough to make ice.
Whirlpool ice makers require a specific temperature of at least 5°F / -15C to produce ice, so double-check the temperature and make sure it’s set correctly.
If you set your freezer at the lowest temperature but still don’t get ice, then have a look at the refrigerator coils. These are the silver, metal-like strips that surround the back of your Whirlpool fridge.
The coils can easily get dusty and fail to provide sufficient cooling, so cleaning them thoroughly can help your refrigerator to reach lower temperatures and may be a quick fix for your ice maker.
Your Ice Maker Isn’t Getting Enough Water
If your ice maker is not receiving an adequate water supply, it will not dispense ice even after a reset.
- You should check the water pressure using a pressure gauge, ensuring it’s at least 20 PSI
- Next, you should inspect your water filter for clogs or damage. This can restrict the proper flow of water into your ice maker, and it’s good practice to replace them twice each year
- If that’s all operational, check your water inlet valve at the back of your GE refrigerator for leaks or clogs. These can reduce the pressure of water getting to your ice maker. If you note any concerns with the water inlet valve, the best solution is to replace it
- Lastly, follow the water line from the mains to the ice maker and ensure that it’s not kinked, damaged, or frozen. It’s not uncommon for water in the line to freeze and block the line, but you can thaw this out through a thorough defrost cycle or with a hair dryer on low heat
Check the Manual
If the fixes above aren’t doing you justice, I recommend consulting the Whirlpool appliance manual to learn more about your specific model of Whirlpool ice maker and how to troubleshoot any issues which may be unique to your model.
When to Contact a Professional
If you’ve tried everything listed above but are still having problems with your ice maker, or the fix is beyond your DIY skillset, consider seeking the help of a qualified technician.
Whirlpool ice makers typically come with a 1-year limited warranty and free customer support, and you can always call your local Whirlpool repair service if the problem persists.
Related: How to Reset Frigidaire Ice Maker
