8 Fixes for a Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Not Making Ice!

This article focuses on the ice maker feature of Whirlpool refrigerators and addresses common issues that may prevent the ice maker from functioning properly.

Several factors can contribute to the problem, including the icemaker being turned off, water supply failure, excessive warmth in the refrigerator or freezer, the need for water system flushing, and misalignment of the control arm. Other potential causes include a defective door switch and a jammed or malfunctioning ice maker.

To help you resolve these issues and restore the ice-making function of your refrigerator, we will explore each of these factors in detail.

Our aim is to assist you in getting your ice maker operational as quickly as possible. Additionally, we will discuss other ice maker-related concerns such as leaks, unusual taste of ice, and insufficient or excessive ice production.

Furthermore, we will provide guidance on how to reset the ice maker specifically for Whirlpool Gold Refrigerators.

Let’s begin our exploration!

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Likely Cause	Recommended Fix
1. The Ice Maker Might Be OFF	Turn on the ice maker if it’s off
2. Water Supply Failure	– Connect and turn on the ice maker supply if it’s off
	– Unkink or unfreeze a kinked or frozen water line
	– Change a clogged filter
	– Raise the water pressure to at least 20psi
	– Replace a bad inlet valve
3. Warmer Refrigerator or Freezer	Adjust the refrigerator temperature to about 33 – 40°F
	Adjust the freezer’s temperature to 0°F
4. Water System Needs Flushing	Flush the water system, especially after a filter change
5. Mispositioned Control Arm	Set the control arm on the ‘ON’ position, but call an expert if it’s broken
6. Faulty Door Switch	Replace the door switch if it won’t show electrical continuity
7. Jammed Ice Maker	Chip away the excess ice, especially from the ejector’s arm
8. Bad Ice Maker	Replace the ice maker if every other fix fails or does not apply to you

Troubleshooting Guide: Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Ice Maker Issues

If you’re experiencing difficulties with your Whirlpool Gold refrigerator’s ice maker, there are several potential reasons for the problem. Let’s explore each of these factors and provide solutions to help you resolve the issue.

Ice Maker Turned Off 

Before troubleshooting further, make sure that your ice maker is turned on. If it’s off while the water dispenser is operational, it won’t produce any ice.

Solution: Locate the power switch for the ice maker and ensure it is turned on. Consult your refrigerator’s manual if you’re unable to find the switch.

Water Supply Failure 

If the ice maker is turned on but still not producing ice, the next step is to check the refrigerator’s water supply. It’s crucial to ensure that the ice maker is receiving an adequate water supply by addressing potential issues.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

• Disconnected water supply: Verify that the refrigerator’s cold water line is properly connected and that the shut-off valve is open.
• Kinked or frozen water line: Check the water line for any kinks or freezing, as these can obstruct water flow.
• Clogged water filter: Replace the water filter if it is clogged, as this can prevent water from reaching the ice maker. Whirlpool recommends replacing the filter every six months.
• Low water pressure: Confirm that the water pressure is at least 20 psi using a pressure gauge. Adjust the pressure from the water main and remove any kinks in the water line if necessary.
• Faulty water inlet valve: If the ice maker still doesn’t receive sufficient water despite adequate pressure, consider replacing the water inlet valve, which may be defective.

Refrigerator or Freezer Compartments Too Warm 

Maintaining the recommended temperature range in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments is crucial for proper ice maker functionality. If the temperatures exceed the recommended ranges, the ice maker may fail to produce ice.

Solution: Check the temperatures of the refrigerator and freezer compartments and adjust them accordingly. The recommended temperature range for the refrigerator is 33-40°F (0-4°C), while the freezer should be set at 0°F (-18°C).

Water System Flush Needed 

After replacing the water filter, it is advisable to flush the refrigerator’s water system to eliminate any trapped air. Failure to do so can lead to blockages in the water line, hindering the ice maker’s performance.

Solution: To flush the water system after a filter replacement:

• Depress the water dispenser lever using a sturdy container for at least 5 seconds.
• Release the lever and repeat this process multiple times until water starts flowing.
• Discard approximately 3 gallons of water to ensure all trapped air is flushed out. It may take up to a day for the water dispenser to function normally and the ice maker to work optimally.

Misaligned Control Arm 

The control arm, located on or next to the ice bin, monitors the ice bin’s ice level and pauses ice production when it becomes full. Incorrect positioning of the control arm can impact ice production.

Solution: Check the position of the control arm and ensure that it is resting on the “ON” position. If not, try repositioning it. If the control arm is loose or broken, it may require professional repair.

Defective Door Switch 

The refrigerator door switch plays a role in turning off the water and ice dispensers when the fridge door is opened. A faulty switch can prevent the ice dispenser from functioning and impede ice maker operation.

Solution: Use a multimeter to test the door switch for continuity. If there is no continuity, the switch is defective and should be replaced.

Ice Jam in the Ice Maker 

Sometimes, ice can accumulate around the ejector arm and other components, preventing the ice maker from producing more ice.

Solution: Inspect your ice maker for any ice build-up, particularly around the ejector arm. Use a plastic utensil to carefully chip away the ice around the affected components.

Faulty Ice Maker 

If none of the previous solutions work, it is possible that the ice maker itself is defective and needs to be replaced.

Solution: Consider replacing the ice maker as a last resort if the above fixes do not resolve the issue. If you’re unsure, seek assistance from a professional.

Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works 

If your Whirlpool Gold ice maker is not producing ice while the water dispenser is working, several factors could be at play:

• Warmer freezer temperature (above 0°F)
• Malfunctioning water inlet valve
• Faulty ice maker assembly
• Misaligned control arm
• Jammed ice maker

Before investigating these issues, ensure that the ice maker is turned on, as it will not function if it is switched off.

Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Ice Maker Making Smaller Ice 

If your ice maker is producing smaller ice cubes, it is likely due to a low water supply. To address this, ensure that the cold water supply valve is fully open, there is sufficient water pressure, and there are no kinks in the water line.

If water flow is not the issue, it could be caused by a higher temperature setting. In that case, set the freezer temperature to 0°F and the refrigerator temperature to 33-40°F.

Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Ice Maker Making Too Much Ice 

If the ice maker is producing an excessive amount of ice, check the ice bin to ensure it is properly positioned. An incorrectly positioned ice bin can trick the ice maker into continuously producing ice.

Additionally, a broken or misaligned control arm or a missing shelf could contribute to the excessive ice production.

Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Not Making Enough Ice 

If your ice maker is functioning but not producing enough ice, there are a few potential causes. First, check if the water filter is clogged and needs replacement. A clogged filter can restrict water flow to the ice maker.

If the filter is not the issue, the water inlet valve may be defective, or the refrigerator’s temperature settings could be too high. It’s also worth checking the water line for partial freezing or kinks.

Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator’s Ice-Tasting Odd 

If your ice has an unusual taste, two common explanations are a clogged water filter or old/contaminated ice cubes.

Solution:

• Replace the water filter if it is clogged, as trapped contaminants and bacteria can affect the taste of the ice.
• Remove any old ice cubes to encourage the production of fresh, untainted ice.

Closing Thoughts

Based on the information provided, there are at least eight potential reasons why your Whirlpool Gold refrigerator’s ice maker is not producing ice.

You should investigate the possibility of a water supply issue, an imbalance in temperature within the fridge or freezer, the requirement of system flushing, an improperly positioned control arm, a defective door switch, or a jammed or malfunctioning ice maker.