Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide

Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are highly desirable due to their intelligent shelving, spacious storage capacity, excellent cooling, and overall reliability. However, like any appliance, these refrigerators are not immune to occasional problems.

This Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator troubleshooting guide aims to provide solutions for common issues such as complete failure, malfunctioning ice maker, dispensing problems, cooling and freezing failures, leaks, and filter-related issues.

The good news is that most problems encountered with Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators can be resolved. This guide will not only provide practical fixes but also highlight potential causes so that you can address them promptly and possibly prevent future issues.

Let’s delve into the troubleshooting process!

Quick Troubleshooting Guide for Common Problems

Problem	Possible Cause	Fix
Refrigerator Not Working	The fridge might be off, or it could be in Demo/Showroom Mode	Turn on the refrigerator and turn off the Demo/Showroom Mode where applicable and reset the unit
Ice Maker Not Working	Turned off refrigerator or water supply, clogged water filter, the system needs flushing, low water pressure, jammed ice maker, wrong control setting, incorrect saddle valve, kinked supply line or wrong filter type or installation	Turn the ice maker and water on, replace the clogged filter and flush the system, increase the water pressure and reduce ice jam. Also, check the control setting, use the correct saddle valve, unkink the water supply line, use the right water filter and install it (the filter) correctly
Water Dispenser Not Working	Disconnected water supply, low water pressure, blocked water supply or filter, need for system flushing, locked controls, or wrong filter installation	Turn on the water supply, increase the water pressure (to 20 psi+), unblock the water supply line, and filter and flush the system. Also, unlock the controls, install the right filter and allow it to sit
Ice Dispenser Not Working	No ice production, the door opens a lot, locked controls or dispenser, ice clumping, or wrong ice bin installation	Fix the ice maker, avoid opening the door a lot, unlock the controls, fully engage the dispenser panel/pad, reduce ice clumping or correctly install the ice bin
Water Leakage	Blocked drain, damaged water filter head, faulty water inlet valve, leaky water tank or drain pan, or the loose water filter	Unblock the drain, replace the damaged or faulty water inlet valve, leaky water tank, or drain pan and refit the loose water filter
Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing	The unit might be off, wrong room temperature, recent power outage, dirty condenser coils, wrong control settings, Demo/Showroom Mode, overstuffing, unstable fridge, nearness to a heat source, or opening the fridge door too frequently	Turn the unit on, set it under 55-110°F, reset it after the power outage, clean dirty condenser coils, pick the correct control settings, and deactivate Demo Mode. Also, avoid overstocking, non-uniform grounds, nearness to the heat source, and opening the fridge very often
Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezing	Overstuffing dirty condenser coils, malfunctioning defrost system, or damaged door seal	Avoid food overstuffing, clean the condenser coils and replace the faulty defrost component or damaged door seal
Water Filter Problems	A clogged, loose, or stuck water filter	Replace a clogged, incorrectly fitted, or stuck filter

Troubleshooting Common Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator Problems

If you’re facing issues with your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator, there are several common problems you can troubleshoot. Let’s explore eight prevalent issues and provide solutions to address them:

Not Working 

If your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator is unresponsive, consider these possible causes:

• The fridge may be turned off: Make sure the refrigerator is turned on and receiving power.
• Demo/Showroom mode: Check if the refrigerator is in Demo/Showroom mode, which disables all functions except for interior lighting. Deactivate this mode if enabled.

Solution: Perform a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator reset by powering off and unplugging the unit for 5-10 minutes. Then plug it back in, switch it on, and ensure the cooling function is active.

Ice Maker Not Working 

If your refrigerator is powered on but not producing ice, consider these possible causes:

• The ice maker may be turned off: Check for an ice maker switch on the freezer door, at the bottom of the ice maker, or a wire shutoff arm.
• Disconnected water supply: Ensure the water supply is connected and turned on.
• Clogged water filter: Replace the water filter every six months to prevent clogging.
• Water system flushing: Flush the water system after replacing the filter to remove trapped air.
• Low water pressure: Check the water pressure (at least 20 psi) using a pressure gauge.
• Jammed ice maker: Remove any excess ice obstructing the ejector arm.

Solution: Consult your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator manual for specific troubleshooting steps.

Not Dispensing Water 

If the water dispenser is not working, consider these possible causes:

• Disconnected water supply: Ensure the water supply is connected and turned on.
• Low water pressure: Check if the water pressure is sufficient (20-120 psi).
• Blocked water supply: Clear any kinks or blockages in the water supply.
• Blocked water filter: Check and replace the water filter if it’s clogged.
• System flushing: Flush the unit to remove trapped air.
• Locked controls: Deactivate the control lock to unlock the water dispenser.
• Incorrect filter: Use the recommended EveryDrop or Whirlpool-branded water filter.

Ice Dispenser Not Working 

If the ice dispenser fails to dispense ice, consider these possible causes:

• Insufficient ice production: Ensure the ice maker is producing ice.
• Door not locked: Lock the door when dispensing ice.
• Locked controls: Deactivate the control lock to unlock the ice dispenser.
• Ice clumping: Remove any clumped ice in the bin or delivery chute.
• Incorrect ice bin installation: Install the ice bin correctly according to the manual.

Leaking Water 

If your side-by-side refrigerator is leaking water, consider these possible causes:

• Blocked drain: Check for ice blockages or kinks in the drain pipes and clear them.
• Damaged water filter head: Replace the broken water filter head.
• Faulty water inlet valve: Inspect for cracks or clogs and replace if necessary.
• Loose water filter: Reinstall the filter correctly or replace it.
• Leaky water tank or drain pan: Examine the tank and drain pan for cracks and replace if needed.

Not Cooling or Freezing

• Ensure the refrigerator is turned on, as it may have been accidentally switched off.
• Check the surrounding temperature; it should be within the range of 55–110°F (or 13-48°C) for proper cooling and freezing.
• After a power outage, perform a reset by following the previously mentioned steps.
• Clean the condenser coils using a refrigerator condenser cleaning brush if they are dirty, as dirt can hinder cooling and freezing.
• Set the temperature controls to mid-setting for regular household use, as changing the settings excessively may affect cooling and freezing.
• Deactivate Demo/Showroom Mode, if enabled, to restore full functionality.
• Avoid overstuffing the refrigerator/freezer to allow proper air circulation.
• Ensure the refrigerator is placed on stable, level ground to optimize its performance.
• Keep the refrigerator away from heat sources such as ovens or cookers, as this can affect the surrounding temperature.
• Reduce the frequency of opening the refrigerator door to maintain stable cooling and freezing temperatures.

Not Cooling But Freezer Is Working

• Check the condenser coils for dirt accumulation and clean them to improve cooling efficiency.
• Avoid overfilling the refrigerator/freezer to prevent blockage of air vents.
• Test the defrost thermostat, timer, and control board using a multimeter to identify any faults in the defrost system. Replace any faulty components accordingly.
• Inspect the door seal and replace it if it’s damaged to maintain proper insulation and cooling.

Water Filter Problems

• If the water filter is stuck, remove it and replace it with a new one.
• Replace a clogged filter to avoid leakage and ensure proper functioning of the ice-making and water/ice dispensing systems.
• If the filter is loose, remove and reinstall it correctly to prevent any issues.

Conclusion

These are the most common problems encountered with Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators. Utilize these troubleshooting tips when your unit develops an issue or fails to function properly.