Whirlpool icemaker is a POC

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance

[retiredguy123]

Last year, I bought one from Amazon for $82 and installed it in about 15 minutes. This was just the mechanism that is attached to the left side of the freezer section, not the large scroll motor. There are 3 screws and a plug-in electric cable. Very easy.

[tophcfa]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance

We have had nothing but bad luck with ice makers and finally tried a different route. We got a Frigidaire counter top ice maker from Amazon for under $100. Our expectations were low, but for the price we gave it a shot. We were so pleasantly surprised with how good it works we bought a second one for our other home. It doesn’t keep ice frozen, but it makes good ice that we put in large ziplock bags in the freezer. When we have enough ice made we shut it down until we get low on ice and then fire it up again. The only thing to remember is to drain it thoroughly if you’re not going to use it for longer periods of time. Good luck.

[Bill14564]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance

If it is like mine then the only thing I know of is to check that the led(?) and sensor are clear so it doesn’t think the bin is full.

[metoo21]

Put a finger in between the plastic fingers at the top of the ice maker. Is there frozen water there? If so, the little motor on the side that is responsible for rotating the mechanism that dumps the ice is bad. If no water (frozen or liquid) then you might have a frozen supply line.

We had intermittent issues with our GE ice maker and it finally stopped all together. This is when I discovered the motor issue. Bought a new ice maker. Ours took 1 screw and 1 wire harness to unplug. Very easy job.

[blueash]

We have had nothing but bad luck with ice makers and finally tried a different route. We got a Frigidaire counter top ice maker from Amazon for under $100. Our expectations were low, but for the price we gave it a shot. We were so pleasantly surprised with how good it works we bought a second one for our other home. It doesn’t keep ice frozen, but it makes good ice that we put in large ziplock bags in the freezer. When we have enough ice made we shut it down until we get low on ice and then fire it up again. The only thing to remember is to drain it thoroughly if you’re not going to use it for longer periods of time. Good luck.

I own several ice makers. I removed the original from the freezer section thus freeing up interior space. I use my ice makers with great success. No counter space, no baggies, no worrying about the cubes melting. Total purchase cost.. about 5 dollars.

[CarlR33]

Things like this intrigue me so I did a search. Not sure if you found this from Whirlpool but it’s a start. Lastly, call (or chat) with Whirlpool directly be nice (not using the POC language, LOL) tell them your issue you may get helpful advice because I’m sure your not the only one with this issue? I always try the manufacturer when all else fails.
Ice Maker Troubleshooting: How to Fix an Ice Maker | Whirlpool (https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/ice-maker-troubleshooting.html)

[gorillarick]

Internet search says there is a reset button. Could not find it on my 2001 model, but unplugging the fridge seems to work.

Just recently replaced the icemaker unit. Genuine Whirlpool on Amazon; decent price of course (compared to directly from Whirlpool). $61.80 on Amazon today.

Not a piece-of-cake for most, but was easy and fairly fast - as another commenter noted.
Works like new.

Three years not bad. Sure beats ice trays or buying ice at the store. Does a pretty good job.

[arbajeda]

You don't say your refrigerator model number. The solution would be different for different ice makers. I have the KitchenAid (same manufacturer) and mine went out. I found this troubleshooting guide (https://www.whirlpool.com/content/dam/global/documents/202103/tech-sheet-w11509412-reva.pdf) that isolated my problem to a faulty ice maker. You can get a replacement here (Appliance Parts Pros - Find Repair & Replacement Parts Online (https://www.appliancepartspros.com/)) as well as Amazon. Replacement videos are also at appliancepartspros as well as YouTube. It's a little involved, watch them and see if you're comfortable doing it yourself. You also could contact Hartman's Appliance Repair (Hartman’s Appliance Repair (https://www.hartmanappliancerepair.com/contact-us/)).

[elevatorman]

Last year, I bought one from Amazon for $82 and installed it in about 15 minutes. This was just the mechanism that is attached to the left side of the freezer section, not the large scroll motor. There are 3 screws and a plug-in electric cable. Very easy.

This is the way to go. A repairman will cost just to look at it and tell you you need a new one.then charge you $150 for the part. 3 screws and a plug sounds cheep and easy. If it does not work return the part to Amazon. The only other thing would be if the water line is frozen where it comes into the interior of the freezer, A hair dryer will fix that. Also look here https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=whirlpool+ice+maker+not+makin g+ice
And here https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=whirlpool+ice+maker+replaceme nt

[Tomptomp]

Sometimes they freeze up and just need to thaw.

[elle123]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance
Whirlpool appliances are manufactured with plastic parts in India. If they last past their original warranty you're lucky.

[dewilson58]

Piece of Crap!



Mine has done this four or five times over the last couple years.

Do you have the refrig's Tech Sheet???........Under the cover of the top door hinge cap.
Mine is under the right door hinge.

In the Tech Sheet.........it tells you how to run error codes and how to cycle your maker.
This works everytime on my refrig.

[dolphin]

We have had nothing but bad luck with ice makers and finally tried a different route. We got a Frigidaire counter top ice maker from Amazon for under $100. Our expectations were low, but for the price we gave it a shot. We were so pleasantly surprised with how good it works we bought a second one for our other home. It doesn’t keep ice frozen, but it makes good ice that we put in large ziplock bags in the freezer. When we have enough ice made we shut it down until we get low on ice and then fire it up again. The only thing to remember is to drain it thoroughly if you’re not going to use it for longer periods of time. Good luck.

Sounds like lots of of work to me🙄

[norb1940]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance

This worked for me, I don’t know if it will work for you? I raised the temp of the freezer. The Ice maker melts the cubes in order to push them out with the fingers. I think what is happening the melted water freezes and blocked the finger the next cycle. I did this 4 years ago and it still works. You may have to thaw it before trying this to clear the ice.

[thevillagejr]

What has worked for us is when it stops working turn the icemaker off at the control panel then the ice maker defrost acouple hours later turn it back on and it starts making ice again.

[Hillery12]

My husband found broken wires on the left hand side under the freezer door. They are at floor level.

[Juliebythesea]

If you don’t want to replace the icemaker yourself call Mr Thibedeau 346-233-7175 he’s great may have one on his truck reasonably priced he gets 5 stars from me

[JimC55]

Remove ice bin. Place hair dryer in ice maker. Turn on and close door. Will defrost in 5 minutes. You can leave the fridge on so your food stays cold and freezer frozen. Good luck.

[jimmy o]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance
Icemakers built into the door are historically troublesome. An automatic icemaker within the freezer is much less troublesome. That said the best way to keep your icemaker trouble free is to clean the coils of your refrigerator once a year. If your refrigerator is running a lot, that means the coils need to be cleaned. Pull your refrigerator out, wash the floor underneath it because it’s all dusty and dirty, Unscrew a few screws that hold the back plate on your refrigerator and clean out the coils. Your refrigerator will thank you for it and so will your icemaker.

[Stu from NYC]

They have all become POS.

[Topspinmo]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance

If it’s one of these 3 door models or more IMO the whole refrigerator a POC. Especially if made by LG or Samsung. My cheap side by side Frigidaire with ice maker and water in door runs like Swiss watch. The cheap ice maker in top freezer is easy to replace. But, I routinely dust out the coils and fan at least every 6 months and ensure it has space behind for air circulation. I got tired spending couple grand on so called top line refrigerators and the break or compressors fail in few years notoriously just after the warranty out. My 900 dollar refrigerator has been working find for 9 years. Only had to replace the ice maker due to faulty plastic gears that came with most models during the time frame it was made.

[jimjamuser]

Whirlpool is not the best of brand names.

[Topspinmo]

Whirlpool is not the best of brand names.

Depends on model.

[SpartanMark]

Ours went out a month ago. Tried a GE replacement part from Amazon -- no change. Had Bob's Appliance out. Ran diagnostics and determined the heating element (yes there IS a heater in the freezer) that loosens the ice so it can be ejected was not getting enough voltage to heat the tray. A circuit board located in a compartment on the top of the left hand door was replaced and the original unit works fine.

[South2C]

If it happens occasionally I would check the lower freezer door wires. Those hinge wires get a lot of usage and can frey over time. They led to the ice maker. If it’s the ice maker itself check Amazon for a replacement. Same item sells for different prices check carefully.

[banjobob]

[QUOTE=tophcfa;2429425]We have had nothing but bad luck with ice makers and finally tried a different route. We got a Frigidaire counter top ice maker from Amazon for under $100. Our expectations were low, but for the price we gave it a shot. We were so pleasantly surprised with how good it works we bought a second one for our other home. It doesn’t keep ice frozen, but it makes good ice that we put in large ziplock bags in the freezer. When we have enough ice made we shut it down until we get low on ice and then fire it up again. The only thing to remember is to drain it thoroughly if you’re not going to use it for longer periods of time. Good .[QUOTE]
I echo your comments,I have the same unit funit 2 size bullet shaped cubes? fills my large ice bin in the freezer in less than 8 eight hours.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

thanks everyone. . .

I watched a you tube video about taking the icemaker out, and of course, I tried that and the trim piece isn't budging. .
However, I will take the coils cleaning for cooling, etc, very seriously,

And now the disposal is frozen, from renters, maybe, lime deposits maybe or !@#$%^&*()

At least no more renters

[RobertScott]

Our Samsung ice maker crapped out, we went with the same countertop Frigidaire mentioned in a post above.
I knew early on the Samsungs were POC from postings here so I wasnt going to bother repairing it when the original design is no good.

[joshgun]

I had a 2018 Whirlpool regrigerator installed as part of new build appliance package. Icemaker quit. It turned out the wires going from the unit to the door broke. If you look at the bottom of the door and see a bunch of bare colored wires, that may be your problem. I went to Lowes and found same refrig but now wires encased in a protective sleeve. I was told sooner all will break and control panel would be useless. Fix $400 so I bought new refrigerator not Whirlpool Good Luck

[J1ceasar]

Even Whirlpool admits it is junk I have heard from the text that are through three different engineered designs so far in my case it stopped working because a wire basically burnt out

The entire unit cost about $200 plus 90 bucks to install and for a $2,000 refrigerator it's a shame they don't have decent engineering

[FredMitchell]

...
And now the disposal is frozen, from renters, maybe, lime deposits maybe or !@#$%^&*()
At least no more renters

Why such a bad attitude?

Check to see if the garbage disposal is plugged in. If so, check the breaker.

[davidbhill]

Whirlpool products are terrible. Their customer service is even worse.

[Dgodin]

There is a testing sequence. I had a similar issue and found it on YouTube. I replaced my unit. Easy to do. Loosen 2 screws, unplug the old unit, the reverse the process to install. I found those instructions on YouTube also.

[kkingston57]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance

Is it a through the door iceaker/water dispenser? Whirlpool/Kitchen Aid may have a class action suit against them. We had two and both stopped working.

[xcaligirl]

Piece of Crap!

Randomly stops working! No testing sequence without being a technician. Just on or off.

Anyone have any tips to get it started again?

thanks in advance
I believe our whirlpool refrigerator/frezzer went "out" less than a year. We finally called Pioneer AirConditioning/Heating and they also work on many other appliances including ice makers. They fixed our ac/etc a few times and they fixed our ice maker. Can't remember the charge but nothing outrageous.

[xcaligirl]

Even Whirlpool admits it is junk I have heard from the text that are through three different engineered designs so far in my case it stopped working because a wire basically burnt out

The entire unit cost about $200 plus 90 bucks to install and for a $2,000 refrigerator it's a shame they don't have decent engineering
I know I will NEVER buy another Whirlpool "anything"! all junk, not like the "old days".

[Joan Wentz]

Poor design. Ice container backs into refrigerator which cannot maintain freezing temperatures. Which then causes the motor to fail. And also causes the ice cubes to freeze together. What I do is once a month empty the ice container. Then as new ice is made the motor keeps working. Since I started doing this I have had no problems. Good luck.

[JMintzer]

After fixing it twice (yes the ice maker has trouble staying cold enough to avoid the dreaded "frozen block if ice",) we finally gave up.

We purchased a new LG French Door, Bottom Drawer Freezer to replace it.

It has a wather dispenser inside the fridge, and an ice maker located below in the freezer compartment. It drops the cubes into a bin. No "dispenser" on the outside.

It gave us more room in the fridge AND in the freezer.

The old Whirlpool has been relegated to the garage, with no water hook-up, and is perfect for additional Fridge/Freezer space.

[Topspinmo]

Whirlpool products are terrible. Their customer service is even worse.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/FHM-Who-Makes-My-Appliances.jpg?fit=680%2C680

All in family

[Topspinmo]

After fixing it twice (yes the ice maker has trouble staying cold enough to avoid the dreaded "frozen block if ice",) we finally gave up.

We purchased a new LG French Door, Bottom Drawer Freezer to replace it.

It has a wather dispenser inside the fridge, and an ice maker located below in the freezer compartment. It drops the cubes into a bin. No "dispenser" on the outside.

It gave us more room in the fridge AND in the freezer.

The old Whirlpool has been relegated to the garage, with no water hook-up, and is perfect for additional Fridge/Freezer space.


Good luck with LG

Quote from Google.


“Several class action lawsuits have been filed against LG, claiming that the linear compressors in their refrigerators are defective and prone to early failure. These lawsuits allege that the compressors fail prematurely, causing the refrigerators to stop cooling, and that LG is not properly addressing the issue. Some lawsuits also allege that LG has misrepresented the lifespan of the linear compressor, stating that it should last 20 years, while many fail much sooner.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Early Failure:
Lawsuits allege that LG refrigerator compressors fail within a few years, despite LG's claims of a 20-year lifespan.
Lack of Response:
Some lawsuits claim that LG is not adequately addressing compressor failures, with consumers being charged for repairs or replacements that should be covered by warranty.
Defective Design:
One lawsuit alleges that the problem stems from a design flaw in the tubing of the evaporator, which can cause leaks and put stress on the compressor, leading to failure.
Multiple Lawsuits:
There have been multiple class action lawsuits filed over this issue, with some settling and others ongoing.
Ongoing Issues:
Even after some settlements, consumers continue to report issues with LG refrigerator compressors, suggesting that the problem persists. “

[Topspinmo]

thanks everyone. . .

I watched a you tube video about taking the icemaker out, and of course, I tried that and the trim piece isn't budging. .
However, I will take the coils cleaning for cooling, etc, very seriously,

And now the disposal is frozen, from renters, maybe, lime deposits maybe or !@#$%^&*()

At least no more renters

Old disposal get stuck from time to time, big screwdriver or broom handle push one way or the other usually free them up till next time. Mine done that for couple years until it finely rusted threw and started leaking.

Pretty easy to replace, unplug, remove two drain bolts, undo sliding clamp. If don’t have replace sink mount if brought same brand normally just reconnect the sliding clamp (some come with cord attached and some you have to install cord depending on how much you want to pay?) install drain tube using new seal, plug it in. ( only hard part is….if you are able to bend down, lay down on you’re back/side and work around everything that’s in road)

[retiredguy123]

You can buy a large Alan wrench that fits in the center of the bottom of the disposal. Turn it counterclockwise, and it will fix the problem.

[JMintzer]

You can buy a large Alan wrench that fits in the center of the bottom of the disposal. Turn it counterclockwise, and it will fix the problem.

Yup. That's how we fixed ours when it jammed up after a long time away from our home. It hasn't been a problem since...

Pretty sure it was a 1/4" Allen Wrench...

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Old disposal get stuck from time to time, big screwdriver or broom handle push one way or the other usually free them up till next time. Mine done that for couple years until it finely rusted threw and started leaking.

Pretty easy to replace, unplug, remove two drain bolts, undo sliding clamp. If don’t have replace sink mount if brought same brand normally just reconnect the sliding clamp (some come with cord attached and some you have to install cord depending on how much you want to pay?) install drain tube using new seal, plug it in. ( only hard part is….if you are able to bend down, lay down on you’re back/side and work around everything that’s in road)

yeah, have replaced mine before, the easiest way to lift the unit in place was using our car jack, made the replacement a piece of cake in a very small area.

The renters or crappy property manager have stripped the allan wrench socket underneath, so just going to buy a new one and install it.

[Risuli]

Poor design. Ice container backs into refrigerator which cannot maintain freezing temperatures. Which then causes the motor to fail. And also causes the ice cubes to freeze together. What I do is once a month empty the ice container. Then as new ice is made the motor keeps working. Since I started doing this I have had no problems. Good luck.

My understanding from internet "research", many refrigerator repair techs state that the water/ice through the door refrigerators are simply bad designs. First of all, the unit sits inside the refrigerator section taking up a fair amount of space, and since its within the frig section it doesn't stay cold enough to prevent melting. When we moved to TV, our home had all new appliances to include a water/ice through the door frig. After about 6 months, with ice issues including it dumping ice on the floor, we replace it with a french door refrig, no through the door features, with the ice maker in the lower freezer section.

[elevatorman]

Good luck with LG

Quote from Google.


“Several class action lawsuits have been filed against LG, claiming that the linear compressors in their refrigerators are defective and prone to early failure. These lawsuits allege that the compressors fail prematurely, causing the refrigerators to stop cooling, and that LG is not properly addressing the issue. Some lawsuits also allege that LG has misrepresented the lifespan of the linear compressor, stating that it should last 20 years, while many fail much sooner.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Early Failure:
Lawsuits allege that LG refrigerator compressors fail within a few years, despite LG's claims of a 20-year lifespan.
Lack of Response:
Some lawsuits claim that LG is not adequately addressing compressor failures, with consumers being charged for repairs or replacements that should be covered by warranty.
Defective Design:
One lawsuit alleges that the problem stems from a design flaw in the tubing of the evaporator, which can cause leaks and put stress on the compressor, leading to failure.
Multiple Lawsuits:
There have been multiple class action lawsuits filed over this issue, with some settling and others ongoing.
Ongoing Issues:
Even after some settlements, consumers continue to report issues with LG refrigerator compressors, suggesting that the problem persists. “

We purchased an LG refrigerator in December of 2015. Stopped cooling in 2019. Called LG and they sent an LG repairman from Orlando. He replaced the compressor and a circuit board. Came back the next day and checked things and updated the software. All under warranty.
We had an ice maker problem a few years after that and I replaced the ice maker for under $100.
We are approaching 10 years so we probably should be ready to get new appliances. Lg worked well for us.

[Topspinmo]

We purchased an LG refrigerator in December of 2015. Stopped cooling in 2019. Called LG and they sent an LG repairman from Orlando. He replaced the compressor and a circuit board. Came back the next day and checked things and updated the software. All under warranty.
We had an ice maker problem a few years after that and I replaced the ice maker for under $100.
We are approaching 10 years so we probably should be ready to get new appliances. Lg worked well for us.


I don’t like rolling dice, once burned enough for me. :highfive:

[margaretmattson]

I own several ice makers. I removed the original from the
freezer section
thus freeing up interior space. I
use my ice makers with
great success.
No counter space, no
baggies, no worrying about
the cubes melting. Total
purchase cost.. about 5 dollars.
My favorite ice makers! Why? Pour some of your lemonade, punch, iced tea, etc. into the trays then freeze. The ice cubes will not water down the drinks.

I also have a few large spherical trays. They make huge balls of ice just like a fancy restaurant. Guests love the classy
presentation.

[Topspinmo]

I own several ice makers. I removed the original from the freezer section thus freeing up interior space. I use my ice makers with great success. No counter space, no baggies, no worrying about the cubes melting. Total purchase cost.. about 5 dollars.


Use way too much ice for that nightmare. My freezer would be full ice trays.:ohdear:

[FredMitchell]

yeah, have replaced mine before, the easiest way to lift the unit in place was using our car jack, made the replacement a piece of cake in a very small area.

The renters or crappy property manager have stripped the allan wrench socket underneath, so just going to buy a new one and install it.

Another source of failure for garbage disposal is very easy to fix. The push button to activate it may be connected to plastic tubing. If that becomes unconnected from the On-Off Safety Switch, the unit won't turn on. Just plug it back in to the matching "male" connector on the switch. (The power cord from the disposal connects to the safety switch which is then plugged into power socket.)

Maybe it gets disconnected if you have a faucet with a weight hose that allows you to spray anywhere in the sing, and the weighted hose pops out the flexible tubing.