How to Reset a Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker

There are several possible reasons why the ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator might stop making ice or functioning properly. However, sometimes all that is needed to fix the issue is to reset the ice maker.

In this article, we will show you how to reset your Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice maker, how to reset the refrigerator itself, and what to try next if resetting doesn’t solve the problem.

How to Reset the Ice Maker on a Whirlpool Refrigerator

If your ice maker hasn’t worked for over 24 hours, it’s worth resetting it to see if this resolves the issue. To reset the ice maker, follow these steps:

1. Locate the on/off switch on the ice maker itself.
2. Turn the ice maker off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on again.
3. Place some paper towels or a container under the ice maker to catch any water that comes out when you reset it.
4. Locate the reset button on the ice maker. It’s located on the bottom of the ice maker on most Whirlpool models.
5. Push and hold the reset button for five seconds. You may need to use a pen or a similar tool to press the reset button if it is recessed.
6. The ice maker will begin to twist and dump any ice or water in the tray. It will then fill the ice tray with water, starting a new ice production cycle.
7. If after 24 hours your ice maker is still not producing ice properly, the reset did not successfully fix the problem.

How to Perform a Hard Reset on Your Whirlpool Refrigerator

Sometimes, a temporary software glitch or control board malfunction can stop the ice maker from working properly. You can often resolve this by resetting the entire refrigerator, rather than just the ice maker.

To perform a hard reset on your Whirlpool refrigerator, follow these steps:

• Unplug your refrigerator.
• Wait for a few minutes.
• Plug your refrigerator back in or turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
• If after waiting 24 hours, your ice maker is still not producing ice properly, the hard reset did not solve the problem.

What to Do If Resetting Doesn’t Work

If you have tried resetting the ice maker itself and the refrigerator but it has not resolved the problem you are experiencing, don’t fret as there are some other things you can try yourself that might get it working again. There’s no need to hire a professional just yet!

The first thing to do is inspect the ice bin. Is there any ice inside the bin that the ice maker is failing to dispense? Or are no ice cubes being made at all?

Ice Maker Is Making Ice but Not Dispensing

If your ice maker has cubes in the ice bin but is not dispensing them, here are some common causes and solutions:

• Ice Clumps: If the ice cubes are stuck together in large clumps, they cannot be dispensed. Sometimes this happens when there are temperature fluctuations in the freezer. Try discarding the ice clumps and allowing the ice maker to create a fresh new batch of cubes.
• Clogged Ice Chute: The ice chute is the plastic tube that the ice cubes pass through when they’re dispensed into your glass. Sometimes it gets clogged with fragments of ice that build up. Kneel down and inspect the ice chute to see if it’s frozen. If you believe it is, defrost it using a hair dryer set to the mildest setting.
• Frozen Auger Motor: The auger motor drives the auger, which pushes the ice in the bin forward ready for dispensing. On rare occasions, it can freeze, preventing dispensing. To defrost, unplug the appliance, take out the ice bin, and let it thaw with the freezer door open for a few hours.

Ice Maker Is Not Making Ice

If your ice maker is not producing any ice cubes at all, or a small amount of small hollow ice cubes, here are some common causes and solutions:

• Water Supply: An issue with the water supply can cause the ice maker not to receive enough water to produce ice. Common water supply issues include a kinked water line or water valve that is turned off. To check this, pull the appliance away from the wall and inspect the water line to ensure it’s not kinked or clogged and is properly connected. Then, ensure the water supply valve is fully open, not partially open or shut off. 
• Water Filter: Old water filters can become clogged, which is why it’s recommended to replace them at least every six months. A clogged filter will hinder the ice maker by reducing the water supply. Try installing a new water filter if you believe yours is old or clogged.
• Incorrect Freezer Temperature: A freezer that is too warm triggers the ice maker’s thermostat, which automatically stops production when it’s above 10°F. Various factors can cause a freezer to be too warm. You can try checking the temperature settings are correct, cleaning or replacing the door seal, cleaning the condenser coils if dirty, and clearing any obstructions from the air vents in the freezer.
• Control Arm: Many Whirlpool models have a control arm on the ice maker that stops ice production when the ice bin is full. Sometimes, it can get stuck in or accidentally moved to the shut-off position. Check that nothing is obstructing it and move it back to the on position if it isn’t already.

Summary

That’s how you reset an ice maker on a Whirlpool refrigerator. Hopefully, this has fixed any issue you had, but if not, try a hard reset of the appliance, followed by the other tips we’ve given to get your ice maker working again. Failing that, your best bet is to call a professional to service your refrigerator.