Maytag/Whirlpool Fridge Ice Maker Not Working? How To Test?

Icemakers are convenient and great to have. That is when they’re working.

Are you having problems with your Maytag/Whirlpool fridge icemaker not working?

When repairing an icemaker, it’s important to know how ice maker works and how much ice it should be producing.

Ice maker generally dumps once every one or two hours.

An icemaker that dumps ice one per hour has strong production, where one that dumps every two hours is weaker, but still acceptable.

On average, an icemaker should make anywhere from 80 to 175 ice cubes within 24-hours.

If you just turned your fridge on, you should give it at least 24 to 48 hours to fill the ice bin completely. Though keep in mind that every fridge is different, and it can take longer.

At the very bottom of this article, we will show you the procedure on How To Test Ice Maker Components, but first, let start with possible issues which may cause these problems.

Freezer Temperature Goes UP

The temperature inside your freezer should be between 0 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature goes above this, the ice maker will stop efficiently producing ice cubes.

If the freezer temperature is too high, try to lower it a bit.

Also check the condenser coils to ensure they are free of debris, and that the condenser fan is working.

The other thing you’ll want to look for is frost on the evaporator coils.

If the coils for the evaporator are frosted, it’s likely that a component of the defrost system has failed.

Because ice maker depends 100% on the freezer temperature. If something wrong will go with the freezer, ice maker will not work.

To get the best temperature reading make sure the freezer door has been closed at least 30 minutes prior to checking.

Failed Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is a valve that’s electronically controlled, and works to open thus allowing water into the dispenser and ice maker.

When the inlet valve becomes defective, or doesn’t have sufficient pressure, it stops allowing water to flow through.

This will result in your icemaker being unable to produce ice.

This valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to work correctly. So, first check that this is the amount of pressure going through the valve.

If you find the water pressure is normal, you’ll need to use a multimeter to check for power going to the inlet valve.

Also, without powering valve up, you can check the resistance of the valve coils using a multimeter, there should be 500-1500 Ohms.

If you find that the valve has good pressure and there’s power going to it, but your icemaker still isn’t working, replace the water inlet valve.

Faulty Icemaker Mold Thermostat

Another common reason a Whirlpool fridge will stop making ice is when the icemaker mold thermostat stops functioning.

The mold thermostat is important because it measures the temperature of the ice tray.

Upon the mold reaching the proper temperature, the icemaker ejected the cubes and refills the mold with water.

To check the thermostat you’ll need to use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity present, replace the thermostat.

Here’s how to replace this part:

1. Disconnect power to the unit
2. Open the freezer door and remove the ice bin
3. Reach in and lift on the shut off lever for the icemaker
4. Locate the 2 mounting screws on the sidewall, don’t remove – just loosen
5. Lift the icemaker off the mounting screws
6. Disconnect the wiring harness from the icemaker
7. Close the freezer door and place the icemaker on a suitable work surface
8. Remove the front cover from the icemaker
9. Disconnect the bail arm
10. Remove the screws at the bottom of the icemaker head
11. Remove the front of the icemaker head completely off – hold the eject lever in place as you do this
12. The thermostat is now visible. Remove the thermostat and discard
13. Replace the thermostat and begin reassembling the icemaker following these steps backward

Icemakers are convenient and great to have. That is when they’re working.

Are you having problems with your Maytag/Whirlpool fridge icemaker not working?

When repairing an icemaker, it’s important to know how ice maker works and how much ice it should be producing.

Ice maker generally dumps once every one or two hours.

An icemaker that dumps ice one per hour has strong production, where one that dumps every two hours is weaker, but still acceptable.

On average, an icemaker should make anywhere from 80 to 175 ice cubes within 24-hours.

If you just turned your fridge on, you should give it at least 24 to 48 hours to fill the ice bin completely. Though keep in mind that every fridge is different, and it can take longer.

At the very bottom of this article, we will show you the procedure on How To Test Ice Maker Components, but first, let start with possible issues which may cause these problems.

Freezer Temperature Goes UP

The temperature inside your freezer should be between 0 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature goes above this, the ice maker will stop efficiently producing ice cubes.

If the freezer temperature is too high, try to lower it a bit.

Also check the condenser coils to ensure they are free of debris, and that the condenser fan is working.

The other thing you’ll want to look for is frost on the evaporator coils.

If the coils for the evaporator are frosted, it’s likely that a component of the defrost system has failed.

Because ice maker depends 100% on the freezer temperature. If something wrong will go with the freezer, ice maker will not work.

To get the best temperature reading make sure the freezer door has been closed at least 30 minutes prior to checking.

Failed Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is a valve that’s electronically controlled, and works to open thus allowing water into the dispenser and ice maker.

When the inlet valve becomes defective, or doesn’t have sufficient pressure, it stops allowing water to flow through.

This will result in your icemaker being unable to produce ice.

This valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to work correctly. So, first check that this is the amount of pressure going through the valve.

If you find the water pressure is normal, you’ll need to use a multimeter to check for power going to the inlet valve.

Also, without powering valve up, you can check the resistance of the valve coils using a multimeter, there should be 500-1500 Ohms.

If you find that the valve has good pressure and there’s power going to it, but your icemaker still isn’t working, replace the water inlet valve.

Faulty Icemaker Mold Thermostat

Another common reason a Whirlpool fridge will stop making ice is when the icemaker mold thermostat stops functioning.

The mold thermostat is important because it measures the temperature of the ice tray.

Upon the mold reaching the proper temperature, the icemaker ejected the cubes and refills the mold with water.

To check the thermostat you’ll need to use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity present, replace the thermostat.

Here’s how to replace this part:

1. Disconnect power to the unit
2. Open the freezer door and remove the ice bin
3. Reach in and lift on the shut off lever for the icemaker
4. Locate the 2 mounting screws on the sidewall, don’t remove – just loosen
5. Lift the icemaker off the mounting screws
6. Disconnect the wiring harness from the icemaker
7. Close the freezer door and place the icemaker on a suitable work surface
8. Remove the front cover from the icemaker
9. Disconnect the bail arm
10. Remove the screws at the bottom of the icemaker head
11. Remove the front of the icemaker head completely off – hold the eject lever in place as you do this
12. The thermostat is now visible. Remove the thermostat and discard
13. Replace the thermostat and begin reassembling the icemaker following these steps backward