One of the most common problems with a Whirlpool refrigerator is the failure to dump ice cubes. There are many reasons behind it. We’ll explain them and provide their DIY solutions.
This is to help your refrigerator function effectively, save you the repair costs, and ensure you get ice cubes whenever you need them.
Reasons your Whirlpool ice maker is not dumping ice
Before you rush to call a technician, check this troubleshooting guide and try the recommended fixes.
1. The ice maker is off
When your ice maker is OFF, it won’t dump ice into the tray. Look for the power switch and make sure it’s turned ON. If you can’t find it check your appliance manual.
In case the ice maker doesn’t start to dump the ice cubes, test the switch for continuity using a multimeter. If it lacks continuity, replace it.
For some refrigerator models, check the control arm. You might have nudged it OFF accidentally while cleaning. Move it down to turn it ON and you’re good to go.
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2. Ejector arm and harvesting fingers are jammed
Jamming the ejector’s arm and harvesting fingers also prevent the ice maker from dumping ice. This happens when ice accumulates around the ejector arm or freezes on the strippers causing an ice bridge that blocks the harvesting fingers.
To solve the issue, remove the accumulated ice using a plastic utensil so that you don’t damage any components. You can also pour warm water until the ice melts and frees the harvesting fingers. If you notice any damage on the ejector arm and harvesting fingers, replace them immediately.
3. The ice maker auger motor is burnt
The motor is responsible for pushing ice through the system. So, when it malfunctions the ice maker won’t dump ice into the tray. Check if the motor turns freely then use a multimeter to test it gets power.
Remove any physical obstacles that might be hindering the performance of the auger motor. If the power supply is okay but the motor is not working, then it could be burnt and must be replaced.
4. The dispenser control board failed
Another reason your Whirlpool Ice Maker is not working is that the dispenser control board has failed. This part controls most of the ice dispenser systems. Therefore, a malfunction stalls all those systems, plus the ones depending on them.
To be sure the dispenser control board has failed, test the different ice dispenser components with a multimeter. If none of them works, then your control board is faulty and should be fixed.
The first solution is to reset the control board. To do that, look for a reset button and press it or unplug the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes then plug it back in. The other option is to replace the dispenser control board. Make sure you order the right part.
5. A faulty mold thermostat
If you’ve got this far and your Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker is not dispensing ice still, you need to check the mold thermostat.
This part is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the ice molds and prompting an automatic ice dump when the mold gets to a certain temperature.
Now, when the mold thermostat doesn’t work, the temperature change will go unnoticed, hence the ice maker won’t dispense the ice it has produced.
The solution here is to replace the ice maker mold thermostat.
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6. Icemaker mold heater failure
Whenever the ice maker produces enough ice cubes, the ice maker mold heater is triggered to heat the mold to loosen the ice cubes. This ensures they drop into the storage bin easily.
When the mold heater fails, the ice cubes remain stuck on the mold. You’ll have to pour hot water to free the ice or use a dryer on low. The long-term solution is to replace the ice maker mold heater.
7. Defective ice level control board
Lastly, the reason your Whirlpool Ice Maker is not dumping ice is a defective ice level control board. This part features an infrared sensor that detects the level of ice in the collecting tray/bucket. Once it gets to the top the beam is blocked and this stops the ice production and harvesting cycle.
When you use the ice and it drops below the beam, ice production and harvesting continue normally.
If the infrared sensor is blocked or damaged, the ice maker thinks the bucket is full so it doesn’t produce or dump ice cubes. You’ll have to remove the obstacle blocking the infrared light beam or replace the entire ice level control board to solve this problem.
Now that you know why your Whirlpool ice maker is not dumping ice and how to fix the problem, you should get started right away. If your situation seems too complex and none of the solutions work, reach out to a qualified fridge technician.
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