How To Replace Ice Maker In Whirlpool Side By Side Refrigerator

ByJim Boslice Home & Kitchen

To replace a Whirlpool ice maker, unplug the refrigerator, remove the ice storage bin, and loosen the 1/4-inch hex head mounting screws. Disconnect the wiring harness, swap the old unit for the new one, and tighten the screws before restoring power.

This repair typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and requires only a nut driver or a flathead screwdriver, saving you the cost of a professional service call.

Have you ever reached for a cold glass of water after a long afternoon of sawing or welding in the workshop, only to find your ice bin bone-dry? It is a common frustration for many DIYers, but learning how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator units is actually one of the simplest appliance repairs you can tackle.

I know how it feels to see a “simple” appliance fail and worry about the high cost of a service technician coming to your home. You do not need to be a master electrician to handle this job; if you can turn a nut driver and plug in a harness, you have the skills required.

In the following guide, I will walk you through the tools you need, the safety precautions to take, and the exact steps to get your ice production back on track. We will cover everything from identifying the correct part number to troubleshooting the first harvest of cubes.

Identifying the Symptoms of a Failed Ice Maker

Before you start pulling things apart, you need to be sure the ice maker itself is the culprit. Sometimes the issue is a frozen water line or a clogged filter rather than a mechanical failure of the unit.

Common signs of a dead ice maker include a complete lack of ice production, cubes that are unusually small, or a clicking sound coming from the freezer. If you see water leaking into the bin and freezing into a solid block, the fill cup or the internal heater may have failed.

Another thing to check is the optic sensor if your model has one. If the “status” light is blinking a code, it might mean the sensors are dirty or misaligned rather than the motor being burnt out.

how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator

When you are ready to learn how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator components, the first thing to realize is that Whirlpool has used a very similar design for decades. Most side-by-side models use a modular ice maker that is held in by just two or three screws.

The process begins with clearing out the freezer space so you have room to work without freezing your knuckles. Remove the ice bucket and any top-shelf items that might block your access to the side wall where the unit is mounted.

Once the area is clear, you will see the ice maker assembly attached to the left-hand wall of the freezer. It is usually tucked behind a plastic shroud or decorative cover that may need to be popped off with a flathead screwdriver.

Tools and Parts You Will Need for the Job

One of the best things about this repair is that it requires very few tools. You likely already have everything you need in your workshop toolbox or garage cabinet.

  • 1/4-inch Nut Driver: This is the primary tool for almost all appliance repair.
  • Flathead Screwdriver: Useful for prying off plastic covers or releasing wire harness clips.
  • Needle-Nose Pliers: Helpful if the wiring harness is stuck or if you need to adjust the fill tube.
  • Putty Knife: Occasionally needed to scrape away any ice buildup around the mounting brackets.

As for the parts, you must match the model number of your refrigerator to the correct ice maker kit. Look for the sticker inside the refrigerator door or on the ceiling of the fresh food compartment to find your specific model number.

I always recommend buying an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. While “universal” kits are cheaper, they often require you to splice wires, which is an unnecessary headache for a beginner DIYer.

Pre-Installation: Safety and Preparation

Safety is the most important part of any project, whether you are welding a frame or fixing a fridge. You must disconnect the power before touching any internal components.

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it from the outlet. If your unit is built-in or too heavy to move, find the circuit breaker in your main panel and flip it to the “off” position for that kitchen circuit.

You should also turn off the water supply valve, which is usually located behind the fridge or under the kitchen sink. While we aren’t cutting into pipes, it is a safety-first habit to prevent accidental floods if a fill valve decides to trigger while you are working.

Testing the Freezer Temperature

Before assuming the ice maker is broken, check your freezer temperature with a thermometer. An ice maker will not cycle if the temperature is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius).

If your freezer is too warm, the thermostat inside the ice maker will never tell the motor to turn. Ensure your coils are clean and the door seal is tight before spending money on a new unit.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now that you are prepared, let’s get into the actual steps of how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator units. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 1: Remove the Ice Bin and Covers

Slide the ice storage bin out and set it aside. If there is a plastic light shield or a wiring cover over the ice maker, remove the screws holding it in place or gently pry it loose.

Keep a small magnetic tray or a cup nearby to hold your screws. In the dark environment of a freezer, it is very easy to lose a 1/4-inch screw in the floor vents.

Step 2: Loosen the Mounting Screws

Most Whirlpool ice makers are “hung” on two screws at the top. You do not usually need to remove these screws entirely; simply loosen them about three or four turns.

Once loosened, you can lift the ice maker up and off the screws. If there is a third screw at the bottom of the unit, you will likely need to remove that one completely to free the assembly.

Step 3: Disconnect the Wiring Harness

The ice maker is connected to the fridge by a plastic plug. There is usually a small locking tab on the side of the plug that you need to depress with your thumb or a screwdriver.

Pull the plug straight out. Do not yank on the wires themselves, as this can damage the internal housing of the refrigerator’s wiring. If the plug is frozen, let it sit for five minutes to warm up slightly.

Step 4: Transfer the Fill Cup

Your new ice maker might not come with the plastic fill cup attached. This is the small “funnel” on the back of the unit where the water enters.

Check your old unit; if the cup is removable, pop it off and snap it onto the new ice maker. Ensure it is seated firmly so water doesn’t splash into the freezer during the fill cycle.

Step 5: Install the New Unit

Plug the wiring harness of the new ice maker into the refrigerator’s socket until you hear a distinct click. This ensures a solid electrical connection for the motor and heater.

Align the mounting holes on the back of the ice maker with the screws you loosened earlier. Slide the unit down onto the screws and tighten them until they are snug, but do not over-tighten and strip the plastic liner.

The Final Check and First Harvest

Once the unit is mounted, make sure the shut-off arm (the metal wire or plastic paddle) is in the “down” position. If the arm is up, the ice maker thinks the bin is full and will not start.

Plug the refrigerator back in and turn on the water supply. It is important to note that the ice maker will not start making ice immediately.

The unit needs to reach a certain internal temperature before it begins its first cycle. This can take anywhere from two to four hours. Once it reaches the set point, it will fill with water and start the freezing process.

I always recommend throwing away the first two or three batches of ice. This flushes out any manufacturing dust or air trapped in the lines, ensuring your ice tastes fresh and clean.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Replacement Issues

If you have followed the steps on how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator but still have no ice after 24 hours, don’t panic. There are a few common hiccups to check.

First, check the water fill tube at the back of the freezer. Sometimes, when you remove the old unit, the tube can get pushed back or misaligned, causing water to miss the fill cup and freeze on the back wall.

Second, ensure the water filter is not clogged. A restricted filter can reduce water pressure so much that the ice maker won’t fill properly. If your water dispenser is also slow, it is time for a new filter.

Lastly, double-check the wire harness. If it isn’t pushed in all the way, the unit won’t receive power. Give it a firm push to make sure the locking tabs are engaged.

Frequently Asked Questions About how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator

How long should a Whirlpool ice maker last?

On average, a refrigerator ice maker lasts about 5 to 10 years. Hard water buildup and frequent use can shorten this lifespan, while regular water filter changes can help extend it.

Can I just repair the motor instead of replacing the whole unit?

While you can technically buy individual components like the module motor or the mold heater, it is usually not cost-effective. The price difference between a single part and the entire assembly is often negligible, and a new assembly ensures all parts are fresh.

Why is my new ice maker making hollow cubes?

Hollow cubes are usually a sign of low water pressure. The ice maker is not filling long enough, or the water inlet valve is partially restricted. Check your home’s water pressure and the condition of the inlet valve on the back of the fridge.

Is there a reset button on Whirlpool ice makers?

Most modern Whirlpool units do not have a physical button. However, you can often “reset” them by cycling the shut-off arm up and down several times or by unplugging the refrigerator for ten minutes to clear the control board memory.

Do I need to defrost the freezer before replacing the ice maker?

You do not need a full defrost, but if there is significant ice buildup around the mounting area, you should use a hair dryer (on low heat) to melt it away so the new unit sits flush against the wall.

Conclusion: Taking Pride in Your Home Repairs

Completing a repair like this is a great way to build confidence in your DIY abilities. Just like squaring a piece of lumber or getting a clean bead on a weld, appliance repair is all about precision and following the right sequence.

By learning how to replace ice maker in whirlpool side by side refrigerator, you have saved yourself a significant amount of money and gained a deeper understanding of how your home functions. There is a unique satisfaction in hearing that first batch of ice drop into the bin, knowing you did the work yourself.

Don’t stop here! Your workshop skills are highly transferable to every part of your home. Keep your tools sharp, your workspace clean, and always look for the next project that challenges you to learn something new. Now, go enjoy a cold drink—you’ve earned it!

Jim Boslice
Latest posts by Jim Boslice (see all)

Similar Posts