How to Remove the Ice Chute From Your Whirlpool Refrigerator

The ice chute comes out by releasing two clips and sliding it forward

The ice chute on a Whirlpool refrigerator is held in place by two plastic clips on the inside walls of the freezer compartment, one on each side. To remove it, you open the freezer door, locate these clips (they sit near the top of the chute opening), press them inward toward the center, and slide the chute straight out toward you. The whole job takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

You might need to remove the chute to clean ice buildup, replace a cracked or broken chute, clear a jam in the ice dispenser mechanism, or access the dispenser motor for service. Whatever your reason, the removal process is the same across most Whirlpool models with side-by-side or French-door layouts.

Key Takeaways

• The ice chute is held by two spring clips, one on each side, that you press inward to release.
• Push the clips toward the center of the chute while pulling the chute straight out toward you.
• The chute should slide out smoothly; if it sticks, check that both clips are fully released before forcing it.
• Before reinstalling, wipe the chute clean and inspect the clips for cracks or wear.
• Reinstallation is the reverse: slide the chute in until both clips snap into place with an audible click.

Locate the two release clips inside the freezer

Open your freezer door and look at the ice chute opening—the rectangular slot where ice cubes fall into the dispenser bin below. On the left and right interior walls of this opening, you will see two small plastic clips or tabs protruding inward. These clips are spring-loaded and hold the chute in its frame.

The clips are usually white or gray plastic and sit roughly level with the top edge of the chute. If your view is blocked by frost or ice, use a plastic scraper or old credit card to gently clear the area. Do not use a metal tool, as it can scratch the interior walls or damage the clips themselves.

Press both clips inward and pull the chute straight out

With the freezer door open, use your index fingers or thumbs to press both clips toward the center of the chute at the same time. You will feel them give slightly as the spring tension releases. While holding the clips pressed inward, grasp the front edge of the chute with your other hand and pull it straight toward you in one smooth motion.

The chute should slide out without resistance once both clips are fully released. If you feel it catching or binding, stop and check that both clips are pressed all the way in. Forcing a stuck chute can crack the plastic or bend the clips out of shape, making reinstallation difficult.

Inspect the chute and clips for damage before reinstalling

Once the chute is out, hold it up to the light and look for cracks, splits, or cloudy areas where ice has etched the plastic. Small surface cracks may not affect function, but a crack that runs across the width of the chute or a hole will allow ice to jam or water to leak. If the chute is damaged beyond minor cosmetic wear, you will need to order a replacement part from Whirlpool using your refrigerator's model number.

While the chute is out, also inspect the two clips on the frame itself. They should be straight, not bent or cracked. If a clip is broken, the chute will not stay in place after you reinstall it. Clips can sometimes be ordered separately, though many Whirlpool models require you to replace the entire dispenser assembly. Check your model's parts diagram in the manual or contact Whirlpool customer service to confirm what is available for your unit.

Clean the chute and the dispenser opening

Use warm water and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the chute, paying special attention to the interior surfaces where ice residue builds up. If there is stubborn ice or mineral deposits, soak the chute in warm water for five minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Dry it completely with a clean cloth before reinstalling.

While the chute is out, also clean the dispenser opening and the area around the clips. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any ice, dust, or debris. This is a good time to check that the ice dispenser motor and auger (the spiral mechanism that pushes ice forward) are turning freely and not jammed with ice. If the auger does not spin by hand, ice may be blocking it—use warm water to melt the blockage rather than forcing it.

Slide the chute back in until both clips click into place

To reinstall, align the chute with the opening and slide it straight in toward the back of the freezer. Push it in slowly and steadily until you hear or feel a click on both the left and right sides—this is the clips snapping back into their locked position. The chute should be flush with the freezer interior and not stick out.

Once reinstalled, close the freezer door and test the ice dispenser by pressing the lever or button. Ice should fall smoothly into the cup or bin. If the chute feels loose or ice does not dispense, open the freezer again and check that both clips are fully seated. If the clips are in place but the chute is still loose, one of the clips may be bent or broken and will need to be replaced.

Troubleshooting if the chute will not come out or go back in

If the chute is stuck and will not slide out even after you have pressed both clips, ice may have frozen the chute to the frame. Close the freezer door and wait 15 to 20 minutes, then try again. Alternatively, use a hair dryer on the low setting to gently warm the edges of the chute where it meets the frame, which will melt any ice bond. Do not use high heat, as it can warp the plastic.

If the chute will not slide back in smoothly, check that the clips are not bent inward. Look at them from the side—they should point straight into the opening, not at an angle. If a clip is bent, you may need to gently straighten it with a plastic mallet or by hand, or order a replacement clip assembly. Also make sure the chute itself is not warped; a bent chute will not align with the opening and will bind as you try to insert it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the refrigerator before removing the ice chute?

No. The ice chute is a passive plastic part with no electrical connections, so you do not need to shut off power. However, if you are working on the dispenser motor or auger behind the chute, you should unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker for safety.

What if one of the clips is broken and I cannot find a replacement?

Contact Whirlpool customer service with your refrigerator's model number. They can tell you whether the clip is sold separately or if you must replace the entire dispenser assembly. In the meantime, you can temporarily secure the chute with a small piece of strong tape or a bungee cord, though this is not a permanent solution.

Can I remove the ice chute without opening the freezer door all the way?

You need enough space to reach both clips and pull the chute out, so open the door at least halfway. If your freezer is in a tight space, you may need to open it fully or even remove shelves to get your hands in comfortably.

Is the ice chute the same on all Whirlpool refrigerators?

The basic design—two side clips and a slide-out chute—is standard across most Whirlpool models, but the exact shape and clip style can vary. Check your owner's manual for your specific model to confirm the removal steps, or look for a diagram on the inside of the freezer door or on Whirlpool's website.

What should I do if water leaks from the chute after I reinstall it?

A leak usually means the chute has a crack or the clips are not fully seated. Remove the chute again, inspect it for cracks, and make sure both clips are straight and not bent. If the chute is cracked, it will need to be replaced. If the clips are fine but the chute still leaks, the frame itself may be warped and require service.