How to Remove the Ice Maker From Your Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

Disconnect the water supply and power before you start

The first step is to shut off water to the ice maker and unplug the refrigerator. Locate the water shut-off valve behind your refrigerator — it is usually a small knob or lever on the wall or under the sink, depending on how your home is plumbed. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Then unplug the refrigerator from the outlet.

This matters because ice makers hold water under pressure, and the electrical components can cause injury if you touch them while the unit is live. Taking these two steps takes less than a minute and prevents damage to yourself and the appliance.

Key Takeaways

• Turn off the water shut-off valve behind the refrigerator and unplug the unit before touching any ice maker parts.
• The ice maker assembly in a Whirlpool French door model is held in place by two screws on the front and a clip on the back that you push down to release.
• Disconnect the water inlet tube by pressing the release collar on the fitting and pulling the tube straight out.
• The electrical connector unplugs by hand — no tools needed — and sits on the right side of the ice maker housing.
• Slide the entire assembly out toward you once all fasteners and connections are loose.

Remove the screws holding the ice maker to the freezer wall

Open the freezer door and look at the ice maker unit. On the front face, you will see two Phillips-head screws — one near the top left and one near the top right of the housing. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove both. Keep these screws in a small container so you do not lose them; you may need them later if you reinstall the unit or sell the refrigerator.

After the screws are out, the ice maker will still be held in place by a clip on the back wall of the freezer. Do not try to pull it out yet — you will break the clip or the water line.

Release the rear mounting clip and disconnect the water line

Reach behind the ice maker assembly and locate the mounting clip on the back wall of the freezer. It is a plastic tab that slides into a slot. Push it downward or to the side — the direction depends on your model, but you will feel it give way. Once the clip releases, the ice maker will sit loose in its cavity.

Now you need to disconnect the water inlet tube. This tube runs from the back of the ice maker to the water supply line. Look for a small plastic fitting where the tube connects. Press the release collar (a small ring around the fitting) and pull the tube straight out. Water may drip, so have a towel ready. If the tube is stuck, do not force it — wiggle it gently while pulling.

Unplug the electrical connector

The ice maker has a single electrical connector that plugs into the refrigerator's wiring harness. This connector is usually on the right side of the ice maker housing, near the bottom. Grip the connector body (not the wires) and pull it straight out. It should come free by hand — no tools are needed.

Once the connector is unplugged, the ice maker is fully disconnected from water and power. At this point, nothing is holding it in place except gravity and the cavity walls.

Slide the ice maker assembly out of the freezer

Grip both sides of the ice maker housing and slide it toward you slowly. It should move smoothly without resistance. If it catches, stop and check that you have released the rear clip fully and disconnected the water tube completely. Once it is free, set it on a clean, flat surface.

If you plan to store the ice maker, wrap it in a plastic bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Keep the screws, the water tube, and the electrical connector together in a labeled container.

What to do with the empty cavity

After removal, you will have an open space in the freezer wall. If you are removing the ice maker permanently, Whirlpool sells a filler panel (also called a blank or trim kit) that fits into this cavity. The part number varies by model, so check your refrigerator's serial number plate or your user manual to order the correct one.

If you do not install a filler panel, cold air will escape from the cavity and your freezer will work harder to maintain temperature. This wastes energy and can cause frost buildup in other parts of the freezer. A filler panel costs between $30 and $60 and takes about five minutes to install — it simply slides into the opening and is held by the same mounting points the ice maker used.

Reconnect the water supply and plug in the refrigerator

Once the ice maker is out and the filler panel is installed (if you chose to add one), turn the water shut-off valve back on by turning it counterclockwise. Check the connection point behind the refrigerator for leaks — water should not drip from the valve or the now-disconnected water line.

Plug the refrigerator back in. The unit will take a few minutes to return to normal operating temperature. Your freezer will now run without an ice maker, and you have freed up space for frozen food storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove the ice maker without turning off the water?

No. The water line is under pressure, and disconnecting it without shutting off the valve will cause water to spray out and damage your floor and the refrigerator's internal components. Always turn off the water first.

What if I want to reinstall the ice maker later?

Keep all the screws, the water tube, the electrical connector, and the filler panel (if you removed it). Reverse the steps: install the ice maker in the cavity, reconnect the water tube by pushing it into the fitting until you hear a click, plug in the electrical connector, and secure the two front screws. Turn the water back on and test for leaks.

Do I need a filler panel if I leave the cavity empty?

You do not need one to operate the refrigerator, but your freezer will lose cold air through the opening and your energy bills will rise. A filler panel is inexpensive and worth installing if you plan to keep the ice maker out long-term.

Where do I find the water shut-off valve?

It is usually located on the wall behind the refrigerator, or under the kitchen sink in the cabinet below. Look for a small knob or lever on the cold water supply line. If you cannot find it, check your home's main water shut-off valve or contact a plumber.

What if water leaks after I reconnect the supply?

Turn off the water valve immediately. Check that the water tube is pushed fully into the fitting — it should click when seated. If it still leaks, the tube or fitting may be cracked. Order a replacement water inlet tube from Whirlpool using your model number and try again.