How to Reset Your Whirlpool Ice Maker When It Stops Working

Reset Your Ice Maker in Three Steps

A Whirlpool ice maker stops working for simple reasons—a stuck fill valve, a tripped control board, or a sensor that needs clearing. The reset process takes less than five minutes and requires no tools. Locate the reset button (a small red or black switch on the ice maker itself, usually on the front or side), press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. The ice maker will beep or click, and the cycle restarts. If nothing happens after reset, move to the troubleshooting steps below.

Before you reset, check one thing: Is the ice maker turned on? Look for a power switch or toggle on the unit itself—many Whirlpool models have one separate from the refrigerator's main power. If it is off, turn it on first. If it is already on and the reset button does not work, the issue is likely one of the problems covered in the sections that follow.

Key Takeaways

• The reset button on a Whirlpool ice maker is a small red or black switch located on the front or side of the unit; press and hold it for three to five seconds.
• After reset, the ice maker will beep or click and begin a new cycle, which takes 24 to 48 hours to produce the first batch of ice.
• If the reset button does not work, check that the water supply line is connected and the freezer temperature is at 0°F or below.
• A stuck fill valve or frozen water line is the most common reason a reset fails, and both can be cleared without calling a technician.
• If ice production resumes but stops again within a few days, the control board may need replacement, which is a job for a service technician.

Locate the Reset Button on Your Model

Whirlpool ice makers come in two main styles: the cube maker mounted inside the freezer compartment, and the dispenser-style unit built into the door. On the in-freezer cube maker, the reset button is usually on the front face of the unit, below the ice bucket or to the side. It is small—about the size of a pencil eraser—and colored red or black. On door-mounted dispensers, the button is often on the back of the dispenser housing, which you access by removing the front cover (usually held by two screws or clips).

If you cannot find the button, check your refrigerator's model number (printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall or ceiling) and look up the manual on Whirlpool's website. The manual will show you exactly where the button sits and what it looks like for your specific model. Do not confuse the reset button with the on/off switch—the reset button is smaller and recessed slightly into the housing.

What Happens Immediately After You Press Reset

When you press and hold the reset button, the ice maker's control board clears its memory and restarts. You will hear a beep, a click, or a brief motor sound within a few seconds. This is normal. The ice maker then enters its fill cycle, which means it draws water into the mold and begins freezing. Do not be alarmed if you hear water running or see the mold fill—this is the reset working.

The first batch of ice takes 24 to 48 hours to form and drop into the bucket, depending on your freezer temperature and how cold the mold gets. During this time, the ice maker may cycle several times as it tests the fill valve and sensor. If you hear the motor running but no ice appears after two days, move to the troubleshooting section below. If ice does appear, the reset was successful and your ice maker is back in service.

Check the Water Supply Line and Temperature

Before you assume the reset failed, verify two things that stop ice makers more often than anything else: water flow and freezer temperature. First, locate the water supply line that feeds the ice maker. On most Whirlpool models, this is a thin plastic or copper tube that runs from the back of the refrigerator to the ice maker inlet. Trace it from the ice maker back to where it connects to the refrigerator's water valve (usually behind the fridge, near the floor). Make sure the line is not kinked, pinched, or disconnected. If it is disconnected, push it firmly onto the valve fitting until you hear a click or feel resistance.

Next, check your freezer temperature. Open the freezer door and look for a thermometer, or set one inside for 30 minutes. The freezer must be at 0°F (−18°C) or colder for the ice maker to work. If it is warmer than 0°F, adjust the temperature dial or digital control to a colder setting. Wait 24 hours for the freezer to stabilize, then check again. A freezer that is too warm will not freeze water in the mold, and the reset will appear to have failed even though the ice maker itself is working.

Clear a Frozen or Stuck Fill Valve

The fill valve is a small solenoid that opens to let water into the mold and closes when the mold is full. If water has frozen inside the valve or if mineral deposits have jammed it, the reset will not help—the valve will not open, and no water reaches the mold. You can clear this yourself without removing the ice maker.

Locate the water inlet tube where it connects to the ice maker (usually a small plastic fitting on the back or bottom of the unit). Use a warm, damp cloth to wrap around this fitting for two to three minutes. The warmth will thaw any ice inside the valve. Then, with the ice maker still on, listen for a clicking sound—this is the fill valve opening and closing as it cycles. If you hear the click and water begins to flow into the mold, the valve is now clear. If you do not hear a click or see water, the valve may be stuck with mineral buildup and will need replacement by a technician.

Inspect the Ice Maker Sensor and Mold

The ice maker has a sensor that detects when the mold is full and signals the ejector to push the ice out. If this sensor is dirty or blocked by frost, it sends the wrong signal and the cycle stops. Open your freezer and look at the ice maker mold. You should see a small arm or lever on the side or bottom—this is the sensor. If it is covered in frost or ice, use a plastic scraper or old credit card to gently remove the buildup. Do not use a metal tool, which can damage the sensor.

While you are there, check the mold itself for cracks or damage. If the mold is cracked, water will leak out instead of freezing, and no ice will form. A cracked mold cannot be repaired and must be replaced. If the mold looks intact and the sensor is now clear, press the reset button again and wait 24 hours. If ice still does not form, the sensor itself may be faulty and will need replacement.

When to Call a Technician

If you have reset the ice maker, checked the water line, verified the freezer temperature, cleared the fill valve, and cleaned the sensor—and ice still does not appear after 48 hours—the problem is likely inside the control board or in a component that requires specialized tools to replace. At this point, contact a Whirlpool service technician or an independent appliance repair company. Bring your refrigerator's model number and a description of what you have already tried. This will help the technician diagnose the issue faster.

If ice production resumes after the reset but stops again within a few days, the control board may be cycling on and off incorrectly, or the fill valve may be failing intermittently. This also requires a technician's visit. Do not attempt to replace internal components yourself—the water valve, control board, and mold are all connected to the water supply, and improper installation can cause leaks or electrical hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?

The first batch of ice usually appears 24 to 48 hours after reset. The exact time depends on how cold your freezer is and how quickly the mold reaches 0°F. If nothing appears after 48 hours, the water supply or sensor is likely the problem.

Will resetting the ice maker erase any settings on my refrigerator?

No. The reset button only restarts the ice maker's control board, not the refrigerator's main controls. Your temperature settings, water filter status, and other fridge settings will remain unchanged.

Can I reset the ice maker while it is full of ice?

Yes, you can reset it at any time. The reset will clear the bucket and start a new cycle. If you want to keep the ice that is already there, empty the bucket first, then reset.

What if the reset button is stuck or will not press?

A stuck button usually means the ice maker housing is frozen or the button itself is jammed with ice. Thaw the area around the button with a warm, damp cloth for a few minutes, then try again. If it still will not budge, do not force it—contact a technician instead.

Do I need to turn off the water supply before resetting?

No. The reset does not affect the water supply line. You only need to turn off the water supply if you are removing the ice maker or replacing the fill valve, which is a job for a technician.