How to Reset Your Whirlpool Ice Maker When It Stops Working
The fastest way to reset a Whirlpool ice maker
Most Whirlpool ice makers respond to a simple reset: locate the ice maker power switch on the side or back of the ice maker itself (not the refrigerator's main power switch), flip it to the OFF position, wait 30 seconds, then flip it back to ON. The ice maker will run a brief cycle and resume normal operation within a few hours. If you cannot find a dedicated switch, look for a small lever or arm you can push upward—this mechanical shut-off stops the ice maker from dispensing and signals it to reset.
If the switch reset does not work, your next step is a control board reset, which clears any error codes the refrigerator's computer has stored. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait five minutes, then plug it back in. This forces the control board to restart and often resolves ice maker faults that a simple switch flip cannot fix. Wait at least four hours before deciding whether the ice maker is working again—it needs time to cycle and produce ice.
Key Takeaways
- The ice maker power switch is usually on the ice maker unit itself, not the refrigerator door or main power panel.
- A 30-second OFF-ON cycle at the ice maker switch fixes most temporary freezes and error states without unplugging the whole refrigerator.
- If the switch reset fails, unplug the refrigerator for five minutes to reset the control board and clear stored error codes.
- After any reset, allow four to six hours for the ice maker to run a full cycle and produce new ice.
- Check that the water line is connected and the freezer temperature is at or below 0°F before assuming the reset failed.
Locating the ice maker power switch on your model
Whirlpool ice makers have the power switch in different places depending on the refrigerator style. In side-by-side models, the switch is usually on the front face of the ice maker, visible when you open the freezer door—it looks like a small toggle or rocker switch labeled ON/OFF or with an up-and-down arrow. In French-door and bottom-freezer models, the switch is often on the back wall of the freezer compartment, near where the ice maker connects to the water line. You may need to remove the ice bucket to see it clearly.
Some Whirlpool models use a mechanical arm instead of an electrical switch. This arm hangs down from the ice maker and stops the machine from dispensing when you push it upward. If your ice maker has this arm, push it all the way up and hold it for a few seconds—this signals the ice maker to shut off and reset. Release it and the ice maker will restart its cycle.
If you cannot locate a switch or arm after checking both the front and back of the ice maker, consult your refrigerator's model number. You can find this number on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the wall behind the crisper drawers or on the back wall. Write down the full model number and search for "[your model number] ice maker reset" on Whirlpool's website or your printed manual—the exact switch location will be shown in the diagram.
Step-by-step reset using the ice maker switch
Turn off the ice maker by flipping the switch to OFF or pushing the mechanical arm all the way up. You should hear a click or feel resistance as the switch locks into place. Wait exactly 30 seconds—this gives the ice maker's internal circuits time to discharge and clear any temporary faults. Do not skip this waiting period; the reset only works if power is fully cut.
After 30 seconds, flip the switch back to ON or release the mechanical arm. The ice maker will emit a brief buzzing or humming sound as it powers up and runs a test cycle. This cycle usually lasts 10 to 15 seconds. You may hear water flowing through the line and the ice maker's motor running—this is normal and means the reset worked.
Leave the freezer door closed for at least four hours. The ice maker needs uninterrupted time to run its normal cycle, freeze water, and eject ice. Do not open the freezer door repeatedly during this period, as warm air will slow the process. Check back after four hours; you should see new ice in the bucket or hear the ice maker running another cycle.
Resetting the control board when the switch does not work
If the ice maker switch reset did not restore operation, the refrigerator's control board may have stored an error code that is blocking the ice maker. A control board reset clears these codes and forces the refrigerator to restart its systems from scratch. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet—do not just turn off the power switch on the door. Wait five full minutes. This time allows the control board's capacitors to fully discharge, erasing any stored faults.
Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet. The lights inside will flicker briefly as the control board powers up and runs its startup sequence. You may hear the compressor and fans kick on. This is normal. Do not open the freezer door for at least 15 minutes while the control board completes its initialization.
After the control board has restarted, check the ice maker switch again and make sure it is in the ON position. Then wait four to six hours for the ice maker to cycle and produce ice. If the ice maker still does not work after a control board reset, the fault is likely a water line blockage, a failed water inlet valve, or a mechanical failure inside the ice maker itself—these require professional service or parts replacement.
Checking water supply and temperature before assuming failure
Before concluding that the reset failed, verify that water is reaching the ice maker. Locate the water inlet valve, which is usually on the back of the refrigerator where the water line connects. Feel the plastic tubing—it should be cool to the touch if water is flowing through it. If the tubing is warm or room temperature, water is not reaching the ice maker and the reset will not help.
Check that the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below. Open the freezer and look for a temperature dial or digital display. If the freezer is warmer than 0°F, the ice maker cannot freeze water properly and will not produce ice even after a reset. Adjust the temperature dial or settings to the coldest position and wait 24 hours for the freezer to reach the correct temperature. Then check the ice maker again.
Inspect the water line for kinks, cracks, or disconnections. If the line is kinked behind the refrigerator, straighten it gently. If you see water pooling under the refrigerator or dripping from the line, the line may be cracked and will need replacement. A reset cannot fix a broken water supply line.
What to do if the ice maker still does not work after reset
If both the switch reset and the control board reset have failed, and water supply and temperature are correct, the ice maker likely has a mechanical or electrical fault that requires parts replacement. The most common failures are a frozen water line (ice blocking the inlet), a failed water inlet valve (the solenoid that opens to let water in), or a broken ice maker motor. These parts cannot be reset—they must be replaced.
You have two options: contact Whirlpool's customer service to arrange a service visit, or purchase a replacement ice maker assembly and install it yourself if you are comfortable with basic appliance repair. Replacement ice makers for Whirlpool refrigerators cost between $150 and $400 depending on the model, plus installation labor if you hire a technician. Whirlpool's warranty covers ice maker defects for one year from the purchase date of the refrigerator, so check your paperwork to see if repair or replacement is covered.
If you choose to troubleshoot further on your own, you can remove the ice bucket and inspect the ice maker's ejector blades and motor for visible damage or ice buildup. If you see ice clogging the mechanism, you can carefully thaw it by placing a bowl of warm (not boiling) water near the ice maker for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use a hair dryer or heat gun—these can damage plastic components. After thawing, run the reset cycle again.
Preventing ice maker problems between resets
Keep the freezer at 0°F or below and avoid opening the door more than necessary. Every time you open the freezer, warm air enters and the compressor must work harder to re-cool the space. This temperature fluctuation can cause the water line to freeze or the ice maker to cycle erratically. If you live in a very cold climate or your kitchen is below 50°F, the water line may freeze even at the correct freezer temperature—in this case, you may need to insulate the line or run it through a warmer part of the refrigerator.
Check the water filter every six months and replace it if it is discolored or has reduced water flow. A clogged filter restricts water to the ice maker and can cause it to stop producing ice or produce small, hollow cubes. Most Whirlpool refrigerators have a filter cartridge inside the refrigerator (usually in the upper right corner) or on the back of the unit. Replacement filters are inexpensive and take less than five minutes to swap.
If you will not be using the refrigerator for more than a week, turn off the ice maker using the switch or arm. This prevents water from sitting in the line and freezing, which can crack the line or block the inlet valve. When you return, turn the ice maker back on and run a reset cycle to clear any faults that may have developed during the shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the ice maker to make ice after a reset?
Most Whirlpool ice makers produce their first batch of ice within four to six hours after a reset. The exact time depends on the freezer temperature and how much ice is already in the bucket. If the bucket is full, the ice maker will not run until you remove some ice. If the freezer is warmer than 0°F, it will take longer to freeze the water.
Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator's settings?
A switch reset will not affect any settings. A control board reset (unplugging for five minutes) may reset the temperature dial to the default setting, so check your freezer temperature after you plug the refrigerator back in. Your refrigerator's ice and water dispenser settings should remain unchanged, but if you have a digital display, it may show the time as 12:00 and you may need to reset the clock.
Can I reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is plugged in?
Yes. The ice maker switch reset can be done while the refrigerator is running—just flip the switch on the ice maker itself. However, a control board reset requires you to unplug the entire refrigerator from the wall outlet. Do not try to reset the control board by flipping the main power switch on the refrigerator door; this does not fully discharge the board.
What if the ice maker switch is stuck and will not move?
A stuck switch usually means ice or frost has built up around it. Thaw the area gently with a bowl of warm water held nearby for 10 to 15 minutes, then try the switch again. Do not force it or use tools to pry it—you can break the switch mechanism. If it remains stuck after thawing, the switch itself may be faulty and will need replacement.
Should I turn off the ice maker in summer if my kitchen gets very warm?
If your kitchen stays above 70°F consistently, you can leave the ice maker on—Whirlpool refrigerators are designed to operate in kitchens up to 90°F. However, if your kitchen is very humid or you notice the ice maker cycling constantly without producing ice, turn it off using the switch. Constant cycling wastes water and can wear out the motor. Turn it back on when the kitchen cools down.