It’s hard to enjoy the convenience of a refrigerator’s ice and water dispenser if it doesn’t respond to your commands. Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing water or ice? The water filter may be incorrectly installed or in need of replacement. Determine the reason for dispenser problems with these troubleshooting tips.
Why Is My Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water or Ice?
While most dispenser issues can be resolved with a DIY fix, a part malfunction may require a professional repair. Here’s how to determine the right solution for a Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing water or ice.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Control Lock is Activated
If you find your Whirlpool refrigerator water and ice dispenser not working, first determine if the Control Lock is enabled. The Control Lock feature turns off the dispenser to prevent accidental activation or enable easy cleaning. How can you tell if the Control Lock feature is activated? Depending on your model refrigerator, the display panel will show a lock icon above the LOCK button.
To deactivate the Control Lock feature and restore the dispenser’s function, press and hold the LOCK button down for three seconds. An unlocked icon should appear over the LOCK button, indicating that the dispenser is activated.
Water Filter is Installed Incorrectly or Needs Replacement
Water filter issues are a common cause of dispenser problems, resulting in reduced water flow or pressure that limits production. If the refrigerator water dispenser works intermittently or dispenses water or ice more slowly, a filter issue may be responsible.
These water filter issues can result in dispenser problems:
- Improper installation: A filter that’s incorrectly installed can limit water flow and pressure. Refer to your user manual’s instructions to ensure that the filter is installed properly.
- Dirty filter: A refrigerator water filter should be changed every 6 months. This prevents a buildup of contaminants from restricting water flow and producing smelly ice.
- Damaged filter: Inspect the filter and its housing for cracks or holes that can affect performance. A damaged filter requires replacement.
- Incorrect filter is installed: Whirlpool recommends using only a CGP (Certified Genuine Part) EveryDrop filter for optimum performance.
Water Line is Frozen
Since the refrigerator’s water line passes through the freezer, any lingering water droplets in the line can be subject to freezing. This will cause a blockage that prohibits or reduces water flow to the dispenser. If you find your refrigerator water line frozen, check your freezer temperature to make sure it’s between 0-5℉. A temperature below 0℉ is more likely to freeze the line.
To defrost the water line, the refrigerator ice maker needs to be disconnected and removed from the freezer. Once the line is accessible, aim a hairdryer at it for 15 minutes until the ice falls out or water stops dripping.
Door Switch is Broken
Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing water or ice after trying these DIY tips? It’s possible the door switch may be broken. This switch turns the dispenser off if the refrigerator door is open. However, if it malfunctions, the dispenser will remain off even if the door is closed. To diagnose a broken door switch, test it for continuity with a multimeter. If the switch has no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
Water Dispenser Switch is Defective
If you find your refrigerator dispenser control board not working when you press a button, the dispenser switch may be defective. This switch sends electrical voltage to the dispenser to activate the dispenser when a button is pushed. If the switch is defective, it won’t provide the necessary voltage and the control board won’t respond.
If the water dispenser switch shows no continuity with multimeter testing, it requires a professional Whirlpool refrigerator repair.
Whether you’re experiencing refrigerator cooling issues or a Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing water and ice, we can help. Schedule an assessment with A-Tech Appliance Service for a fast and professional response!
