Why is my Whirlpool ice machine not making enough ice?

A freestanding or under-the-counter ice machine is a great appliance to have in your home to keep a steady supply of ice, particularly during hot summer months or holiday gatherings. But like any other appliance, it needs general maintenance and, at times, repairs.

If your Whirlpool ice machine is producing too little ice, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot and fix it yourself.

If you need a part for your ice machine, you can use your model number to search AppliancePartsPros.com for a replacement. Most orders arrive in two business days.

Let’s explore some of the most common causes of insufficient ice production along with some tips to get your ice machine working again. 

NOTE: The information in this article is intended for freestanding or under-the-counter ice machines. 

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Read More: How to replace a water inlet valve on a Whirlpool ice machine

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your ice machine or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the ice machine’s parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles.
• Never work on ice machine parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing the ice machine’s parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.

Common culprits

Insufficient water supply

Addressing your home’s water supply will rule out any issues before moving on to inspect parts inside the ice machine. Low water pressure from the main supply can limit the amount of water that makes it to the reservoir, no matter how well the ice machine is working. 

Check the connections from the water source to the back of the ice machine. Make sure the valve is open and that there are no kinks or debris in the water line or visible leaks that could be restricting flow.

Warmer room temperature

The area where the ice machine is located can affect its output. Most ice machines work best in kitchens or utility rooms between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 70 degrees may cause ice production to slow significantly. 

• Check room air vents and make sure there isn’t any excess heat being generated near the unit.
• Consider relocating the ice machine if it’s installed in an area that gets significantly warmer, like a garage. If production improves in a cooler spot, that will tell you if the room it came from is the issue. 

Dirty condenser coils

The condenser coils are located on the lower front of the ice machine cabinet. Their job is to dissipate heat from the refrigeration system. Over time, these coils can become clogged with dust and debris, which can reduce their ability to transfer heat outside. 

Dirty condenser coils force the compressor to work harder to remove heat, which in turn reduces the ice machine’s efficiency. This extra strain can diminish the ice-making capacity of the unit.

To clean the condenser coils:

1. Unplug the ice machine and pull it away from the wall.
2. Use a small brush (AP5631860) or vacuum crevice tool to gently remove loose dirt buildup from the coil fins. 

Remember to inspect and clean the condenser coils at least once every six months as part of routine maintenance. 

Dirty, clogged or aging water filter

NOTE: This information only applies to ice machines that a user has added a water filter to. The machines do not originally include water filters.

The water filter prevents mineral deposits from clogging up parts of the ice machine. If the filter is dirty, clogged or very old, it may not be restricting the water going into the machine, which can cause it to produce less ice. 

The filter should be changed around every 6 months. Some ice machine models include an indicator light to let you know when it’s time for a replacement filter. 

Make sure you always use a compatible OEM filter and follow all manufacturer guidelines to avoid more problems. 

Internal parts you can test and replace as needed

Several internal parts of a freestanding ice machine can potentially cause it to produce insufficient ice if they are faulty or malfunctioning. Here’s what to check:

Water inlet valve

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the ice machine. If it’s defective, it can restrict the water supply and cause insufficient ice production. 

To test it, disconnect the water supply and inspect it for any clogs or debris. You can also use a multimeter to check if it’s receiving the right amount of voltage.

Water pump

The water pump circulates water through the ice machine. If the pump is malfunctioning or has a reduced flow rate, it can limit the amount of water available for ice production. 

Disconnect the water line leading to the pump and check if the water is flowing freely. If not, there may be a blockage that needs to be cleared. If there isn’t a clog, the pump may need to be replaced. 

Evaporator plate

The evaporator plate is responsible for freezing the water and forming ice in the machine. If the plate is damaged or dirty, it can negatively affect the freezing process. You may need to clean the plate off. Use a nickel-safe cleaner for ice machines (AP6783092) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular maintenance cleaning. If the evaporator plate is damaged, replace it.

Evaporator thermistor

The evaporator thermistor regulates the ice-making process by sensing temperature changes. If this part fails, an inaccurate reading will cause the control board to prematurely empty ice from the evaporator plate. 

Use a multimeter to check for resistance across the thermistor leads. Refer to your ice machine’s tech sheet to see the acceptable values. Abnormal high or low values indicate a faulty thermistor that needs to be replaced.

Bin thermistor

The bin thermistor is usually located in the ice storage bin to monitor the level of ice in the bin. If the thermistor is faulty, it may provide inaccurate readings. 

Find a copy of the ice machine’s tech sheet to see what the acceptable resistance levels are for the thermistor. Then test the thermistor for resistance. A reading outside the normal range means the thermistor needs to be replaced. 

Condenser fan motor

Behind the condenser coils is a fan that blows ambient air through the coils to dissipate heat. Over prolonged use, the condenser fan motor can degrade or fail. A non-working fan prevents proper heat exchange.

To test the condenser fan motor:

1. Remove any attached safety guards or covers.
2. Gently spin the fan blades by hand with the power off. There should be little resistance as they spin.
3. Turn on the ice machine and check for air movement. If there’s no movement across the condenser coils, the fan motor may need replacement.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you troubleshoot and fix your Whirlpool ice machine.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find other resources and our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in 2-3 business days.

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