Whirlpool Refrigerator Troubleshooting
Whirlpool refrigerators are known for their reliability. In the rare case that your unit has a problem, this Whirlpool refrigerator troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve the issue quickly and easily.
Refrigerator Not Working
- Unit is unplugged - Plug in the power cord. If your refrigerator isn’t working, checking to see if the unit is plugged in can save a lot of time and frustration.
- Outlet isn’t working - Call an electrician to address the issue.
- Fuse is blown or circuit breaker is tripped - Reset the circuit breaker. If the issue persists, contact an electrician to solve the problem.
- Controls aren’t on - Turn the refrigerator controls on. For more detailed instructions, refer to the user’s manual.
- Refrigerator is newly installed - Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to cool to the set temperature after installation before loading the unit with food product.
Ice Maker Not Making Ice / Not Enough Ice
- Refrigerator isn’t connected to the water supply - Connect the unit to the water supply.
- Water supply valve isn’t turned on - Turn the water supply valve on.
- Water source line is kinked - Straighten out the water source line.
- Ice maker isn’t turned on - Turn the ice maker on.
- Ice maker is newly installed - Wait 24 hours for ice maker to begin producing ice, 72 hours for full ice production.
- Freezer door isn’t closed completely - Close the door completely.
- Refrigerator door isn’t closed completely - Make sure the door is closed completely.
- Reverse osmosis water filtration system connected to cold water supply - This can decrease water pressure, leading to disruptions in ice production. If there are issues, uninstall the filtration system.
Refrigerator Is Not Cooling
- Refrigerator installed recently - Allow 24 hours for the unit to cool completely.
- Power was out recently - Give the unit time to cool down again.
- A large amount of food product was placed into the unit recently - Allow several hours for the refrigerator to return to normal temperature.
- Doors are open - Close the doors and allow several hours for the unit to cool down to the set temperature.
- Temperature setting is too high - Lower the temperature setting and then check the unit again in 24 hours.
- Air vents are blocked - Keep air vents clear of items to prevent blocks.
- Condenser coils are dirty - Clean the condenser coils. For more detailed instructions, refer to the user’s manual or our Whirlpool refrigerator cleaning guide.
Water Dispenser Not Dispensing Water
- Refrigerator not connected to a water supply - Connect the unit to a water supply.
- Refrigerator recently installed - Flush and fill the water system. Refer to the user’s manual for more specific instructions.
- Water supply valve is off - Turn the valve on.
- Water source line is kinked - Straighten out the line.
- Water filter is clogged or improperly installed - Either replace the filter or reinstall it correctly. If replacing the filter, remember to flush out the system afterwards. Check the owner’s manual for more specific instructions.
- Low water pressure due to an issue with the water supply connection - Contact a plumber to remedy the issue.
- Low water pressure because of a reverse osmosis water filtration system - Uninstall the filtration system.
Water Dispenser Is Leaking
- Glasses not held under the dispenser for long enough - To catch residual drops of water, hold glasses under the water dispenser for 2-3 seconds after releasing the lever.
- Refrigerator is newly installed - Flush out the system. See the manual for instructions.
- Water filter changed recently - Flush out the filtration system. Refer to the manual for step-by-step instructions.
Refrigerator Won’t Stop Running
- New refrigerator has a high-efficiency compressor - It’s normal for new, high-efficiency compressors to run longer.
- Warm environment - Unit should be in a room where the temperature ranges 55°F (13°C) to 110°F (43°C), and the machine shouldn’t be located near heat sources such as ovens. If needed, move the unit to a cooler location.
- A large amount of food was loaded into the unit recently - It’s normal for the refrigerator to run longer than normal in order to lower the internal temperature. If the issue persists a few hours later, contact an authorized technician to service the unit.
- Doors are open - Give the unit time to lower the internal temperature. If the temperature is still elevated several hours later, call an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
Refrigerator Is Noisy
Buzzing
- Water valve opening to fill the ice maker - Normal operation.
Pulsating
- Fans and compressor adjusting to optimize performance - This sound is normal.
Hissing/Rattling
- Refrigerant is flowing, water lines are moving or items placed on top of the refrigerator are rattling - These sounds are normal.
Sizzling/Gurgling
- Water dripping onto the heater - It’s normal for water to drip during the defrost cycle.
Popping
- Contraction/expansion of inside walls - This is normal, especially during the initial cooldown.
Water Running
- Water is flowing into the drain pan - This noise is common as the ice melts during the defrost cycle.
Creaking / Cracking
- Ice is being injected into the ice maker mold - This sound is part of normal operation.
Lights Not Working
- Light bulb is burned out - Replace the bulb.
- Light assembly is faulty - Replace the light assembly.
- Door switch is defective - Replace the defective switch with a new one.
- Light socket is faulty - Replace the defective light socket.
If this article was helpful, take a look at our Whirlpool refrigerator cleaning guide. For more information about Whirlpool units, our large collection of Whirlpool manuals is a great resource.