Replacing a Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker takes simple hand tools: unplug, unmount, swap the harness, and reinstall the new assembly.
You’re here to fix ice, fast. This guide shows clear steps for how to replace Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker parts without guesswork. You’ll see prep, removal, install, and testing in clean order. Where needed, you’ll get links to official pages so you can confirm specs for your exact model.
Parts And Tools You’ll Need
Gather everything before you start. That way the freezer stays open for less time and the job runs smoothly.
| Item | What It’s For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Ice Maker Assembly | The new unit that forms and ejects cubes | Match your model; common Whirlpool part numbers include W11546935 |
| 1/4-Inch Nut Driver | Backs out mounting screws | Many Whirlpool ice makers use hex screws |
| Phillips Screwdriver | Side panels or covers | Keep both sizes handy |
| Flat Blade Screwdriver | Prying tabs gently | Protect plastic with a cloth |
| Needle-Nose Pliers | Harness clips | Helpful in tight spots |
| Work Gloves | Grip and protection | Cold parts can be sharp |
| Towel Or Tray | Ice bits and drips | Catch melt while you work |
| Flashlight | See screw heads and tabs | Light helps inside the freezer |
| Level | Check tilt after install | Uneven trays cause odd cubes |
| New Water Filter | Restores flow | If production was low before |
Before You Begin: Safety And Model Fit
Pull the plug first. Power must be off before your hands go near panels, harnesses, or the ice maker. If your model is “ice maker kit ready,” the rule is the same: disconnect power before installing or servicing. Move food to a cooler if the door will be open awhile.
Next, confirm part fit. Check the sticker inside the fresh-food door for the full model number, then match your replacement ice maker. Whirlpool assemblies like W11546935 fit many models, but not all. If you’re unsure, cross-check on a reputable parts site or your owner’s manual.
Quick Overview: How A Whirlpool Ice Maker Works
Knowing the flow helps you spot issues fast. A fill valve sends water through a tube into the mold. The freezer chills the mold until cubes set. A motor turns ejector blades to push cubes into the bin, then a thermostat or sensor starts the next cycle. If any piece is off—low water, warm freezer, jammed arm—you’ll see slow or no ice. Replacing the assembly resets every internal moving part in one swap.
How To Replace Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker: Step-By-Step
Set the fridge power to off. Unplug from the wall. Roll the fridge out only if you need to check the water line. Open the freezer and lift out the ice bin. If a shelf blocks the unit, slide the shelf out.
1) Turn The Ice Maker Off
Many units have a power switch or a wire arm. Flip the switch off or lift the arm to stop a fill while you work.
2) Remove The Front Cover Or Shield
Some assemblies hide screws behind a small shield. Pop it off with a flat blade or release tabs with your fingers.
3) Back Out Mounting Screws
Use the 1/4-inch nut driver on the top and side screws. Hold the unit with your other hand as the last screw comes free.
4) Release The Wiring Harness
Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out. Don’t twist. If your model has a second sensor lead, unplug that as well.
5) Lift The Old Ice Maker Out
Slide the assembly forward and down. Keep the fill tube clear; a gentle wiggle helps.
6) Prep The New Unit
Compare both units. Transfer any model-specific brackets that didn’t come preinstalled. Make sure the shutoff arm moves freely and the ejector fingers aren’t stuck in mid-cycle.
7) Mount The New Ice Maker
Guide the fill cup under the tube. Hold the unit in place and start the screws by hand. Snug them down with the nut driver. Don’t overtighten into plastic.
8) Reconnect The Harness
Push the plug until it clicks. Tuck any slack so it won’t rub the fan shroud or ice bin.
9) Refit Covers And The Ice Bin
Snap the shield back. Slide the bin in with the rear tabs seated. Make sure the bin sits flat.
10) Restore Power And Run A Test
Plug the fridge in and switch the ice maker on. The first harvest may take several hours. Toss the first batch if you changed the filter or touched the mold.
Fit Notes For Common Whirlpool Styles
Side-By-Side Freezers
These place the ice maker high on the freezer wall. The bin and auger sit under it. Space is tight, so a stubby nut driver helps. Watch the harness length when you pull the unit forward.
French-Door Models
Many use an ice box in the left door or the upper freezer rack area. Doors can limit tool angle. In some models, a small cover hides a secondary connector—check before you tug.
Top-Freezer Units
The tray is simple and open. Screws are easy to see. Some kits add a fill tube and valve; if your fridge never had an ice maker, follow the kit instructions for tubing and valve placement.
When Replacement Beats Repair
Swap the assembly when cubes are misshapen, the ejector stalls, the mold flakes, or the module fails after you’ve ruled out water flow and temperature. If the unit is over a decade old, a fresh assembly often costs less than chasing single parts and it restores all wear items.
Dial In The Settings After Install
Good ice needs cold air and steady water. Set the freezer between 0°F and 5°F and keep it steady. If production was weak before, change the water filter. Make sure the fridge sits level so the mold fills evenly. If you moved the fridge, check that the water line isn’t kinked.
For model-specific ranges and checks, Whirlpool’s official ice maker troubleshooting page lists temp targets, flow notes, and simple tests that align with these steps.
How Long It Takes And What It Costs
Most home swaps land under an hour once the tools are ready. A genuine assembly and a new filter often fix slow ice and no-ice complaints in one visit. DIY labor is your time; pro service adds a call charge and install fee. If the valve or line leaks, fix that before you power the ice maker.
Can I Carry On With The Old Bin?
Yes—clean it and reuse it. Wash the bin with mild soap and warm water, dry fully, and reinstall. Toss any frosty chunks left from the teardown so the auger won’t jam.
Model-Specific Pointers
Harness Styles
Older units use a simple 4-pin block; newer ones add a sensor lead. Don’t force a mismatch. If your plug doesn’t mate, you may have the wrong part or need the adapter that ships with some kits.
Fill Tube Alignment
The fill cup must sit under the tube. If it rides to one side, water splashes and freezes on the wall. Loosen the top screw, nudge the unit, and retighten.
Door Switch And Ice Maker Power
Many ice makers pause when the door is open. If tests stall, press and hold the switch to simulate a closed door while you watch the harvest.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Skipping the unplug step
- Overtightening screws into plastic bosses
- Letting the harness hang loose near the fan
- Forgetting to seat the bin, which blocks the auger
- Leaving the fridge unlevel after moving it
- Missing a blocked water filter that starves the tray
Post-Install Checks And First Ice
After power comes back, the unit may cycle within minutes or take up to 24 hours to fill the bin. If you changed the filter, run a few cups of water at the dispenser to purge air. Toss the first batch of cubes to clear any debris.
Symptoms And Quick Fixes After Replacement
If ice still lags, use the table below to pin the cause and move straight to the fix.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all | Switch off, harness loose, or freezer too warm | Switch on, reseat plug, set 0–5°F |
| Hollow or small cubes | Low water flow | Replace filter; check for kinked line |
| Large clumps in bin | Long pauses between harvests | Verify temp; check door gasket |
| Water on freezer wall | Fill cup misaligned | Loosen, center under tube, retighten |
| Clicks, no harvest | Jammed ejector | Power off, clear jam, restart |
| Ice tastes odd | Old filter or stale bin | Change filter; wash bin |
| Ice maker overflows | Fill valve stuck or sensor issue | Shut off water; inspect valve |
| Dispense auger stalls | Bin not seated | Reseat bin fully |
Care Tips That Keep Ice Flowing
Swap the water filter on schedule. Keep the freezer near 0°F. Empty and wash the bin every few months. If you’re away, switch the ice maker off so stale cubes don’t weld together.
Why This Works: Replace The Whole Module
The ice maker blends a motor, mold, heater, thermostat or sensor, and a shutoff arm into one unit. Swapping the assembly restores all of that at once. When you pair it with a fresh filter and a quick level check, you often restore full output without chasing single parts.
Where To Double-Check Specs
Every Whirlpool refrigerator line has small twists—switch style, harness shape, tray pattern. For exact details, use your model’s manual and the brand’s help pages. Whirlpool’s owner’s manual states power should be disconnected before installing or servicing kit-ready models, and the official ice maker troubleshooting guide lists the 0–5°F freezer range and other quick checks.
One More Time: The Exact Keyword In Practice
Here’s that phrase as you’d search it: how to replace whirlpool refrigerator ice maker. This walkthrough matches real steps in the kitchen: power off, remove, swap, install, test.