Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide.

Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are undoubtedly enviable. Whether you want intelligent shelving, large storage capacity, superior cooling, or reliability, these refrigeration units have it all. But as this Whirlpool side by side refrigerator troubleshooting will prove, the fridges are not problem-free.

Sometimes, a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator may not work at all, and in other cases, functions like ice making, ice and water dispensing, cooling, and freezing fail. The unit may also leak, or the filter may develop issues.

The good news is that most Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator problems are fixable. And to prove that, this troubleshooting guide will highlight relevant fixes to the issues mentioned.

Not just that! We will also mention the possible causes so you can learn to address them in time and possibly prevent the problem.

Let’s get into it!

In a hurry? Below is a quick troubleshooting guide for everyday Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator issues:

DIY Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide for Common Problems

Note that the fixes above coincide with their relevant problems. So, you only need to match the probable causes with its fix. 

8 Common Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Problems

Now, here are eight common issues prevalent on Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators that you can troubleshoot:

1. Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Not Working

If your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator is not responding to any command, the chances are that:

1. The fridge might be off – Check your refrigerator to ensure it’s turned on and there’s power. You’ve to turn the unit on for it to work.
2. The unit might be in Demo/Showroom mode – Demo/showroom deactivates all fridge functions apart from interior lighting. So, check if you intentionally activated the mode (it’ll display on the control panel) and deactivate it.

Your Unit Still Can’t Turn On? Try Resetting It

Here’s what a Whirlpool side by side refrigerator reset entails:

• Power your unit off and unplug it for 5-10 minutes
• Plug it back and switch it on
• While at it, ensure its cooling function is on and test it

2. Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working

If your Whirlpool refrigerator powers on but won’t make any ice, it could be because of any of these reasons:

1. The ice maker might be off – You have to switch your unit’s ice maker for it to start making ice. The switch could be on the freezer door, the bottom of your ice maker, or the wire shutoff arm.
2. Disconnected water supply – You must connect the water supply before turning the ice maker on. Remember, water is the raw material that the ice maker uses to make ice. So, ensure you don’t just connect the water supply, but you actually turn it on.
3. Clogged water filter – Over time, the water filter clogs (with dirt), preventing water flow to the ice maker. Thus, it’s advisable to replace the water filter every six months.
4. The water system needs flushing – The Whirlpool water system requires flushing after replacing the water filter. Here’s a video by Whirlpool on how to do it. Overall, the essence of flushing the system is to avoid water dripping or hollow (small) ice cubes due to trapped air.
5. Low water pressure – A low water pressure means less or no water reaching the ice maker. So, ensure your water is correct, at least 20 psi. Use a water pressure gauge to measure it.
6. Jammed ice maker – Get rid of excess ice on the ice maker’s ejector arm that prevents the ice maker from making more ice.
7. Inappropriate saddle valve – The wrong saddle valve creates a low-pressure environment, reducing water flow to the ice maker. So, use the saddle valve that the manufacturer recommends, type 3/16″.
8. Kinked supply line – If the water supply line has kinks, water won’t correctly feed the ice maker. So, undo any twists to ensure water flows to the ice maker at high speed.
9. Wrong filter type or installation – Whirlpool recommends using Whirlpool-certified EveryDrop water filtered. Anything other than that may not work. But more importantly, install the water filter correctly as the manufacturer recommends.

Your Ice Maker Still Won’t Work?

Then consider your Whirlpool side by side refrigerator manual for other ways to troubleshoot it.

3. Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water

Sometimes the Whirlpool water fails to dispense, and it’s often because of any of these causes:

1. Disconnected water supply – Unless you turn the water supply on, your water dispenser won’t have anything to dispense. So, ensure you turn on your fridge’s water supply.
2. Low water pressure – The water pressure should be enough (20-120psi) to enable an adequate water supply to the fridge.
3. Blocked water supply – Clear any kinks and blockage on the water supply as they could be preventing the water from filling up the dispenser.
4. Blocked water filter – Check your water filter for clogging and replace it if it’s clogged. Also, replace it if it has been six months since doing it. It’s likely to be dirt-clogged by then.
5. Need for system flushing – Use the video I shared earlier to flush your unit and get rid of trapped air.
6. Locked controls – Check the control lock to ensure it’s off. You might have activated it by accident while cleaning the dispenser and so, you’ll need to deactivate it to unlock the water dispenser.
7. The wrong filter – An incorrect filter won’t work. That’s why Whirlpool recommends an EveryDrop or Whirlpool-branded water filter. So, ensure you get the right one.

4. Ice Dispenser Not Working

At times, the ice dispenser may fail to dispense any ice, and it’s often because of any of these signs:

1. No ice – Unless your ice maker makes some ice, there won’t be any to dispense. So, go back to why the ice maker is not making ice (discussed earlier) to uncover the cause.
2. You open the door a lot – Most side-by-side units require you to lock the door when dispensing ice. So try it.
3. Locked controls – Deactivate ‘control lock’ to unlock the ice dispenser just like the water dispenser.
4. Ice clumping – Check the ice bin and ice delivery chute for ice clumping and empty them. Break the ice clump with a plastic utensil before discarding it to encourage new ice production.
5. Wrong ice bin installation – If the ice bin doesn’t sit perfectly, there won’t be enough ice production to dispense. So, follow the manual to install the ice bin properly.

5. Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Leaking Water  

Consider these causes if your side-by-side refrigerator is leaking water:

1. Blocked drain – If the drain pipes are ice-clogged or kinked, water might overflow and will thus leak onto the floor. So, check it for ice blockage and unblock it, and for kinks to untwist it.
2. Damaged water filter lead – A broken water filter head is just as faulty as the entire filter. It will cause water leakage unless you replace it.
3. Faulty water inlet valve – Observe the water inlet valve for cracks and clogging and replace it if you notice any of the two.
4. Loose water filter – if the filter is loose, remove it and reinstall it correctly or replace it.
5. A leaky water tank or drain pan – Observe the tank and drain pan for cracks and other damages and replace them if that’s the case.

6. The Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing

Is your Whirlpool side by side refrigerator not cooling or freezing? Then here are the possible explanations:

1. The unit might be off – Ensure you turn your fridge on as it could be off.
2. Wrong room temperature – The surrounding temperature should be 55– 110⁰F (or 13-48⁰C). Anything outside this range will interfere with the unit’s cooling and freezing.
3. Recent power outage – Ensure you reset the unit (steps shared earlier) after a recent power outage.
4. Dirty condenser coils – Using a refrigerator condenser cleaning brush, clean the condenser coils if they are dirt. Dirty condenser coils paralyze the cooling and freezing compartments.
5. Wrong control settings – Set the temperature controls to mid-setting for regular household use. If you change the setting, the unit may not cool or freeze.
6. Demo/Showroom Mode – Deactivate Showroom/Demo Mode if activated to unlock the fridge.
7. Overstuffing – Don’t put too much food in the refrigerator/freezer as that blocks the air vents, interfering with the cooling and freezing.
8. Unstable fridge – Stabilize the fridge (put it on level ground) to work optimally.
9. Nearness to heat source – Your fridge shouldn’t be near a heat source like an oven or cooker as that changes the surrounding temperature, interfering with the cooling and freezing.
10. Opening the door too frequently – Lastly, reduce the number of times you open the fridge to avoid destabilizing the fridge’s cooling and freezing temperature.

7. Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Is Working

Sometimes your Whirlpool may not cool but freeze. The reasons for that include:

1. Dirty condenser coils – Check the condenser coils for dirt clogging and clean them.
2. Overstuffing – Avoid overstuffing the fridge/freezer with food to avoid blocking the air vents.
3. Failing defrost system – Use a multimeter to test the defrost thermostat, timer, and control board for fault. Replace the faulty defrost component.
4. Damaged door seal – Inspect the door seal and replace it if it’s damaged.

8. Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Water Filter Problems

Lastly, let’s talk about your water filter. It may suffer any of these problems:

1. Being stuck – You’ll need to take it out and fit a new one. 
2. Clogging – A clogged filter causes leakage and interferes with the ice-making and water/ice dispensing. So, you’ll need to replace it.
3. Being loose – Remove the loose filter and fit it correctly.

When should I consider replacing my Whirlpool refrigerator instead of repairing it?

When determining whether to replace or repair your Whirlpool refrigerator, there are a few key factors to consider.

Firstly, if you have followed the troubleshooting guide provided and still cannot identify a specific cause for the cooling issue, it may be time to consider replacing the refrigerator. When the problem lies with the compressor or the main control board, the repair costs can be considerable in terms of both parts and labor. In such cases, it is often more cost-effective to invest in a new refrigerator rather than replacing these components.

Additionally, the age and overall condition of your refrigerator are important factors to consider. If your Whirlpool refrigerator is older and has experienced multiple repair issues in the past, it may be a good idea to replace it. As appliances age, they become more prone to malfunctions and potential breakdowns. In these instances, investing in a newer, more reliable refrigerator can save you from future repair expenses.

Lastly, consulting with a qualified technician is always a prudent step to take. They can assess the specific issue with your refrigerator and provide professional advice on the most cost-effective solution. They will consider factors such as the nature of the problem, the availability of parts, and the overall condition of your appliance to determine whether repair or replacement is the better option.

Ultimately, the decision to replace your Whirlpool refrigerator rather than repairing it depends on the extent of the problem, the cost of repairs, the age of the appliance, and the advice of a professional technician. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.

How can I determine if there is a problem with the start relay on my Whirlpool refrigerator?

To determine if there is a problem with the start relay on your Whirlpool refrigerator, please follow these steps:

1. Start by making sure the refrigerator is turned off for safety purposes.

2. Locate the start relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor. In most refrigerators, you can find it near the compressor at the back of the unit.

3. Use your senses to perform an initial inspection. Check for any unusual burnt odor emanating from the start relay. If you detect a burnt smell, it is likely an indication that the start relay has failed and needs to be replaced.

4. If there is no distinctive odor, you will need to perform a continuity test using a multimeter. This test will help determine if the start relay is functioning properly or not.

5. First, ensure that the refrigerator is still turned off. Then, carefully detach the start relay from its electrical connection.

6. Set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance mode. This mode allows you to test the flow of electrical current through the circuit.

7. Proceed to touch the multimeter probes to the corresponding terminals on the start relay. Typically, there will be three terminals labeled “S” (start), “M” (main), and “C” (common).

8. With the multimeter probes in place, observe the multimeter display. If it shows a continuous flow of electrical current or a resistance reading close to zero, it indicates that the start relay is working fine.

9. However, if the continuity test fails, meaning there is no flow of electrical current or a high resistance reading, it is a clear indication that the start relay is defective and needs to be replaced.

10. In such a case, you should obtain a replacement start relay compatible with your Whirlpool refrigerator’s make and model. Follow the appropriate installation instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult a professional technician for assistance.

By following these steps, you can determine whether there is a problem with the start relay on your Whirlpool refrigerator, allowing you to take the necessary steps for repair or replacement if required.

What are common reasons for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

What could be the possible causes if none of the suggested solutions work?
If none of the suggested solutions work, the problem could be a faulty compressor or a problem with the main control board of the refrigerator.

How can I check if the start relay is broken?
To check if the start relay is broken, ensure the refrigerator is turned off and then locate the start relay. If you detect a burnt odor, it is likely that the start relay has failed and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity.

How do faulty fans affect refrigerator cooling?
Faulty fans, such as the evaporator fan and condenser fan, are essential for proper cooling. If either of these fans fails, the refrigerator will not be able to cool properly.

What role do condenser coils play in refrigerator cooling?
Condenser coils, located at the back of the refrigerator, help it stay cool. If these coils become dusty or dirty, they may not effectively cool the refrigerator.

How can faulty door seals impact refrigerator cooling?
Faulty door seals can lead to cool air escaping every time the refrigerator door is closed. This raises the temperature inside the refrigerator, affecting its cooling performance.

Can overcrowding the refrigerator affect its cooling?
Yes, overcrowding the refrigerator can obstruct airflow and cause it to stop cooling properly. It is recommended to clean out the refrigerator and allow for adequate airflow on all shelves.

How can I determine if the thermostat is working properly?
To determine if the thermostat is working properly, you can check if it is set to the correct temperature and observe if the refrigerator is cooling accordingly.

What could be the reason for a sudden change in refrigerator temperature?
A sudden change in refrigerator temperature could be due to someone in the household changing the temperature setting on the thermostat.

Is your Whirlpool side by side refrigerator not cooling or freezing? Let’s explore the possible explanations in detail:

First, ensure that the unit is actually turned on. It might sound obvious, but sometimes the refrigerator could be accidentally turned off, causing it to not cool or freeze. Double-check the power switch and make sure it’s in the “on” position.

Next, consider the surrounding temperature. For optimal cooling and freezing, the room temperature should be within the range of 55° to 110°F (or 13-48°C). Anything outside this range can interfere with the refrigerator’s performance. If the room temperature is too high or too low, it can impact the cooling and freezing capabilities of your unit.

In the event of a recent power outage, it’s important to reset the refrigerator. After a power outage, the settings might get disrupted, leading to cooling issues. Simply follow the steps shared earlier to reset the unit and restore its functionality.

Take a moment to inspect the condenser coils. If they are dirty, they can hinder the cooling and freezing compartments’ performance. Grab a refrigerator condenser cleaning brush and give the coils a good cleaning to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. Clean coils ensure optimal cooling efficiency.

Check the temperature control settings. Ensure that the temperature controls are set to the mid-setting for regular household use. If the controls are adjusted to extreme temperatures, it can affect the refrigerator’s cooling and freezing capabilities. Keep the settings within the recommended range for optimal performance.

Check if the refrigerator is in Demo/Showroom Mode. If activated, this mode can limit the cooling and freezing functions. Deactivate the Demo/Showroom Mode to unlock the full capabilities of your fridge.

Avoid overstuffing the refrigerator. Putting too much food inside can block the air vents, obstructing proper airflow and affecting cooling and freezing. Keep the refrigerator properly organized and allow for adequate airflow on all shelves.

Ensure that the refrigerator is placed on level ground. An unstable or tilted fridge can impact its cooling performance. Stabilize it by adjusting the leveling legs or placing shims underneath to ensure it sits evenly.

Avoid placing the refrigerator near heat sources like ovens or cookers. The proximity to heat sources can raise the surrounding temperature, causing the refrigerator to struggle with cooling and freezing. Keep a safe distance to maintain optimal performance.

Finally, be mindful of how often you open the refrigerator door. Frequent door openings can disrupt the internal temperature and put a strain on the cooling and freezing process. Reduce unnecessary openings to maintain a stable temperature inside the fridge.

While these troubleshooting steps cover many common causes of a Whirlpool side by side refrigerator not cooling or freezing, it’s important to note that if none of these solutions work, the problem could be more complex. In such cases, it may be necessary to consult a professional or contact Whirlpool customer support for further assistance.

Closing Though on Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Troubleshooting!

Above are the most everyday Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator problems you can troubleshoot. So, consider the tips when your Whirlpool side-by-side unit develops an issue or won’t work, and you can’t figure out why.

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