You’ve checked the basics, but your Whirlpool WRX735SDBM00 ice maker still isn’t working. Before you assume the worst, consider how subtle issues—like a stuck shutoff arm or a clogged water inlet—could be the real culprit. Something small might be all that’s standing between you and a full ice bin again. The fix could be simpler than you think, but there’s one critical step most people overlook.
Check If the Ice Maker Is Turned On
Make certain the ice maker is turned on by checking the switch or lever—usually on the side or back of the unit. If your Whirlpool model WRX735SDBM00 has a power button, press it to turn the ice maker on and look for an indicator light. Confirm the control arm is in the down position; that means it’s ready to make ice. If the control arm is up, the ice maker is off and won’t produce ice. Just flip it down. Check your user manual for exact details, since controls can vary. Once everything’s turned on, give it 24 hours to start making ice. Don’t worry if it takes a little time—the system needs to cycle.
Set Freezer Temperature Below 10°F
One key step to fixing your Whirlpool ice maker is setting the freezer temperature below 10°F—ideally between 0°F and 5°F—so it can cycle and produce ice properly. If the freezer temperature is too high, your ice maker may stop working or produce ice slowly. A stable, cold environment guarantees consistent ice production and prevents melting before ejection. If your ice maker is not working, check the temperature first. Use a thermometer to confirm it’s at the right level. Adjust the freezer setting if needed. Keeping the correct freezer temperature helps your ice maker run efficiently and avoid disruptions in ice production.
Inspect Water Supply Valve and Filter
Now that you’ve confirmed your freezer is cold enough, it’s time to check the water supply. Start by inspecting the water inlet valve behind the refrigerator—ensure it’s fully open and functioning, as a faulty valve can block water to the ice maker, even if the dispenser works. Next, check the water filter; a clogged or old filter restricts flow and hampers ice production. Replace it every six months to keep things running smoothly. Also, look for kinks in the line from the valve to the ice maker and verify water pressure is at least 20 psi.
Test Water Inlet Valve for Power and Continuity
Start by turning off power to your Whirlpool refrigerator to safely test the water inlet valve. Disconnect the wires and use a multimeter to check for continuity across the valve’s terminals. If you get a reading of zero, the valve has no continuity and needs replacing. Turn power back on, then verify the ice maker is calling for water by confirming the door switch is engaged. This activates the fill cycle. With the ice maker running, test for power at the valve during a fill cycle. If the valve has power but no water flows, the issue isn’t the solenoid. Check for a clogged or frozen fill tube before replacing the valve.
Clear Ice From the Fill Tube
If ice is blocking the fill tube, use a hair dryer on low to gently melt the blockage without damaging nearby components. Check the fill tube for ice buildup or kinks that restrict water flow to the ice maker. If it’s still blocked, disconnect it and flush with warm water to clear all ice. Make certain the freezer temp stays below 10°F to prevent refreezing. Also, inspect the water supply line—any kinks or pinches can reduce water flow, causing the fill tube to freeze. Keeping everything clear and properly connected guarantees your ice maker gets consistent water flow and works like it should.
Observe the Ice Maker’s Fill and Ejection Cycle
Since your refrigerator’s ice maker should complete a fill and ejection cycle every 90 minutes, grab a cup of water and pour it directly into the ice mold to simulate the fill cycle. Wait 24 hours to see if it ejects the ice. If it doesn’t, check the temperature in the freezer—make sure it’s below 10°F. If it’s too warm, the ice maker won’t cycle. You should also check the water inlet for clogs or freezing. A blocked line disrupts the ice maker’s fill operation. If everything seems fine but it still fails, the issue might be internal.
Inspect the Ice Maker for Burnt Electrical Contacts
While checking the ice maker’s operation, flip off the power and remove the unit to inspect the electrical contacts at the head. Look closely for burnt electrical contacts, as charring or discoloration means they’ve overheated and could stop the ice maker from cycling. These damaged connections often signal deeper issues within the ice maker components. Use a multimeter to test for continuity and resistance—if there’s no proper reading, the contacts are likely faulty. Given the design of the Whirlpool WRX735SDBM00, replacing the entire ice maker is usually smarter than repairing it. Regularly checking these electrical points helps prevent future failures and keeps your unit running smoothly.
Fix Ice Maker Overfill: Check Bin and Shutoff Arm
Make sure the ice bin sits squarely beneath the ice maker so it catches every batch of ice without spilling over. Check that the shutoff arm isn’t bent or damaged—if it is, it won’t signal the ice maker to stop producing ice. If the ice bin is overflowing, remove excess ice and break up any clumps that could jam the mechanism. A misaligned ice bin or faulty shutoff arm often causes overfilling. Regularly monitor ice production to catch issues early. Ensuring the ice bin is properly seated and the shutoff arm moves freely keeps your ice maker running efficiently and prevents messy overflows.
Replace the Water Inlet Valve If No Water Flows
If your Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice maker isn’t getting water, the water inlet valve could be the culprit. First, confirm the water supply line isn’t clogged and the shutoff valve is open. Then, test the water inlet valve using a test cord while the ice maker cycles. If no water flows, it’s time to replace the valve. For your WRX735SDBM00, use part number WPW10498990. Replacing the water inlet valve restores proper water flow. After replacement, check that the ice maker fills correctly. If it still fails, the issue may lie elsewhere, but replacing the water inlet valve is a key step when no water reaches the ice maker.
Replace the Ice Maker Assembly as Last Resort
Since all other components check out, replacing the ice maker assembly is your best move when the unit still won’t produce ice. Before you replace the ice maker, double-check that the water inlet valve works and the supply line isn’t clogged—issues there can mimic ice maker failure. If everything else is fine, it’s time to replace the ice maker assembly (part W10882923). Disconnect power, remove the old unit following the manufacturer’s steps, then install the new one by reversing the process. Once in place, restore power and wait up to 24 hours for the new ice maker assembly to start cycling and making ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is the Reset Button on the Whirlpool WRX735SDBM00 Ice Maker?
The reset button’s on the front or side of your ice maker, near the ice tray or control panel. Press and hold it for 10 seconds till you hear a click—make sure the fridge’s plugged in and the ice maker’s turned on.
What Would Cause a Whirlpool Ice Maker Not to Make Ice?
Your ice maker won’t make ice because the water filter’s clogged, the inlet valve’s faulty, the fill tube’s frozen, or water pressure’s too low. You should check each of these issues—they’re common culprits that stop ice production fast.
Why Is My Whirlpool WRX735SDBM00 Ice Maker Not Filling With Water?
Your ice maker isn’t filling because the water inlet valve’s clogged or faulty, the fill tube’s frozen, or the supply line’s kinked. Check the valve, thaw the tube, verify freezer temp’s below 10°F, and confirm water flow to rule out blockages.
How to Reset a Whirlpool Fridge Ice Maker?
You unplug the fridge for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and wait 24 hours. You check that the freezer’s below 10°F. You press the reset button if there’s one, and you watch for the ice maker to start cycling again.
