1. Product Overview
The Whirlpool W11700250 Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly is a genuine OEM replacement part designed to produce and store ice within your refrigerator. This assembly receives water from the refrigerator's water inlet valve, freezes it in an ice mold, and then automatically ejects the ice into a storage bin. The process continues until the ice storage bin is full.
This part replaces previous models W11546935 and W11633658 and is compatible with various Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir refrigerator models.
Image 1: Front view of the Whirlpool W11700250 Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly.
2. Important Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock and Water Damage.
- Always unplug the refrigerator or shut off the house circuit breaker for the appliance before attempting any installation, repair, or maintenance.
- Turn off the refrigerator's water supply before you begin any work involving the ice maker.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, during installation.
- If you are not comfortable performing this repair, it is recommended to contact a qualified appliance technician.
3. Installation Instructions
Replacing the ice maker assembly requires basic hand tools, some disassembly of the refrigerator, and novice repair experience. Follow these steps carefully:
- Prepare the Refrigerator:
- Disconnect power to the refrigerator by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
- Empty the ice bin and any contents that might obstruct access to the ice maker.
- Access the Old Ice Maker:
- Locate the existing ice maker assembly inside the freezer compartment.
- Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to remove shelves or other components to gain full access.
- Remove the Old Ice Maker:
- Carefully disconnect the electrical wire harness from the old ice maker.
- Unscrew any mounting screws holding the ice maker in place. Typically, there are three screws.
- Gently pull the old ice maker assembly out of its position.
Image 2: Side view of the ice maker, showing potential electrical connection points relevant for removal or installation.
- Install the New Ice Maker:
- Align the new Whirlpool W11700250 ice maker assembly with the mounting brackets.
- Secure the new ice maker with the mounting screws. Ensure it is firmly in place.
- Connect the electrical wire harness to the new ice maker. Ensure a secure connection.
Image 3: Ice maker assembly with visible mounting points for secure installation.
- Restore Power and Water:
- Turn on the water supply to the refrigerator.
- Plug the refrigerator back in or restore power at the circuit breaker.
- Initial Operation:
- The ice maker will typically begin its first cycle within a few hours. Discard the first few batches of ice to ensure cleanliness.
For visual guidance, refer to the official Whirlpool service videos if available for your specific refrigerator model.
Video 1: Official Whirlpool Service Parts video, providing general information about genuine parts. This video may offer insights into the quality and design of Whirlpool OEM parts, which can be helpful for understanding the product's reliability.
4. Operating the Ice Maker
Once installed and connected, the ice maker operates automatically. It will cycle through the following stages:
- Water Fill: The ice maker receives a measured amount of water from the water inlet valve into its ice mold.
- Freezing: The water in the mold freezes solid.
- Ice Ejection: Once frozen, the ice maker's motor activates, twisting the mold to eject the ice cubes into the ice storage bin.
- Refill: The ice maker then refills with water to begin the next cycle.
The ice maker will stop producing ice automatically when the ice storage bin is full, typically detected by a shut-off arm or sensor. Ensure the shut-off arm is not obstructed for proper operation.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your ice maker:
- Clean the Ice Bin: Periodically remove and wash the ice storage bin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before returning it to the freezer.
- Check Water Filter: If your refrigerator has a water filter, ensure it is replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain water quality and prevent mineral buildup in the ice maker.
- Inspect Water Line: Occasionally check the water supply line for kinks, leaks, or damage.
- Defrost (if applicable): If ice buildup occurs around the ice maker, manually defrost the freezer or use a hairdryer on a low setting to melt the ice, ensuring to protect surrounding components.
6. Troubleshooting
If your ice maker is not functioning as expected, consider the following common issues and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No ice production |
|
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| Small or hollow ice cubes |
|
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| Ice tastes bad or has odor |
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7. Product Specifications
- Model Number: W11700250
- Replaces Part Numbers: W11546935, W11633658
- Brand: Whirlpool
- Item Type: Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly
- Weight: 2 pounds
- UPC: 883049698946
- Included Components: Whirlpool W11700250 Genuine OEM Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly
8. Warranty Information
This Whirlpool W11700250 Genuine OEM Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly comes with a 1 Year Limited Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your purchase or contact Whirlpool customer support.
9. Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or to inquire about warranty claims, please contact Whirlpool Customer Service. You can find contact information on the official Whirlpool website or in your refrigerator's user manual.
Whirlpool Official Website: www.whirlpool.com
