Whirlpool Modular Ice Maker Kit Installation Guide

Requesting Assistance or Service

If assistance is needed, contact your dealer or call the Whirlpool Experience center toll-free at 1-800-253-1301, available 24 hours a day.

Important Information

The following information is used throughout this installation guide. Read it carefully to become familiar with it.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

Whirlpool provides many important safety messages in this manual and on the appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

⚠️ Safety Alert Symbol: This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word "DANGER" or "WARNING".

DANGER: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.

WARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.

Safety messages will identify the potential hazard, explain how to reduce the chance of injury, and what can happen if instructions are not followed.

This Installation Guide provides complete instructions for installing the Ice Maker Kit in your refrigerator-freezer and connecting a water line. Read the guide thoroughly and follow instructions exactly. Ensure all "safety" instructions are observed.

IMPORTANT: A qualified service technician must install the water line and ice maker.

Before starting, purchase a copper tubing kit that includes a "Regular Valve and Clamp Assembly" (for refrigerators with automatic ice makers or self-filling trays). This kit contains all necessary hardware to connect your ice maker to the water supply. It can be purchased at most hardware or plumbing supply stores.

NOTE: Do not use piercing-type, or 3/16" shut-off valves, as they reduce water flow and clog easily. Do not use polyethylene tubing; use only 1/4" (O.D.) copper tubing.

CUSTOMER INSTALLATION IS NOT WARRANTED BY THE REFRIGERATOR OR ICE MAKER MANUFACTURER.

Before You Begin

Tools

Gather required tools and parts before starting installation. Read and follow the instructions provided with any tools listed here.

1. Regular screwdriver
2. Phillips screwdriver
3. 7/16" and 1/2" open-end wrenches (or an adjustable wrench)
4. Pliers
5. 1/4" nut driver
6. Level
7. Ruler
8. Electric screwdriver
9. Scissors or cutting utensil

Installation Notes

For each set of steps, refer to the diagram beside or below the text for clarification. Illustrations may contain labels A, B, or C, referenced in associated steps. Some illustrations also contain "DETAILS" in bubbles.

Install parts as instructed in each step and corresponding illustration.

Components

Remove contents from the shipping carton and set them on a table for easy identification. Do not discard packing material until all required parts are identified.

Installing the Ice Maker

Making Preparations

1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall for easy access to the rear panel.
2. ⚡ Electrical Shock Hazard: Disconnect power before installing the ice maker. Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock. Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power.
3. Open the freezer door and remove all food items from the freezer compartment.
4. Remove all baskets, shelves, ice cube trays, and the ice cube tray holder (refer to User Guide if necessary). Set items aside.
5. Remove the screw from the ice maker connector & tube cover. Remove the cover and detach the harness connector. Retain the screw for ice maker installation.
   (Illustration shows the ice maker connector and tube cover, with a screw and hole plugs.)
6. Locate the three hole plugs in the side of the freezer liner. For each plug, insert the end of a small-bladed screwdriver under the edge and pry it out.
7. If present, locate and remove the tube inlet sticker on the back of the unit. Cut through any tape under the sticker.
8. Insert the fill tube through the hole in the back of the unit with the spout facing down. Secure with two 1/2" sheet metal screws. An electric screwdriver may be used.
   (Illustration shows the fill tube being inserted through a hole in the back of the unit, secured by two 1/2-inch sheet metal screws.)
9. Locate the water valve tubing clamp. Position it with the round hole side facing out, over the end of the spout. Thread a 1/2" sheet metal screw into the clamp finger-tight; it will be tightened later.
   (Illustration shows the water valve tubing clamp being positioned over the fill tube spout, ready for a screw.)

Connecting the Water Supply

1. Position the metal water tube insert into the water valve tubing and press it fully in.
   (Illustration shows a metal insert being pushed into the water valve tubing.)
2. Slide the end of the tubing into the fill tube spout as far as possible. Tighten the tubing clamp screw securely. Pull on the tubing to ensure it is secure. If it slides out, push it back in and tighten the clamp screw further.
   (Illustration shows the water valve tubing being slid into the fill tube spout and secured by a clamp.)
3. Inside the freezer compartment, slide the plastic fill tube extension over the end of the fill tube as far as it will go.

Mounting the Water Valve

NOTE: When using this kit to replace an existing ice maker or valve, use the new valve and ice maker from this kit.

1. Remove all screws securing the rear panel using a 1/4" nut driver. Retain the power cord strain relief and screws. Remove the panel.
2. If the unit has a metal rear panel, remove 2 screws securing the smaller valve access cover. Discard this cover.
3. Locate the 2-pin water valve connector inside the machine compartment and insert it fully over the water valve terminals.
4. Secure the water valve to the cabinet frame using two 1/2" machine screws.
   (Illustration shows the water valve being mounted to the cabinet frame with two 1/2-inch machine screws.)
5. Insert the free end of the water tubing into the water valve nozzle, ensuring it is fully inserted past the first marking.
6. If the unit has a cardboard rear panel, tear or cut away perforations to create openings for the valve and water tubing.

Connecting the Power/Leveling the Unit

⚡ Electrical Shock Hazard: Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Do not remove the ground prong. Do not use an adapter or extension cord. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.

1. Plug the power cord into its AC outlet and push the refrigerator back against the wall.
2. Place a level on top of the refrigerator cabinet. If releveling is needed, follow the procedure in your refrigerator's User Guide.

Starting the Ice Maker

1. Reinstall freezer baskets (refer to User Guide if necessary).
2. Wash the ice pan and place it in the upper basket under the ice maker. Slide it back as far as possible.
3. NOTE: If your ice maker does not have a rocker switch, skip to step 5.
4. (For models with rocker switch) Move the ON/OFF rocker switch to ON (I). Press and hold the freezer light switch. Press the service diagnostic button for 3 seconds. You should observe the heater turn on, the motor complete a cycle, and water fill near the end of the cycle. Once a successful cycle completes and the motor stops, release the light switch.
   (Illustration shows the diagnostic mode.)
5. Cycle the rocker switch OFF (O) then ON (I) again. Close the freezer door. The ice maker will begin making ice within 24 hours.
6. NOTE: The following steps apply only to ice makers without a rocker switch.
7. IMPORTANT: Ensure freezer lights are on and the freezer door switch remains open. Manually rotate ejector fingers 60 degrees towards a vertical orientation (clockwise only to avoid damage).
   (Illustration shows the manual rotation of the ejector fingers on the ice maker.)
8. Lower the shut-off arm to the ON (down) position and close the freezer door. The ice maker will begin making ice within 24 hours.
   (Illustration shows the ice maker's shut-off arm being lowered to the ON position.)
9. Confirm installation by holding down the freezer door switch. Observe: Ejector fingers rotating, water filling, and ejector fingers stopping horizontally (2-10 seconds after water fill).
   (Illustration shows how to turn the ice maker ON.)
10. NOTE: Ice production typically takes about 24 hours. Discard the first two or three batches of ice if there is an "off-taste"; it should disappear. Refer to "Troubleshooting" for any problems.

Troubleshooting

Operational Notes

1. The ice maker valve has a flow washer acting as a pressure regulator. For proper operation, home water pressure must be between 20 and 120 psi. Contact your water utility company if the ice maker has trouble producing ice.
2. The ice maker water valve has two strainers: a plastic basket type and a wire-mesh screen. Clean them by turning off the water and disassembling the valve (contact a service center). If local water quality requires periodic cleaning, or if using well water, consider installing a second water strainer in the water line. Obtain strainers from your local appliance dealer.

Troubleshooting Chart

The following chart lists common problems and their causes: