Why is my Whirlpool side by side refrigerator icemaker not making ice?
If your Whirlpool WRS555SIHB06 side-by-side refrigerator ice maker isn’t making ice, the most common causes are a restricted water supply (often a clogged filter), the ice maker being turned off, or a freezer temperature that’s too warm to freeze properly.
- Confirm the ice maker is ON (bail arm down or switch on, depending on your style).
- Make sure the freezer is cold enough; target 0°F (typical working range: 0°F to 5°F).
- If cubes are small or production is slow, replace the water filter and purge the system; use refrigerator cartridge EDR1RXD1.
- Verify the household shutoff valve is fully open and the water line isn’t kinked.
- Dump old clumped ice and make sure the ice bin seats fully; a jam can stop harvesting.
| What you see | Most likely cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all, no water sound during fill | Water supply issue or ice maker off | Check shutoff valve, line kinks, ice maker ON |
| Small/hollow cubes | Restricted flow (filter) | Replace refrigerator cartridge EDR1RXD1 and flush water |
| Ice maker cycles but no cubes drop | Frozen fill tube or mold not filling | Warm fill tube area briefly; check for filter restriction |
| Ice maker dead (no movement) | Failed ice maker module | Consider replacing refrigerator ice maker W10873791 |
- Refrigerator cartridge EDR1RXD1 (improves water flow to the ice maker)
- Refrigerator housing assembly W11162041 (if the filter housing is leaking or not sealing)
- Refrigerator ice maker W10873791 (if the unit won’t cycle or harvest)
An ice maker depends on steady water pressure and a cold freezer. A partially clogged filter can reduce fill volume enough that cubes never form correctly, and warm freezer temps can stop ice production even when everything else is working.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Whirlpool refrigerator?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problem we see is a cooling issue caused by frost buildup from a defrost system problem. On your Whirlpool WRS555SIHB06, this often shows up as warm temperatures, weak airflow from vents, or the evaporator fan getting noisy as ice builds up.
- Fresh food section warms up first while the freezer seems “mostly OK”
- Airflow from the diffuser/vents feels weak
- Frost or a solid ice sheet forms on the freezer’s back panel
- The evaporator fan starts rattling or stops moving air
- Temperatures swing even though settings look normal
- Check door sealing: Make sure doors close fully and gaskets are clean and not folded.
- Look for blocked vents: Don’t pack food tight against air returns or the diffuser.
- Listen for the evaporator fan: With the door switch held in, you should typically hear the fan running.
- Inspect for frost buildup: Heavy frost behind the freezer panel points to a defrost problem.
If your checks point to airflow or ice buildup, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Common area | Model-matched part to check |
|---|---|---|
| Rattling, weak airflow, warm fridge | Evaporator airflow | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549 |
| Fan runs but airflow is poor | Air channel/diffuser | Assembly, air diffuser W11645127 |
| Lights or fan behavior changes when door moves | Door sensing | Refrigerator door switch W11396033 |
When airflow is restricted by frost or a failing fan, the refrigerator can’t move cold air where it’s needed. That forces longer run times, causes temperature swings, and can lead to food spoiling faster.
- Use our Whirlpool refrigerator error codes guide if your display shows an error or you suspect a control-related cooling issue.
- If you’re troubleshooting airflow noise or warm temps, our how to fix your evaporator cooling fan article walks through the typical checks.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the best Whirlpool refrigerator to buy?
The best Whirlpool refrigerator to buy is the one that fits your kitchen layout, household size, and feature priorities (ice and water, freezer access, organization). If you like the side-by-side style of your Whirlpool WRS555SIHB06, staying with a similar layout keeps storage and dispenser use familiar.
We recommend deciding based on these practical factors first:
- Configuration: French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer, or top freezer
- Capacity: match to household size and shopping habits
- Ice and water needs: in-door dispenser vs internal ice maker
- Reliability basics: strong door sealing, steady airflow, consistent temperatures
- Maintenance: easy filter changes and routine cleaning
| Style | Best for | Tradeoffs to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side | Easy freezer access, narrow door swing, in-door ice/water | Narrower fresh-food shelves for wide platters |
| French door | Fresh-food access at eye level, wide shelves | Often larger footprint and higher cost |
| Bottom freezer | Efficient fresh-food access, simple layout | Freezer items can be harder to organize |
| Top freezer | Value and simplicity | Fewer premium features |
A refrigerator is only “best” if it holds temperature, seals well, and moves air correctly. Those basics protect food quality and reduce frost, leaks, and warm spots.
- Water filtration: If you want filtered water and ice, plan on routine filter replacement; see how to change the water filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator.
- Door seal quality: A good gasket prevents temperature swings and moisture; see how to fix a fridge door seal.
- Airflow and cooling: Evaporator fan performance is key for even temps; see how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Even when you buy a new refrigerator, these are common maintenance and repair items over time:
- Water filter: refrigerator cartridge EDR1RXD1
- Ice maker issues: refrigerator ice maker W10873791
- Door light and cooling behavior tied to door sensing: refrigerator door switch W11396033
- Airflow problems (noise, warm fridge): refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549
Choosing the right configuration and focusing on core cooling, sealing, and filtration reduces food spoilage, prevents nuisance issues (frost, leaks, odors), and keeps long-term ownership costs predictable.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
Most Whirlpool refrigerators, including the Whirlpool WRS555SIHB06, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. With consistent maintenance (cleaning, good airflow, and prompt repair of cooling or ice maker issues), it’s common to reach the upper end of that range.
A refrigerator’s life depends more on operating conditions than the badge on the door. The biggest factors are heat, airflow, and how hard the sealed system has to work.
- Keep condenser area clean and well ventilated
- Avoid overpacking so air can circulate through shelves and bins
- Replace water filters on schedule to protect the dispenser and ice system
- Fix door seal gaps quickly to prevent constant run time
- Address unusual noises early (often fan or ice system related)
| What you notice | What it often means | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge runs constantly | Poor airflow or warm air leaks | Door gaskets, condenser airflow |
| Temps swing up and down | Airflow or control issue | Vents, settings, frost buildup |
| Loud humming or rattling | Fan or compressor strain | Evaporator fan area, leveling |
| Ice or water slows down | Restriction in water path | Filter, supply line, inlet valve |
Replacing a few wear items on time can prevent bigger problems.
- Water filtration: refrigerator cartridge EDR1RXD1
- Ice production issues: refrigerator ice maker W10873791
- Cooling airflow/noise: refrigerator evaporator fan motor WP2315549
- Lights not working when door opens: refrigerator door switch W11396033
A refrigerator that’s forced to run hot (dirty coils, weak door seal, blocked vents) cycles longer and wears out key components faster. Keeping airflow strong and temperatures stable is the simplest way to get a full lifespan from your WRS555SIHB06.
Last updated: February 2026





