Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Where are the controls on a whirlpool side by side refrigerator?
On the Whirlpool GSS26C5XXY00 side-by-side refrigerator, the temperature and feature controls are typically located inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment near the top, or on the exterior dispenser/control panel if your door has one. The exact layout varies by configuration; use the GSS26C5XXY00 user manual to confirm your control location and button functions.
Most Whirlpool side-by-side designs place controls in one of these spots:
- Inside the refrigerator section at the top (often on a small control housing)
- On the freezer door dispenser panel (if equipped with ice and water)
- Behind a small flip-up or slide cover near the top interior light area
- Near the air tower or upper back wall inside the refrigerator section
Before assuming a problem, we recommend these quick checks:
- Look along the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment, left and right sides
- Check the freezer door front for a display or button pad (if you have a dispenser)
- Open both doors and look for a small control panel near the interior lights
- Make sure “control lock” is not enabled (some panels ignore button presses when locked)
- If the display is blank, verify the refrigerator has power and the outlet works
| Control type | Where you will usually see it | What it typically adjusts |
|---|---|---|
| Interior temperature control | Top of fresh food section | Refrigerator and freezer temp settings |
| Dispenser control panel | Front of freezer door | Ice/water selection, lock, light, temp (some models) |
Knowing where the controls are helps you set proper temperatures (food safety and ice production) and troubleshoot issues like a blank display, locked keypad, or temperatures drifting warmer.
Last updated: January 2026
How to reset ice maker whirlpool side by side?
For Whirlpool model GSS26C5XXY00, the most reliable “reset” is to cycle power and then force the ice maker to restart by turning it off and back on. Because reset methods vary by ice maker style, we use the steps in the GSS26C5XXY00 user manual to confirm the exact control location and sequence for your unit.
- Make sure the ice maker is ON (bail arm down or switch in ON position, depending on style).
- Turn the ice maker OFF for 30 seconds, then turn it ON.
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 1 minute, then restore power.
- Wait 24 hours for normal ice production to fully recover after a reset.
- Verify freezer temperature is around 0°F; warmer temps can stop ice production.
These checks solve most “no ice” complaints after a reset:
- Water supply: confirm the shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- Ice bin position: make sure the bin is seated correctly and not overfilled with clumped ice.
- Door switch: if the freezer door switch is failing, the ice maker may not cycle correctly; see refrigerator freeer door switch W11457217.
- Water inlet valve: a weak or stuck valve can prevent filling; see refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10238100.
- Air in the water line: dispense water for a few minutes to purge air after filter or plumbing work.
On GSS26C5XXY00, a reset typically clears a temporary control hiccup (power interruption, stalled harvest cycle, or a brief water supply issue). It does not fix mechanical failures like a bad valve, failed door switch, or a frozen fill tube.
| Symptom | Most likely area to inspect | What a reset usually does |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all | Water supply, inlet valve, door switch | Restarts the cycle only |
| Small/hollow cubes | Water inlet valve, low water pressure | Rarely improves fill |
| Ice clumps in bin | Bin seating, dispenser area | Clears jam only if removed |
Resetting correctly helps us separate a one-time interruption from a part problem. If ice returns after power cycling but fails again, that pattern often points to a water delivery or switch issue rather than the ice maker itself.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Whirlpool side by side refrigerator not making ice but water works?
If your Whirlpool GSS26C5XXY00 dispenses water but won’t make ice, the most common causes are the ice maker being turned off, the freezer not cold enough (target 0°F to 5°F), a frozen fill tube, or a weak/failed dual water inlet valve that can still feed the dispenser but not the ice maker. Use the GSS26C5XXY00 user manual to confirm control settings and ice maker on/off operation.
- Make sure the ice maker is ON (arm/switch in the “on” position).
- Confirm the freezer is holding 0°F to 5°F for at least 24 hours.
- Dump old cubes and verify the ice bin seats fully.
- Look for a frozen fill tube at the back of the ice maker (ice blockage at the inlet).
- If you recently changed the water filter, purge air by dispensing several cups of water.
The dispenser and ice maker often use separate circuits inside the same valve. The dispenser side can work normally even if the ice-maker side is restricted or electrically failed.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| No ice, no “fill” sound | Ice maker off or not calling for water | Verify on/off and freezer temp |
| Ice maker cycles but no water enters mold | Frozen fill tube or valve issue | Thaw tube; test valve |
| Small/hollow cubes | Low water flow/pressure or restriction | Check filter, supply line, valve |
| Ice maker dead (no movement) | Ice maker module/control issue | Check door switch, wiring, diagnostics |
If basic checks don’t restore ice production, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10238100 (feeds dispenser and ice maker; one side can fail)
- Refrigerator freeer door switch W11457217 (if the switch doesn’t register “door closed,” some functions can be affected)
- Refrigerator electronic control board W10898445 (can affect ice maker power/logic)
Ice makers are temperature- and flow-sensitive. Even a small airflow issue, a slightly warm freezer, or a partially failing inlet valve can stop ice production while the water dispenser still seems “normal.”
Last updated: January 2026
How much freezer space is in a side by side?
For Whirlpool model GSS26C5XXY00, we cannot confirm the exact freezer capacity (in cubic feet) from the model-specific information available here, so we use typical side-by-side ranges as a planning guide. Most side-by-sides provide roughly 7.5 to 10 cu. ft. of freezer space.
Capacity is usually listed on the model’s rating label or in the specifications section of the documentation.
- Check the model and serial tag inside the fresh food compartment (often on a side wall)
- Look for a “Capacity” or “Specifications” section in the GSS26C5XXY00 owner’s manual
- If the manual doesn’t list cubic feet, compare interior layout (ice bin, shelves, door bins) to estimate usable space
- Remember: usable space is often less than advertised capacity when an ice maker and bin are installed
Side-by-side refrigerators split the cabinet vertically; the freezer is usually the narrower half.
| Refrigerator style | Typical total capacity | Typical freezer capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side | 22.5 to 31 cu. ft. | 7.5 to 10 cu. ft. |
Even if two Whirlpool side-by-sides have similar published capacity, day-to-day space can feel different.
- Ice maker and ice container reduce shelf room
- Shelf and bin configuration affects how well bulky items fit
- Frost buildup from a door not sealing can steal space
- Blocked air vents can force you to leave clearance around shelves
Knowing freezer capacity helps you plan frozen-food storage, choose organizers that fit, and set expectations for ice storage and airflow clearance.
Last updated: January 2026
