How To Troubleshoot A Whirlpool Modular Ice Maker With Optical Controls

In this appliance repair safari, Samurai Appliance Repair Man shows you how to troubleshoot the Whirlpool-built modular ice makers with optical controls. The ice makers that use the optical controls are just like any of the other Whirlpool modular ice makers that use a metal feeler arm. All the optics controls does is replace that feeler arm and tells the ice maker when to stop making ice.

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Here's the ice maker kit I installed to repair this problem: http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetai...

In case the optics do turn out to be bad (less common), here are the replacement optics control boards: http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetai...

For more details on testing and troubleshooting the modular ice maker, see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ko23C...

For expert appliance repair help and to buy appliance parts, visit the Appliantology Academy at http://appliantology.org

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[Mark Masters]

I check the V and N and the Water still does not work, the water tube it not plugged, its like no energy is seing to the water inlet.

[SamuraiRepairman]

Try using a cheater cord back at the water inlet valve for the ice maker and powering the water inlet valve solenoid directly. If the ice maker mold tray fills with water, then replace the ice maker. If not, then either bad inlet valve, plugged fill line, or no water supply to the valve. Buy the replacement parts at the Appliantology forums using the Appliantology Parts Finder box at the top of the page, one year return policy on all parts ordered there.

[Somwang Nuelsuma]

Hello: I have Whirlpool side by side refrigerator less than 4 years old i am hardly use my ice dispenser and turn of in winter time because only my kid used ice dispenser and now my ice dispenser not working at all my water dispenser and ice making great. I've removed motor and sit aside while testing for voltage from wiring harness to motor found no voltage while depressing ice dispenser lever. Now went back to my motor tried to shaking and see water keep coming out from my motor.

What next?

[SamuraiRepairman]

Several possibilites here. One is that the micro switch in the dispenser for the ice is broken. Or the augur motor may be burned out. Also, you may need the ice door kit. We can go into detail on these repairs with you at the Appliantology Academy repair forums.

[Somwang Nuelsuma]

You are right i have checked micro switch is o k because light came on when ice dispenser lever depress. But my motor is burned out because ice build up inside the motor. what if i replace the motor and run the new wire from micro switch directly to augur motor?

[SamuraiRepairman]

If the motor is bad, replacing it would solve the problem... unless it's not getting voltage. But you can check for that with your meter. Can also check continuity of the augur motor. Why would you want or need to run a new wire from the mico switch to the motor if the switch itself is good and sending voltage to the motor?

[Somwang Nuelsuma]

By a way my whirlpool model number ED5FHAXVSOO series number SW4223706

[steve brown]

hi, ive replace both these optic boards and the whole ice maker unit is still as dead as a doornail...any ideas what to look at next