Whirlpool Wrqa59cnkz Ice Maker Not Working
Your Whirlpool Wrqa59cnkz ice maker not working always seems to happen right before a party. It’s frustrating, but it’s rarely a disaster. Most causes are simple: a warm freezer, a clogged water filter, or a fill tube blocked by frost.
You can fix it yourself.
This model’s ice maker cycles every 90 to 180 minutes. It produces roughly 3 to 4 pounds of ice per day. If you get nothing, or the cubes come out small and cloudy, something in that cycle stopped.
Let’s walk through the fix.
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Quick Answer
Three things cause most ice maker failures. A frozen fill tube. A clogged water filter.
Or a control module needing a reset. Check the freezer temp first. It must be 0°F (-18°C).
Then reset the ice maker for ten seconds. Thaw the fill tube if it is frosted.
The 60-Second Check
Run a quick visual check before you touch anything. It costs nothing, and it fixes a surprising number of problems. The WRQA59CNKZ needs power, water, and the right temperature.
If any link breaks, the ice maker stops.
| Check | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer temperature | 0°F (-18°C) on the control panel | Ice makers stop if the freezer runs too warm |
| Water supply line | Valve fully open, line not kinked | No pressure means no ice |
| Door switch | Click when you press the dispenser flap | The switch cuts power to the auger and icemaker |
| Ice bin position | Bin seated fully, feeler arm swings freely | A misaligned bin blocks the shut-off arm |
Most models use a feeler arm that stops the icemaker when the bin is full. If you bump the bin, that arm sticks. Pull the bin out and slide it back in.
That often gets things moving.
Check the back wall for frost buildup. Heavy frost on the fill tube usually means dirty coils or a drafty door seal. If those basics check out, match your symptom.
Pick Your Symptom
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Your next step depends on what the ice maker does. Here is the short decision tree:
- No ice, no sound. The icemaker isn’t getting power, or the control module failed.
- Clicks but no cubes. The water valve opens but water doesn’t reach the mold. Likely a frozen fill tube or airlock.
- Small, cloudy, or hollow cubes. Low water pressure or a clogged filter.
- Dispenser fails, freezer has cubes. The auger motor, chute, or door switch is the problem.
No Ice at All, No Sounds
If the icemaker is silent, start with the feeler arm. It must be in the down position. Press the reset button.
No click or beep means the icemaker may need replacing. Don’t buy one yet. Test the control module first.
Ice Maker Clicks or Buzzes But Nothing Drops
That click is the water inlet valve opening. It should let water into the ice mold. If it clicks and nothing arrives, the fill tube is frozen or the line is airlocked.
Unplug the refrigerator. Thaw the fill tube with a hair dryer on low. Then press the test arm to force a manual fill.
Small, Cloudy, or Hollow Ice Cubes
Low water pressure causes all three. The inlet valve needs at least 20 psi. A clogged filter produces the same symptom.
Replace it with a Whirlpool-recommended EveryDrop Filter 1 (EDR1RXD1). Flush three gallons through the door dispenser after installing.
Dispenser Not Working, Freezer Has Ice
If cubes are in the bin but nothing comes out, focus on the dispenser path. Push the chute flap and listen for the auger motor. No hum means the motor or door switch is bad.
A blocked chute flap is also common. Check for a cube wedged in the sweep.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
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Once you matched your symptom, work these steps in order. Skipping ahead leads to wasted parts. Each step builds on the last.
Step 1: Check Freezer Temperature and Water Pressure
Set the freezer to 0°F (-18°C). Wait 24 hours if you just changed the setting. Use a separate thermometer to verify.
Then check the water supply. The saddle valve should be fully open. Low pressure below 20 psi starves the icemaker.
Step 2: Reset the Ice Maker
Find the reset button on the side or front of the icemaker. Press and hold for ten seconds. Close the door and wait for the test cycle.
You should hear the fill valve buzz and water running. No buzz means the valve or control board is suspect.
Step 3: Inspect the Fill Tube and Ice Bin
Open the ice bin and look up at the fill tube. If frost is blocking it, water can’t reach the mold. Unplug the refrigerator first.
Use a hair dryer on low heat to melt the frost. Never use a screwdriver or knife. You can puncture the tube.
Step 4: Test the Door Switch and Control Board
Press the dispenser chute flap while the door is closed. The switch should click cleanly. If the display shows an error code, run the self-diagnostic mode.
The technical sheet tucked behind the toe kick lists the codes.
How Each Part Fails
The WRQA59CNKZ ice maker is a modular system. Each part has one job. When one stops, the whole chain stops.
| Component | What it does | How it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker assembly | Houses motor, mold, and thermostat | Worn gears, burnt motor, broken wiring |
| Water inlet valve | Opens to fill the mold | Clogged screen, stuck solenoid |
| Fill tube | Delivers water to the mold | Freezes solid, cracks at the seam |
| Ice mold thermostat | Senses when cubes are frozen | Stops the harvest cycle early |
| Feeler arm | Shuts off when bin is full | Sticks down or gets bent |
| Auger motor | Pushes cubes to the chute | Hums but won’t rotate |
Two parts fail most often: the ice maker assembly and the water inlet valve. Everything else tends to be environmental, like frost or low pressure. For exact part numbers, check Whirlpool’s official support site.
It has exploded diagrams for this model.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is throwing parts at the problem. Many people buy a whole replacement assembly without testing the water supply first. That is expensive and often unnecessary.
- Pushing reset while the fill tube is frozen. The motor runs against a block of ice. It can burn out in seconds.
- Ignoring the water filter. A clogged filter starves the system. Replace it every six months.
- Over-tightening the water line. You crush the ferrule and restrict flow. Hand-tighten, then a quarter turn with a wrench.
- Not waiting 24 hours after a reset. The icemaker needs time to chill the mold. Give it a full day.
- Forgetting the condenser coils. Dirty coils make the freezer run warm. A warm freezer stops ice production.
- Assuming a silent icemaker is dead. Sometimes it is just the door switch or wiring. Test before you replace.
The owner who replaced two icemakers with no results? The shut-off valve was closed under the sink. Follow the workflow in order.
You will avoid that trap.
DIY Fix or Call a Pro
Most WRQA59CNKZ ice maker problems are DIY-friendly. The line between a doable repair and a service call depends on tools, comfort level, and the part.
| Issue | DIY difficulty | What it costs | When to call a pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen fill tube | Easy | Free (hair dryer) | Tube is cracked or leaking |
| Clogged water filter | Easy | $15 to $30 | None. Always DIY |
| Water inlet valve | Moderate | $35 to $60 | You lack a multimeter or can’t shut off the water |
| Ice maker assembly | Moderate | $80 to $150 | Wiring harness is damaged or corroded |
| Control board | Hard | $100 to $200 | Can’t access diagnostic mode or board is behind sealed panels |
| Auger motor | Hard | $50 to $90 | Dispenser area is frozen solid |
Call a pro for: control boards, sealed system issues, or burnt wiring harnesses. Any repair that requires removing the freezer liner needs a technician.
DIY if: you have a fill tube, filter, inlet valve, or ice maker assembly to replace. Whirlpool’s support site has video walkthroughs. If you can turn a screwdriver and follow a diagram, you can do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset the ice maker on my Whirlpool WRQA59CNKZ?
Press and hold the reset button for ten seconds. Close the door and wait for the test cycle. You will hear the fill valve click and water run.
Give it 24 hours for a full batch.
Why is my ice maker not making ice but the water dispenser works?
The water dispenser draws from the same line, so pressure is fine. The ice maker itself or the inlet valve likely failed. Focus on the ice maker assembly and check the fill tube for frost.
How long after a reset does it take to get ice?
The first cycle takes 90 to 180 minutes. The mold must reach the right temperature before the fill valve opens. Expect the first usable batch after 12 to 24 hours.
Can a dirty water filter stop the ice maker?
Yes. A clogged filter drops pressure below the minimum. The inlet valve opens but too little water enters the mold.
Replace the filter every six months.
Why does my ice maker click but no water comes out?
That click is the valve opening. If no water follows, the fill tube is frozen, the line is airlocked, or the valve screen is clogged. Thaw the tube first.
Then check for kinks or air pockets.
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