Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Price Match Guarantee
In-stock parts ship the same day
365-Day Return Policy
Price Match GuaranteeChoose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Refrigerator RepairWhirlpool Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up Repair
Whirlpool Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up
If the ice maker in your refrigerator compartment is frosting up, warm, moist air is getting into the space around the ice maker. The most likely culprit is a bad or misaligned door gasket that fails to seal, so inspect the gasket for twists, tears, or gaps and replace it if needed. If the gasket checks out, focus on the dispenser assembly: a defective dispenser solenoid or a failed dispenser door motor can leave the dispenser door stuck closed or fail to open and close properly, letting humidity condense and freeze. Check the actuator pin movement and use a multimeter to test solenoids and motors for continuity; replace any component that won’t run. Also inspect the dispenser funnel guide and the dispenser door for obstructions or damage, and remove anything keeping the door from closing. Frost can show up even when the freezer is fine, so if you’ve got a fridge not cooling but freezer works feeling, these door and dispenser parts are where to start. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Gasket
A door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, which can result in frost building up on the ice maker compartment. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Highly Likely
02 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Solenoid
The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.
Common
03 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Door Motor
The dispenser door motor opens and closes the dispenser door to prevent cold air from escaping the refrigerator. If the dispenser door motor is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. As a result, the dispenser will not dispense ice. To determine if the motor is defective, first determine if the motor is getting power. If the motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the dispenser door motor does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
04 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Funnel Guide
The dispenser funnel guide is the component that allows the ice from the ice maker to be properly dispensed. If the guide is obstructed or broken, the ice may not dispense as expected. Inspect the funnel guide or any obstruction or damage and replace if necessary.
Common
05 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Door
The dispenser door is opened by a motor, solenoid or actuator arm to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.
Common
06 - Dispenser door stuck open
If the dispenser door is stuck open, warm air can enter the ice maker compartment causing frost buildup and potentially stopping the ice maker. Remove any items that may be keeping the dispenser door from closing.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator ice maker not working and frosting up in the refrigerator compartment?
My freezer is cold but the fridge is warm and the ice maker is frosting up, what could cause this?
Ice dispenser not working: how do I test the dispenser solenoid or dispenser door motor?
Can a bad door gasket or a refrigerator door not closing properly cause my ice maker compartment to frost up?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
Shop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Parts
Shop by Popular Whirlpool Refrigerator Models
Our Story
Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.
About Repair Clinic
© 2026 RepairClinic.com