Whirlpool WRF989SDAM03 Ice Maker Stopped working with error code E5

[saschnell]

Model Number

WRF989SDAM03

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

6-10 years

Recently my ice maker suddenly stopped producing ice on a regular basis (every once in a while a few cubes will drop into the ice storage bin). Thinking that the Ice Maker might have an issue, I ran test 58 and received an error code E5. After a little research, I came across the following information from a previous post:
E5 = Timed ice making--->This code indicates the ice maker thermistor is warmer than 16° and the ice bin thermistor has been below 45° for 3 hours. An E5 can be the result of a defective IM thermistor, bin thermistor, loose thermistor connection, ice box fan not running or a cooling issue.

I then ran the following tests:
59: Ice Maker Motor – worked properly in both directions
45: Ice Maker Fill Test – worked and filled the tray
57: Ice Maker Harvest – functioned properly and finished with an 01 code
36: Ice Box Fan – turned fan on (01) and off (02) as expected
37: Ice Box Thermistor – result was 01 (pass)

Since everything pertaining to the Ice Maker seemed to be okay, my next step was to do an overall temperature check. The temperature readings were as follows:
- Ice Compartment: 28 degrees (should be less than 16 degrees)
- Refrigerator: 41 degrees (set temp of 36 degrees)
- Freezer: 14 degrees (set temp of -1 degrees)
These are all higher than the expected temperatures, so I confirmed that the condenser coils were clean and that the condenser fan was operating properly. I also ran these additional tests:
1: FC Thermistor – result was 01 (pass)
2: RC Thermistor – result was 01 (pass)

I then began to focus on the main control board (part no W10589837), as the description of that part reads:
“The main control board is what handles the functions of the fridge, including defrost times and temperature control. The board can become damaged over time and the electrical components could wear out from regular use. If the control board is not working properly, the refrigerator may not be able to maintain a proper temperature.”
I couldn’t think of any other tests to run, or things to check, so I ordered the main control board ($378) and installed it yesterday and it did NOT fix the problem (same warm temperatures and no ice)

The unit also has an Electronic Control Board (part no W10453401), but I can’t find a description of what it controls, so I don’t want to spend another $156 unless I’m reasonably sure it will fix the problem. Could the Electronic Control Board be the culprit, or is there something else I should be testing/checking?

Thanks for any guidance that can be provided!

 

[Jake]

From everything you said above, that indicates a sealed system problem, and that will cause the warmer than normal temperatures.

Look at the evaporator coil in the freezer and observe the frost pattern of it, take a photo of it too if you could please.

Normal would be a thin layer of frost on ALL the coils from TOP to BOTTOM.

Look at the very bottom photo below where it says NORMAL FROST PATTERN.

 

[saschnell]

Thanks Jake.

Attached are pictures of the evaporator coil, which seems to indicate that I may have a sealed system problem as you had suggested.

But before seeing your response, I had run some additional tests:
65: Pantry Thermistor - 01 (passed)
39: RC Evap Thermistor - 01 (passed)
66: Manufacturing Codes - E0 (no errors)
3: Evaporator fan motor and air baffle motor -
Step 01 - Both RC and FC fans were off (as expected)
Step 02 - FC fan turned on properly (as expected)
Step 03 (pantry air damper on/off test)
Sub-step 13: detected air flow on left side of pantry (as expected)
Sub-step 23: continued to feel air flow on left side of pantry (air flow should have ceased when 23 is displayed)

Is it possible that I have a Damper Control issue that is messing with air flow throughout the unit - resulting in the sealed system symptom?
(note that while I had the evap cover plate off - and after letting the ice melt on the evap coil - I turned the power back on the unit to confirm that the evap fan was functioning properly)

Or should I continue looking elsewhere?

Thanks!
Scott

 

[Jake]

Attached are pictures of the evaporator coil, which seems to indicate that I may have a sealed system problem as you had suggested.

Thanks! Yes, you have a sealed system problem.

Is it possible that I have a Damper Control issue that is messing with air flow throughout the unit - resulting in the sealed system symptom?

Nope.

Or should I continue looking elsewhere?

Nope.

The sealed system consists of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, heat exchanger, filter/drier and refrigerant.

Common problems with a sealed system are bad compressors, refrigerant leaks, and system restrictions.

You'd need a Whirlpool tech to do a sealed system repair. The cost will be expensive though, anywhere from $800 to $1000.

 

[saschnell]

Jake,

Thanks for you expertise and honest (albeit painful) assessment. Looks like I'm at the crossroads of whether to spend the money on a repair, or just bite the bullet and put it towards a new refrigerator.

Scott

 

[Jake]

Glad to help Scott!