FIXED WRF989SDAM03 Ice maker not working - error codes E2 and E3

[BlueWRXPride]

Model Number

WRF989SDAM03

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

6-10 years

As stated in the title, my ice maker stopped working about 4 days ago. I did some reading online and service test 56 gives me E2 and E3. I ran test 59 and got error E2 for clockwise and no error for counterclockwise. I tried the ice box thermistor E37 and that passed.

I also read some on this forum and saw there's an issue with this ice maker as referenced here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rzE4zBugoYmepnwJYU7TG2QpNLCyg9JA/view.

In hindsight, there were some occasions where I noticed a very small amount of ice buildup or condensation at the front where the ice comes out. After reading this bulletin, I went and checked the back of the ice maker up against the rear wall and did find some small amount of ice there.

What's my solution? Do I need a completely new ice maker? Or do I need the kit referenced in the service bulletin?

 

[Jake]

You will need to remove the ice maker and check for obstructions in it which can also cause the E2 and E3 issue. If nothing is blocking the ice maker ejector arm, then the ice maker is likely bad, to confirm that read the troubleshooting guide I'm attaching below.

Here's the ice maker for your model: Icemaker W11577195

Watch this video to remove and replace it:

Here's the troubleshooting guide:

 

[Jake]

I also read some on this forum and saw there's an issue with this ice maker as referenced here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rzE4zBugoYmepnwJYU7TG2QpNLCyg9JA/view.

That's from 2014, so If it were a issue it would of done it from the start, but you can order the kit if you want.

Wait, your model isn't even listed on that, so it does NOT apply to your model. Your model is WRF989SDAM03 and you can see its not listed.

 

[BlueWRXPride]

I bought a replacement ice maker and installed it since when I took the old one out I didn't identify any obvious issues with it. However after installing it, 12 hours later there is still no ice. I reached my hand up into the ice maker and it was dry, there had been no water added into the ice maker. I ran the diagnostic fill test, and that did successfully add water in, so I know the valve to send water in is working. What else should I try?

 

[BlueWRXPride]

The water that I manually added using test 46 did freeze into ice, but it won't harvest. I ran test 59 and I still 02 for the clockwise test, indicating harvesting did not complete. Doesn't make any sense to me since I replaced the whole ice maker.

 

[Jake]

Sounds like a defective ice maker to me, where did you get it from?

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Partsdr.com

 

[Jake]

Ok, I'd contact them and let know, and they should be able to send you another new one for free.

This guy it took the 3rd ice maker to get a good ice maker:

FIXED - Whirlpool Refrigerator WRV996FDEM00 Ice Maker Motor not moving

My ice maker stopped making ice. I checked the error codes under test 56 and it showed an E2 error. Based on information from threads on this site, I replaced the ice maker. (Thanks for the excellent panel removal tips}. With the new ice maker installed I have no error codes but test 57...

www.applianceblog.com

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Do you think there's any chance that there could be some other issue with a control board or something not sending the appropriate signals to the ice maker?

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Not sure if this is relevant, but I also noticed some frozen water droplets at the bottom front edge of the ice maker. I took a picture but it's a little hard to see.

 

[Jake]

I ran test 59 and I still 02 for the clockwise test, indicating harvesting did not complete.

That indicates the ice maker is bad.

Now, I did find another service bulletin about that condensation, I'm attaching it below, what is the serial number of your refrigerator? Let's see if that one applies to yours.

Here's the kit to order if your serial is within this range: K217-K450
Cntrl-Elec W10861900


On models manufactured between code dates K217 - K450, also order and install the Rear Seal Adapter Kit: W10612142 (White) -or- W10648043 (Gray)

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Serial is K43421883, so I guess that falls within the range. But jeez, that comes to $460 in replacement parts! That is a little hard to stomach. Plus I assume that control board is a bit harder to replace than the ice maker parts. Any reason not to just leave it as it is and deal with a little condensation?

 

[Jake]

Any reason not to just leave it as it is and deal with a little condensation?

That would fine.

Did you get the new ice maker?

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Just got it today. I'll be installing it tonight.

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Finished the install. Test 59 now completes clockwise and counter clockwise test successfully. But test 56 shows E2 still. Do I need to do something to clear errors?

 

[BlueWRXPride]

And still no ice this morning. No water in the ice tray either but I am sure that if I ran that test it would fill. Really seems like I need to do some kind of reset to the system to have it start making ice again. I suppose I could unplug and plug the fridge back in.

 

[Jake]

That's very strange, the new ice maker should of fixed it.

I'm attaching your tech. data sheet below, I see nowhere in it that clears any error codes.

Check to see if your DELI/PANTRY display is out, if so, our tech bigbuck posted a service bulletin about this problem here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OUD3L2YYjwGY48xB2u1jH-LMZXwtUl4a That can effect the ice maker operation too.

Disconnect the wires to it and see if the ice maker starts working like normal again.

Here is the Temperature control Pantry UI(aka Dotyk board (Deli User Interface Board) for your model:
User Control and Display Board WPW10565996

 

[BlueWRXPride]

I'll check when I get home, but I'm pretty sure the pantry display is still working fine. I'm going to run the water fill test to have it fill up, let the water freeze, and then run the harvest test. If that works, in theory it shows that all elements of the ice maker work, and it's just not running through the process right? Almost like the ice maker is off. I know the on/off switch near the ice bin is on, but could that switch be broken?

 

[Jake]

I'll check when I get home, but I'm pretty sure the pantry display is still working fine.

Yes, do check that first.

Almost like the ice maker is off. I know the on/off switch near the ice bin is on, but could that switch be broken?

In your tech data sheet I posted in post #17 DO--->Service Test - 15 Ice Level Sensor
--->Displays the Ice Bin Status in real time on the UI display. Verify that the full and not full levels display correctly. (01 = Bin Full, 02 = Bin Not Full)

 

[BlueWRXPride]

Test 15 showed the ice level sensor is working, as is the pantry display. When I got home I could feel ice in the ice maker without me running the water fill test. I tried running 57 ice maker harvest. That failed with a 02. When the motor should have been running and it said 20 I didn't hear it moving. Should I run 59 to test just the motor or could I damage it since there's ice in there and it wouldn't be running the heater first?