** Our Whirlpool Side-by-side's ice maker has never worked all that well (slow to turn out ice) **

Maybe the freezer was not set cold enough? That's the only thing that should slow down ice production. Freezer temperature should be in the area of +2°F to -5°F for an icemaker to be most effective.

** cannot be turned off by flipping the icemaker switch **

You mean, lifting the ice bin sensor arm? It should be able to just be unplugging from the fridge to stop it if necessary.

** now it has started making a truly infernal racket. so it might have to do with the screw-drive motor or ??? **

Something might be broken inside the unit? That would likely explain failure of the shut-off arm.

The icemaker used on your model is Whirlpool's 'modular' design (see the following link).

- Whirlpool 'Modular' Compact Crescent-Mold Icemaker

LINK > http://www.the-appliance-clinic.com/modcres.html

If anything is wrong with the head mechanism, that 'module' would have to be replaced... or the whole icemaker - which is often more cost (and time) effective (see the following links).

- SS25AFXLQ01 Icemaker Module

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/data.php?ap=AP3042836

- Icemaker Kit

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/data.php?ap=AP2984633

JFYI

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=Whirlpool+Fridge

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~

Thanks Dan. I think the noise must be coming from the screw mechanism that turns through the ice - so that it can be dispensed through the door. So may not be part of the actual icemaker itself. Does this make sense?

I will also measure temperature and read the links.

The noise seems to have stopped for now....but I bet it will be back. I will try and provide an update or two - but it could be a while.

Thanks DanO for your tips, and all your advice over the years!

Regards,

-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

No it doesn't really make sense because your first post said "ice maker" and your second is referring to the ice *dispenser* which are two totally different mechanisms. The only thing in common is the fact they they both involve ice cubes in some way.

All I can suggest is try to isolate exactly where the sound is coming from... when it is present. You can see some exploded parts view diagrams for your model at the following link which might help you to identify parts in question.

- Whirlpool SS25AFXLQ01 Exploded Parts Views

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/data.php?apm=SS25AFXLQ01

JFYI

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=Whirlpool+Fridge

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~

Sorry Dan, yes, the dispenser.

I did measure temperature and it is fluctuating between 0 and -4.

Thanks again Dan!

Regards,

-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

The temperature has nothing to do with the speed of *dispensing* ice, only making it, which I thought was your original complaint.

I have no idea what would change the speed at which ice was dispensed besides an obstruction somewhere in the ice bucket or maybe a slipping gear in the dispenser motor. I'm not sure the latter is at all common, those motors more commonly just fail outright.

JMO

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=Whirlpool+Fridge

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~