W11284458 vs W11455232: Which Ice Maker Fits Your Fridge?
W11284458 and W11455232 are both Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assemblies with similar-looking numbers, and mixing them up is one of the most common wrong-part orders in this category. They are service parts for different refrigerator families, so the number that fits your fridge depends on your model — not on which one looks closer in a photo. This page explains how to work out which one you need before you buy.
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W11284458 vs W11455232 at a Glance
| W11284458 | W11455232 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sold as | Ice maker assembly | Ice maker kit |
| Replaces | W11088559 | See your model’s parts list |
| Typical refrigerator family | Whirlpool side-by-side | Whirlpool / KitchenAid four-door and counter-depth |
| Confirmed fitment example | WRS335SDHB03 | WRQA59CNKZ |
| Interchangeable? | No. They are separate service parts for different refrigerator families — always order by your model number. | |
How to Identify Which One You Have
- Read the part. The number is moulded or on a sticker on the ice maker housing itself. This is the most reliable method.
- Check the model plate. The rating plate inside the fresh food section gives your full model number; a parts lookup for that model returns the correct assembly number.
- Count the mounting points and check the fill tube. The two assemblies differ in housing shape and connector position, which is why they cannot simply be swapped.
Before You Order
- Rule out a clogged water filter — it causes the same “no ice” complaint for a fraction of the cost.
- Check the water inlet valve if the mould never fills.
- Confirm the freezer is at 0 °F or below; an ice maker will not cycle in a warm freezer.
- Note your full model number from the rating plate before ordering.
Symptoms Each Assembly Fixes
Both parts are replaced for the same class of complaint, which is exactly why the numbers get confused. If the ice maker fills with water but never releases cubes, or the mould ices over and stops cycling, the assembly is the likely fault. If no water reaches the mould at all, the fill valve, water line or filter is the cause instead — not the ice maker.
How These Assemblies Fail
Ice maker assemblies are electromechanical, so they rarely fail all at once. Knowing the failure mode tells you whether you are looking at the assembly at all:
| What you see | What has failed inside the assembly | Replace the ice maker? |
|---|---|---|
| Mould fills, cubes never eject | Ejector fingers stalled or stripped gears | Yes |
| Cubes come out as a solid block | Mould heater or thermostat not releasing the ice | Yes |
| Thin, hollow or undersized cubes | Nothing — low water pressure, clogged filter or restricted fill tube | No |
| Mould never fills with water | Water inlet valve, water line or filter | No |
| Ice maker cycles but no water enters | Freezer not cold enough, or fill tube frozen | No |
Two of the five rows above cost nothing to fix. Checking the filter and the freezer temperature before ordering is what separates a five-minute repair from a return.
If You Ordered the Wrong Number
Do not force the fit. The housings and connectors differ between these two assemblies, so a part that almost seats will leak water into the freezer or fail to cycle. Keep the packaging and the invoice, confirm your model number from the rating plate, and start a return rather than modifying the part — altering the housing voids the warranty and can damage the fill tube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are W11284458 and W11455232 interchangeable?
No. Whirlpool lists them as separate service parts for different refrigerator families. Order by your full model number rather than by appearance, because the housings and connectors differ.
How do I find my refrigerator’s model number?
The rating plate is usually inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or behind the crisper. It lists the full model and serial number, which any parts lookup uses to return the correct ice maker assembly.
My ice maker stopped working — is it always the assembly?
No. Check the water filter, the inlet valve and the freezer temperature first. If water fills the mould but no cubes are produced, or the mould ices solid, the assembly is the likely fault.
How long does an ice maker replacement take?
Around 30 to 40 minutes. Shut off the water supply, unplug the refrigerator, remove the mounting screws and harness, lift the old assembly out and seat the replacement until the fill tube aligns.
Do I need to replace the water filter at the same time?
It is worth doing if the filter is more than six months old. A restricted filter reduces fill volume and produces hollow or undersized cubes, which is often mistaken for a failing ice maker.