Whirlpool · Refrigerator
Whirlpool Refrigerator Error Code 24
Ice tray sensor resistance too high
What this error means
Code 24 means the ice tray thermistor resistance is above the normal upper limit—greater than about 45K ohms. The module cannot determine mold temperature for freeze and harvest timing.
How 24 is detected
When 24 appears on a Whirlpool refrigerator, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ, Whirlpool WRF555SDFZ, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most 24 calls are resolved without parts: run service test 58 on models with ice maker diagnostics to view tray thermistor live values. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If 24 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Open ice tray thermistor wire in the ice maker harness
- Failed thermistor inside the ice mold body
- Connector unplugged at the ice maker head
- Ice buildup insulating the sensor from the mold metal
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Run Service Test 58 on models with ice maker diagnostics to view tray thermistor live values
- 2Disconnect power and remove the ice maker to access the tray sensor plug
- 3Measure tray sensor resistance—compare to the chart on the tech sheet at freezer temp
- 4Replace the ice maker if the tray thermistor reads open or above spec
When to call a technician
Tray sensor is often integral to the ice maker head—service can swap the assembly if resistance is out of range.
Affected models
- Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ
- Whirlpool WRF555SDFZ
- Whirlpool WRX986SIHZ
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use refrigerators to prevent 24 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when 24 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Whirlpool refrigerator—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for 24; Whirlpool uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting 24; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.