A Whirlpool refrigerator has many replaceable parts, so this article addresses how to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator.
Table of Contents
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
There are several ways to replace the water filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator. The reason is that the refrigerator usually has two locations for the filter: the base grille and the upper right corner inside the unit. Also, the method of removing the filter varies by model. This article on how to change the filter on a Whirlpool refrigerator explains the steps in detail.
How to Replace Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Below are steps to replace Whirlpool refrigerator water filters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5:
Everydrop 1
Find the filter housing in the upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator or grille at the bottom front. If it is at the bottom, turn the filter handle in the right direction to loosen it before pulling it out. Throw the old one away and get the new filter.
Remove the cover on the O-rings and insert the filter, ensuring the arrow points upward. Do not force it into position; turn the filter to align the notches with the grooves if it is difficult. Once in place, run water through the dispenser or water supply line to flush the system.
Everydrop 2
Once you locate the water filter housing, open the door and pull the filter downward. Next, turn the filter to the left before pulling it out. Throw the old filter out and get the new one. Remove the cover on the O-rings and insert the filter, ensuring the arrow points upward.
As you insert it, the filter should start to rotate, so turn it to the right to lock it in place. Close the filter housing door and run water from the refrigerator to flush the system.
Everydrop 3
This filter goes into the housing at the front bottom of the refrigerator. There is an eject button for removing the filter, so depress the button to release the filter. Pull it out of the housing when it is free. Next, turn the filter cap to the left or counterclockwise and pull it off. Discard the old filter, get the new filter, and remove the cover on the O-rings; check to ensure the rings are in place after removing the cover.
Place the filter cap on the new filter, ensuring to align the ridges. Now, turn the cap to the right or clockwise to secure it. Insert the filter into the housing at the bottom, ensuring the arrow points to the left. Once you correctly insert it, the eject button you pushed in earlier should pop out again. Then, run water from the unit to flush the system.
Everydrop 4
Find the filter in the upper right-hand corner of the interior part of the refrigerator. Locate the tab securing the filter cover; if the cover has the tab on the bottom, pull the lever forward and down to open the cover. But if the tab faces outward, depress it and pull down the cover.
Twist the filter counterclockwise or to the left and remove it. Throw it out and get the new filter for installation. Check the filter opening for a cap and when you find it, turn it to the left and pull it out. Line the filter with the grooves when installing it, push it in place, and turn it clockwise or to the right. After that, push the filter up, lock it in place, and close the filter housing door. Run water from the unit to flush the system when everything is in place.
Everydrop 5
The filter installs in the bottom grille. When you locate the housing, you will see a cap or handle sticking out from the grille. Turn the handle to the left or counterclockwise until it is vertical. The filter is loose when it is in that position, so you can pull it out. Slide the filter cap or handle off the old filter, keep it, and throw the old filter away.
Next, get the new filter and remove the cover on the O-rings. Fix the cap to the end of the filter and insert it. When inserting it, ensure the cap sits vertically before pushing the filter into the housing. When it is entirely in, turn the cap or handle to the right or clockwise until it is horizontal. Finally, run water from the refrigerator to flush the system.
How Do You Reset the Replace Filter Light on a Whirlpool Refrigerator?
The method of resetting the filter light after replacing the water filter on a Whirlpool refrigerator depends on the model. Since the status does not automatically reset, you must do it manually. Some refrigerator models have a dedicated filter reset button. If yours does, locate it on the control panel, press it, and hold it until the light turns off. That means the reset is complete.
Look for a Water Filter button if your refrigerator model does not have a filter reset button. If available, press and hold it for about three seconds. The Replace Filter on the control panel display should disappear, and the water filter icon should turn blue if the reset is successful.
Other models without the filter reset and water filter buttons can use Max Ice and Max Cool buttons. Press them simultaneously and watch the display; there should be a countdown from three to one. Then, the display should flash the filter icon and beep a tone to indicate a successful reset.
Consult the user manual for the refrigerator for other reset methods for your specific model if none of the above applies. You can also get professional help if the manual is not available.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Light
A Whirlpool refrigerator may have an LED light or a regular light bulb.
LED Light Replacement
Start by disconnecting the refrigerator from electric power. Do this by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet or turning off the circuit breaker. Open the refrigerator door and locate the light fixture; there may be a cover on the light bulb. Remove the cover, but if there is none, proceed with removing the light.
Insert a small tool between the meeting point of the light and the refrigerator ceiling to pry open the locking tabs. Open the front tabs and the back tabs to loosen the light. Carefully do this because the tabs may break if you apply force.
Next, lower the light and check the wire harnesses attached to it. Disconnect the harnesses to free the light from the refrigerator. Then, remove it from the unit and prepare the new one for fixing. Connect the wire harnesses from the refrigerator to the new light. Ensure you connect the harnesses to the proper places. Once connected, position the light and push it into its space until the tabs lock. Use the necessary force but do not be excessive with it.
Regular Bulb Replacement
Some refrigerators have regular bulbs. All you have to do to replace them is to unscrew the faulty bulb and fix a new one in its place. Ensure the refrigerator is not connected to electric power while changing the bulb. You may have to remove a light shield over the bulb in some models, so follow the instructions in the manual to perform this task.
Note that you must use the same type of bulb for your refrigerator like the one you remove. It must be the same shape, wattage, and size; every type of refrigerator bulb cannot fit in your unit. Also, the LED lights in some Whirlpool refrigerator models cannot be removed. So, contact Whirlpool if you have issues with such lights.
Check out these other articles…
How to Level a Whirlpool Refrigerator [Detailed Guide]
How to Clean a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
How to Adjust a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[In-depth Guide]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Filter [Detailed Guide & Solutions]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Working [Proven Solutions]
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Air Filter
To replace a Whirlpool refrigerator air filter, locate the filter. It is usually inside the refrigerator section, at the rear wall. A vented door covers it, so open the door and find the filter. Put two fingers on the sides of the filter, gently squeeze it, and pull it toward you.
When the filter is out of the housing, take the new filter and snap it into place. Some models may have a status light to alert the owner when the filter is due for a replacement. So, reset the light after replacing the filter; it does not automatically reset.
You may find a status indicator in the air filter packaging. If your refrigerator model already has the indicator, you will not need the one that came with the filter. However, if there is none, remove the indicator, place it on a flat surface with the back facing up, and pop the bubble.
Next, check the bottom left corner of the air filter housing. There are two notches where you can insert the external indicator. Gently insert the indicator into the notches after popping the bubble at the back. Close the vented door and check to see if the indicator is visible through the tiny hole on the bottom left side of the door.
If there is no notch to fit the indicator into, put it in a visible place within the refrigerator. Whether or not you have the status indicator, replacing the air filter after six months is crucial. The same applies to the water filter.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Gasket
To replace the gasket on a Whirlpool refrigerator door, open the affected door and grasp the gasket with both hands. Gently but firmly pull it away from the liner, taking care not to cause any damage. It is important to start removing the gasket from the top of the door and work your way around it to the bottom.
Before installing the new gasket, run one hand along the track where it will sit. Ensure no dirt or debris finds its way into the groove. If there is, take the time to clean the area and allow it to dry before fixing the gasket.
After that, get the new gasket and inspect it. There is usually a part that fits on the outer part of the door where it meets the mullion. Also, there may be a protrusion that fits into a part at the top of the door. These variations differ by model, so they may not apply to yours. Settle the gasket into the track and press it into place, starting at the top. Keep pushing it into place as you go round the door.
Do not stretch any part of the gasket; buying the correct replacement part is crucial. A smaller gasket will not fit, and you have to stretch and damage it. On the other hand, a large gasket will leave space that affects the unit’s cooling capacity.
This video demonstrates how to replace the door gasket on a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator…
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Thermostat
First, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power to replace the thermostat in a Whirlpool refrigerator. You can do that by pulling the power cord from the wall outlet or turning off the breaker that controls the unit.
Next, locate the thermostat in your Whirlpool refrigerator model. Typically, it should be behind the control housing on the ceiling inside the refrigerator. So, empty the top shelf in the unit and get a quarter-inch nut driver. Use it to remove the single quarter-inch hex head screw holding the control housing in place.
Now, lower the housing once the screw is out, but do it gently because of the wire connection. Push the housing a little forward to release it from the tab at the back. After that, use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the locking tab on the wire harness. Once the housing is out, you must remove a capillary tube. Reach into the unit, bend the tube and pass through the available openings. Then, take it out so that you completely remove the control housing.
Lay the housing on a flat work surface and pull out the control knob. Set it aside, lift the thermostat, and disconnect the wire harnesses. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to remove the connectors if they are tight; otherwise, just pull them off. Also, pull the green ground off using the pliers.
Next, remove the capillary tube cover from the thermostat. It may be a little difficult to slide off, but straighten it before pulling it off the old tube. You will need it for the tube on the new thermostat. Once off, discard the old thermostat and get the new one. Straighten the capillary tube on it, ensuring there are no kinks. Slide the protective cover onto the tube.
After that, connect the green ground wire to the thermostat and reconnect the wire connectors to their individual slots. Now, lower the thermostat into its opening in the control housing, ensure it fits snugly, and set the capillary tube in place. Fix the control knob into the housing again and prepare to fix the housing back into the refrigerator.
Slide the capillary tube through the openings in the air duct at the back of the unit. Once the tube fits in, line up the tabs at the back of the housing to their slots and fix them into position.
Reconnect the wire harness to the refrigerator and slide the hex head screw into its slot before closing the housing against the refrigerator’s ceiling. Then, tighten it using the nut driver. Reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and test the thermostat.
Here is a video showing how to replace the thermostat on a Whirlpool top-freezer refrigerator model…
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Switch
First, ensure the unit is not connected to electric power to replace the door switch on a Whirlpool refrigerator. Unplug it from the wall outlet if you can move the refrigerator. Otherwise, turn off the breaker that controls it.
Next, locate the dor switch. It is usually beside the door so that it can become activated when you close the door. Get a flat-head screwdriver and a putty knife and use them to pry the switch out of its liner gently. Once out, you will see a wire connector attached to it; pull to disconnect it. Then, discard the old switch.
Get the new door switch and connect the wire connector to it. Next, position it with the door switch line before sliding it into place. Ensure it snaps in place; wiggle it to check its fitting. Then, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and test the door switch.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker
The first step is to turn the ice maker off. It can begin thawing for removal if there is any ice in it. Next, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power. Turn off the water shut-off valve under the sink or at the back of the unit when the power is off. The valve’s location depends on your house, but it controls the main water supply to the refrigerator.
When the water is off, pull out the ice bucket and set it aside. Remove the freezer contents and store them in a cooler with ice packs. While replacing the ice maker is not lengthy, you need space around the machine to work. Carefully place the contents on a cabinet if there is no ready cooler. Also, check to see if any shelf is in the way and remove it.
The next step is to remove the old ice maker. You will see two screws securing the machine to the wall of the freezer. Unthread the screws using a quarter-inch nut driver but do not completely remove them. Leave them hanging loose. Now, loosen the lone screw under the ice maker and completely remove it. Ensure you keep it in a safe place.
Lift the loose ice maker so the mounting brackets come off the two loosely-hanging screws. Slowly lower it because there is a wire harness connecting the ice maker to the back wall of the freezer. The fill tube must also safely come out through the back of the machine when you lift it down from the wall. Disconnect the harness by pressing the locking tab and when it is free, remove the ice maker.
Get the new ice maker and set it in the freezer. Remove the fill bar from the old ice maker by pulling its metal tip from the far end and unhooking the loop from the end close to you. Fix it to the new ice maker by reversing the removal steps. Next, lift the ice maker and connect the wire harness to its back. Ensure it snaps and locks. Also, ensure the fill tube fits into the slot at the back of the ice maker and correctly channels into the ice mold.
Set the machine’s mounting brackets onto the loose screws on the wall and tighten them. Fix the lone screw to the slot under the ice maker and tighten it. Doing this secures the ice maker to the freezer wall. Once done, replace any shelf you removed and restock the freezer contents on the shelves. Close the door, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power, and turn on the water. Then, test the ice maker.
Note: Ensure you buy a replacement ice maker using the refrigerator’s model number and specific model. You may contact Whirlpool to request the correct part or use any authorized replacement part dealer most accessible to you.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor
It is crucial to use the services of a professional technician to replace the compressor on your refrigerator. The reason is that the replacement process is usually complex and may involve live voltage. It also involves refrigerant; if the replacement is incorrectly done, the gas may leak and pollute the air, which is dangerous to health. Worse still, it may build pressure and cause an explosion.
Howeer, if you have the skillset and can replace the compressor yourself, follow these steps:
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power; turn off the breaker that controls it or pull the power cord from the wall outlet if accessible. Empty the refrigerator of all its contents and store them in an ice-packed cooler or another refrigerator. Replacing the compressor may take a long time, so you need a way to preserve the frozen food.
Next, move the unit to create space at the back. Ensure the space is large enough to accommodate you. Remove the access panel over the compressor housing; there may be a few screws holding it in place. If so, unthread the screws and remove them. Set the screws and panel aside in a safe place for later use.
The compressor is usually a motor-like device at the bottom back, next to the condenser coils and fan. Locate the power cable, disconnect it, and uncover the electrical components. Pull out the start relay from the side of the compressor; do the same for the overload protector and start capacitor. Some refrigerators may have all as one device, so you may have to remove only one.
The next crucial step is to check for proper ventilation. Ensure the room is properly ventilated because you need to remove the refrigerant in the compressor. If there is enough cross-ventilation, release the refrigerant; attach a perforating valve onto the process tube and release the valve. Get a nitrogen cylinder and connect it to the manifold so that you can inject the refrigerant at 50 psi pressure.
Remove the manifold valve and sand the tubes of the compressor at the solder points to make them abrasive. Next, cut the suction and discharge tubes, leaving about 30 mm from the process tube’s end. Once you cut the pipes, you can remove the compressor. Get a soldering torch, set it at a neutral flame, and remove the filter.
You might have to clean the compressor tubes if the motor burned out. To do this, weld a tube connector to the caution line and charge a cylinder with 500 ml of solvent. Next, attach the cylinder to the suction line and the cylinder’s end to that containing solvent. Channel the capillary tip into a container to collect the solvent as it cleans the tubes. Afterward, charge the system with nitrogen to remove solvent residue.
Installing a New Compressor
Get the new filter for the compressor and attach it. The process needs you to solder a Schrader valve to the extra connection; remove the cap before you begin welding. Connect the filter and weld it onto the condenser outlet. After that, attach and solder it to the capillary tube.
Now, position the new compressor and connect the tubes to it; weld them to the compressor in the correct manner. Perform a leak test at this point after soldering the pipes using nitrogen. Inject nitrogen into the tubes and use a sniffer tube to see if bubbles appear.
A sniffer tool may not be readily available, so use soapy water for the same purpose. If you see bubbles, there is a leak, and you need to patch it. Otherwise, release the nitrogen back into the cylinder and use a vacuum pump to clear the compressor of air.
Next, connect the start capacitor and overload protector before attaching the start relay to the side. That is, if they are not all one device. After that, connect the wires for the cooling system to the terminals of the relay and overload protector. Replace the cover over the electrical parts once everything is in place.
Charge the system with refrigerant following the instructions on the manual; ensure you use the correct volume. Once fully charged, inspect every part to ensure everything is in the correct order. Then, turn on the refrigerator and test the compressor. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to request service if anything is out of place or the compressor does not work. Alternatively, employ the services of a qualified appliance technician.
How to Replace the Control Board on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
First, disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet to replace the main control board on a Whirlpool refrigerator. Get a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the panel over the control board in place. If there is a tape, peel it off and unlock the retaining tab so you can remove the inner cover.
Next, locate the lock tab on the control board and release it. At this point, you may want to take pictures of the wire connections on the old board before disconnecting anything. The photos will act as a reference when installing the new board. After that, disconnect the wires, remove the old and malfunctioning board, and install the new one in its place.
Align the board on the tabs, carefully push it in, and lock it in place; it must snap into position to indicate it fits. Touch the inner cover and carefully snap it in place. Finally, set the panel in position, thread the screws into their slots, and tighten them to secure the panel. Move the refrigerator back into place if necessary and reconnect it to electric power.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Cam
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power by unplugging it from the wall outlet or turning off the circuit breaker. You will find a cover over the hinge at the top of the refrigerator door; use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the lone screw securing the cover. Lift the cover off to expose the hinge.
If the door has a water line running through it, you will need to disconnect a wire harness and the line. Place a towel close to you to catch any spills from the disconnected line. Get a 5/16th inch socket and use it to remove the screws holding the upper hinge in place. This loosens the upper hinge so that you can pull it free.
Once off, you can lift the door off the hinge at the bottom. Note that the door may be too heavy for one person, so you may want to find a helper. Carry the door and put it down on a flat work surface. Check the bottom for the old and damaged door closing cam; remove it using a flat-head screwdriver and discard it.
Get the new cam and fit it on the door; position it on the bottom hinge pin. Next, apply a little grease on the hinge pin and cam, and set it on the bottom hinge on the refrigerator. Align the top hinge and put it in place, securing it with the screws you removed earlier. If you removed a water line and wire harness, reconnect them and ensure the hinge is secure.
Now, set the hinge cover in place and secure it with the lone screw. Once secure, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and check the door cam’s functionality.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Handle
You may use some tape to protect the surface of the stainless steel refrigerator when replacing the handle. Next, get a ⅛ inch Allen wrench and remove the set screw holding the handle to the refrigerator’s door. Do this for the top and bottom screws. Once the screws are out, remove the handle and set it aside.
Get the new door handle and mount it on the mounting studs on the door. Insert the set screws into the top and bottom screw holes and tighten them using the Allen wrench. Wiggle the handle to check whether or not it is tight; you may need to tighten the screws a little more if the handle moves.
Watch this video to see how to replace the door handle on a Whirlpool French-door refrigerator…
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Timer
To replace the defrost timer on a Whirlpool refrigerator, you need to locate it on your model. Typically, it should be in the control housing on the back of the refrigerator. But you can consult the user manual to determine the exact location of the timer.
When you find it, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before disconnecting the timer. Remove the panel’s cover and disconnect the wiring to the defrost timer. Once the wire is out, remove the timer and install the new one in its place. Connect the wires to the new timer, ensuring they are secure. Then, replace the timer in its place, put the cover back, and reconnect the refrigerator to electric power.
This video shows how to replace the defrost timer on a Whirlpool top-freezer refrigerator model…
How to Replace the Evaporator Fan on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
Unplug the refrigerator from electric power before doing anything else. You can pull the power cord or turn the breaker off. Next, empty the freezer section; remove the food items, shelves, bins, and racks. The next thing to remove is the light cover.
After that, find the screws holding the inside back panel of the freezer in place. Remove the back panel by lifting it off the mounting tabs and lowering the panel. The fan is in its housing behind the panel. Unmount the two screws holding the housing in place and remove the housing from the freezer.
Next, pull off the fan blade and remove the retaining clips to detach the support bracket. Detach the wire retainers from the housing and unhook the wires from the retaining clips to remove the motor. Now, you can fix the new fan in its place.
Move the support bushing from the old motor to the new motor. Align the motor in the housing and fix the support bracket, snapping it into place. Next, secure the wires behind the retainer and fix the retaining clips. Get the new fan blade, slide it onto the shaft, and position it again on the panel.
Thread the screws to secure the housing and connect the main wire harness. Attach the ground wire to the evaporator bracket and fix the defrost thermostat to the evaporator coils. Also, join the wire harnesses of the defrost heater and fix the access panel in place. Thread the screws and tighten them on the panel.
Note: The process may differ from one Whirlpool refrigerator model to another. Therefore, use the manual for instructions or follow the Whirlpool Service’s guidelines.
Here is how to replace the evaporator fan motor on a Whirlpool refrigerator…
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Housing
Take the following steps to replace the water filter housing inside a Whirlpool refrigerator:
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and turn off the water supply valve. The valve’s location depends on your house, but it may be under the sink or behind the refrigerator. Next, remove the filter; how you do this depends on the refrigerator model. If it is in the base grille, you need to use the eject button or turn the cap to release it. But if inside the refrigerator, it may be a drop-down type, or you need to pull it out.
For the filter housing inside the refrigerator, unmount the screws holding the housing in place. The support rod should come off first before the housing. Now, disconnect the water line; you may need to use a pair of pliers. Use a towel to catch the water that may spill from the water line as you remove it.
Once you remove the water line, you can pull the filter housing out. Position the new filter housing in the place of the old one and attach the water line. Now, secure it with the mounting screws and insert the water filter. Reconnect the refrigerator to electric power, turn on the water, and check for leaks from the housing.
Note: The process of replacing the water filter housing for your specific refrigerator model will depend on the location. Therefore, use the services of a professional or contact Whirlpool for further assistance if the steps above do not apply or you have difficulty replacing the housing.
How to Replace the Defrost Heater in a Whirlpool Refrigerator
To replace the defrost heater in your Whirlpool refrigerator, start by unplugging the unit. If you cannot reach the power cord, turn off the breaker that controls it. Open the freezer and empty it of all contents, including the shelves and bins. It may not take long to replace the heater, depending on your skills. So, you may not need to store the food items in another freezer or cooler.
Remove the screws securing the rear access panel inside the freezer in place. Set the panel and screws aside and locate the heater; it is usually clipped to the bottom of the evaporator coils. Disconnect the wire harnesses and unclip the wire retaining clips. Now, remove the wires and grommets from the evaporator bracket.
Unhook the retaining wires and remove the defective defrost heater. Next, put the new heater in its place and hook the retaining wires. Thread the heater wires through the brackets and position the grommets. Reconnect the wire harnesses and secure the retaining clips by snapping them in place. Ensure the evaporator is properly positioned before putting the access panel back in place and securing it with the screws.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and move the unit to create space behind it. Also, turn off the water to the refrigerator; use the main shut-off valve. The water inlet valve is located at the bottom back of the unit, to the right. Remove the screws holding the lower access panel in place and pull the panel out. Disconnect the wire harness of the inlet valve and pull out the water line. Set the panel aside with the screws.
Next, loosen the screws securing the mounting bracket of the valve to the refrigerator cabinet. The valve comes loose at this point, so disconnect other connections and remove the old valve. Mount the new valve in its place and secure it with the mounting bracket and screws. Connect the water line and fix the wire harness to the valve’s terminals.
Put the access panel back in place and secure it with the screws you earlier removed. Reconnect the refrigerator to power and move it back in place. Note that the method of replacing the water inlet valve depends on the specific model of the Whirlpool refrigerator. Some have the water inlet valve fixed to the rear bottom access panel, as seen in this video…
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Line
Disconnect the refrigerator from the wall outlet before attempting to replace the water line. If you are replacing the dispenser water line, depress the tabs securing the dispenser control using a small flat-head screwdriver. Check the wire connections to know where each wire goes; take pictures if necessary.
Next, get a 5/16th inch wrench and use it to release the water line connected to the spigot. Remove it from the retaining clip and unthread the screw holding the cover over the door hinge using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Lift the cover off, release the locking ring from the coupler, and pull out the water line.
Insert the new water line into the hinge and attach it to the coupler. Once done, put the cover back in place and mount the single screw. Reach the other end of the water line and attach it to the spigot, securing it under the clip. Refer to the pictures you took earlier to make the necessary wire connections to the dispenser control, align the tabs on the control into their respective slots, and snap the control into place. Finally, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power.
Ice Maker Water Line
If you are replacing the water line that goes into the ice maker, shut off the refrigerator by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. Open the doors and remove the shelves around the ice maker. Next, release the tab that locks the water filter housing cover to open it, bend it, and remove the cover.
Using a flat-head screwdriver, release the tabs holding the back access panel in place. Go to the upper access panel and release the retaining clip to remove the panel. Remove the inlet valve behind the panel and pull out the water line connected to it using a ⅜ inch wrench. Now, remove the access panel at the refrigerator’s top and pry the spout off, so you can remove the water line.
Feed the new water line through the cabinet sleeve from where you removed the old one. Once in, put the spout in place and push it in before snapping the cover in place. Fix the water line to the water inlet valve and push the valve into its position.
Align the water line in the correct position and cover the compartment with the access panel. Next, replace the lower access panel in its place and put the filter housing cover back, snapping it into place over the filter. Put the shelves back in place and turn on the refrigerator.
Note: There may be slight differences in replacing the dispenser or ice maker water lines in different Whirlpool refrigerator models. So, refer to your user manual for steps to make adjustments where necessary.
How to Replace the Damper on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
The method for replacing the damper in a Whirlpool refrigerator depends on the model. The damper is usually at the back of the fresh food section, so you need to remove items and shelves in the way. Unthread the screw holding the damper cover in place and pull it off.
Next, release the temperature sensor from the damper and push it aside. At this point, you may have to go to the freezer and remove the auger motor assembly. Remove the ice bucket, unthread the screws on the auger motor assembly, disconnect the wire harness, and remove the assembly.
Unmount the screw on the rear duct assembly and remove it from the freezer section. It gives you access to the tabs of the damper so that you can remove it from the fresh food section. Turn the damper to remove it from the control rod.
Next, get the new damper, insert the control rod into the slide bar, and turn it so that you can correctly position it. Use tape to cover the slide bar hole where the control rod fits. Put the damper on the vent and snap it in place. Position the rear duct assembly in the freezer in its place and secure it with the screw.
Fix the auger motor assembly in the freezer and mount the screws to hold it in place. Replace the ice bucket under the ice maker, go back to the fresh food section, and wrap the temperature sensor on the damper’s air vent. Replace the damper cover and secure it with the screw. Put the shelves and items back into the refrigerator and turn the unit on to check the damper’s functionality.
Here is a video showing how to replace the damper on a Whirlpool French-door refrigerator…
How to Replace the Thermistor on a Whirlpool Refrigerator
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power; unplug the power cord from the outlet or turn off the breaker. You may have to empty the unit of food items and put them in an ice-packed cooler, especially perishable food. It may not be necessary because the refrigerator will not be off for more than half an hour.
Next, find the thermistor in the refrigerator; check under a small plastic cover on the ceiling, back wall, or side wall. Your user manual should inform you of the thermistor’s exact location in your model. Remove the cover and pull out the thermistor when you find it. Release the sensor from the mounting clip and disconnect the wire connector. Then, pull out the thermistor.
Now, fix the new thermistor to the mounting clip, secure it, and connect the wire harness. Put it back into the cover and replace the cover in its position. When secure, put shelves pack in place if you removed any, and stock the refrigerator with the food items. Lastly, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power by plugging it back into the wall outlet or turning on the breaker.
Recap
A Whirlpool refrigerator has numerous replaceable parts and you can replace many of them yourself. This article is a detailed guide on how to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator part, whether the water filter, water inlet valve, thermostat, door gasket, door handle, thermistor, and others.
Ensure you follow strict instructions and guidelines to fix any faulty part. First, use the model number and type to order the replacement part. Contact Whirlpool or use an authorized dealer to get the correct parts. Then, take the right steps to remove and replace the parts. If you have issues replacing any part, use the services of a professional; contact the service center or hire an independent technician.
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