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Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the dispenser assembly in your Whirlpool Refrigerator.

The dispenser assembly controls how your ice and water is dispensed out of your refrigerator. If your refrigerator is not dispensing properly, then the dispenser assembly might be broken.

This guide will work for most Whirlpool refrigerators. This guide is written with a model WRS315SDHW refrigerator. If you have a different model, you may encounter some minor disassembly differences, but the overall repair process will be the same.

Note: Some photos show the doors removed for clarity purposes. Removing them is not required and will not change the procedure.

What you need

  1. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Before you begin your repair, perform the following:

    • Turn off your main water supply

    • Unplug your device

    Edit

  2. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the dispenser panels: step 2, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the dispenser panels: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • The dispenser panel screws are located under the dispenser as if you're looking up into the dispenser tube (where the ice cubes and water come out).

    • Remove the screw(s) securing the two dispenser panels.

    Edit

  3. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the dispenser panels: step 3, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the dispenser panels: step 3, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the dispenser panels: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the dispenser panels straight down to separate them from the chassis.

    • Remove the dispenser panels.

    Edit

  4. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the control board: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the screw(s) securing the control board.

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  5. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Tilt the bottom of the control board away from the chassis to release its clips.

    • Pull straight down to separate the control board enough to access its connectors.

    Edit

  7. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the control board: step 6, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the control board: step 6, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the control board: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Disconnect the connectors attached to the control board.

    Edit

  8. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the control board: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the control board.

    Edit

  9. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the plastic clip: step 8, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the plastic clip: step 8, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the plastic clip: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Use a flathead screwdriver, or a similar tool, to pry up the plastic clip securing the water hose.

    • Remove the plastic clip.

    Edit

  10. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the water hose: step 9, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the water hose: step 9, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the water hose: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Use a flathead screwdriver, or a similar tool, to pry up the water hose enough to grip it with your fingers.

    • Pull the water hose straight up to disconnect it.

    Edit

  11. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Reposition the cables: step 10, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Reposition the cables: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Reposition the cables so they lay in front of the top plastic clip.

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  12. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Unclip the dispenser assembly: step 11, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Unclip the dispenser assembly: step 11, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Unclip the dispenser assembly: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Depending on your device, the amount of plastic clips that secure the dispenser assembly can vary.

    • Use a flathead screwdriver, or a similar tool, to press the plastic clip toward the dispenser assembly.

    • Repeat for the other plastic clips to completely separate the dispenser assembly from the chassis.

    Edit

  13. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Reposition the dispenser assembly: step 12, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Reposition the dispenser assembly: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the dispenser assembly away from the chassis enough to access its connectors.

    Edit

  14. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the dispenser assembly: step 13, image 1 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the dispenser assembly: step 13, image 2 of 3 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the dispenser assembly: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • While performing this step, support the dispenser assembly so it doesn't fall.

    • Disconnect the connector attached to the dispenser assembly.

    Edit

  15. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Remove the dispenser assembly: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the dispenser assembly.

    Edit

  16. Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Meter the dispenser assembly: step 15, image 1 of 2 Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Assembly Replacement, Meter the dispenser assembly: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • If you own a multimeter, you can test your solenoid's resistance.

    • With the button in its neutral position, the multimeter should read "open circuit" or "OL."

    • With the button pressed, the multimeter should read close to 0Ω.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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nicO

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2 Comments

The bottom side of refrigeration is not working but the top inversely working the cooling process

Dawit Muluneh - Reply

I'd take a look at one of two troubleshooting pages:

Freezer Not Freezing or Refrigerator Not Cooling

nicO -

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