The plastic insert in the freezer door of a Whirlpool refrigerator is also known as the ice guide or the ice chute. It is the part that directs the ice cubes from the ice maker to the dispenser on the door. Over time, the plastic insert may crack, break, or get clogged with ice or debris. This can cause problems with your ice dispenser, such as leaking, jamming, or dispensing crushed ice instead of cubes. If this happens, you may need to replace the plastic insert with a new one.
To replace the plastic insert in the freezer door of a Whirlpool refrigerator, you need to remove the front cover of the dispenser, disconnect the wires, remove the screws, remove the old insert, install the new insert, and reassemble everything. You also need to consider the model and part number of your refrigerator and the plastic insert.
Replacing the plastic insert in the freezer door of a Whirlpool refrigerator is not a very difficult task, but it does require some tools and skills. You will need a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a new plastic insert that matches your refrigerator model and part number. You can find the model and part number of your refrigerator on a sticker inside the fridge compartment or on the user manual. You can order a new plastic insert online or at an appliance store. Here are the steps to follow:
Before you start working on your freezer door, you need to unplug your refrigerator from the power source and empty your ice bin of any ice cubes. Then, open your freezer door and locate the front cover of the dispenser on the outside of the door. This is the part that has the buttons and lights for your ice and water dispenser.
To remove the front cover, you need to pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into one of the slots at the bottom of the cover and gently twist it to release one of the clips. Repeat this for the other slot and pull off the cover. Be careful not to damage or break any wires or connectors behind the cover.
Behind the front cover, you will see some wires that connect to the dispenser control board and switches. You need to disconnect these wires before you can remove the plastic insert. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull off each wire connector by its plastic tab. Do not pull by the wires themselves as this may damage them. Make sure you remember or label each wire connector so you can reconnect them later.
After disconnecting the wires, you will see some screws that hold the plastic insert in place. You will need a Phillips screwdriver to remove these screws. There may be two or four screws depending on your model. Keep them in a safe place so you can reuse them later.
Once you have removed all the screws, you can pull out the old plastic insert from its slot. You may need to wiggle it slightly to release it from any clips or tabs. Dispose of it properly or recycle it if possible.
Take your new plastic insert and align it with its slot on the freezer door. Make sure it fits snugly and securely in place. You may need to push it slightly to snap it into any clips or tabs.
After installing the new plastic insert, you need to reassemble everything in reverse order. Replace all the screws that hold it in place with your Phillips screwdriver. Reconnect all the wires that you disconnected earlier with your needle-nose pliers. Make sure they are secure and not loose or touching each other or any metal parts.
Replace the front cover of the dispenser by aligning its clips with their slots on the freezer door and pushing it firmly until it snaps into place. Plug in your refrigerator and turn it on. Check if your ice dispenser is working properly and if there are any leaks or noises.
Q: Why do I need to replace my plastic insert in my freezer door?
A: You may need to replace your plastic insert in your freezer door if it is cracked, broken, or clogged with ice or debris. This can cause problems with your ice dispenser, such as leaking, jamming, or dispensing crushed ice instead of cubes.
Q: How do I find out my refrigerator model and part number?
A: You can find out your refrigerator model and part number on a sticker inside your fridge compartment or on your user manual. You can also use the model and part number to order a new plastic insert online or at an appliance store.
Q: How do I prevent my plastic insert from freezing or clogging?
A: You can prevent your plastic insert from freezing or clogging by using your ice dispenser regularly and cleaning it periodically. You can use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe the plastic insert and remove any dirt or residue. You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to melt any ice buildup in the plastic insert or the water line.
Replacing the plastic insert in the freezer door of a Whirlpool refrigerator is a simple and inexpensive way to fix your ice dispenser problems. By following the steps we have outlined in this post, you can replace the plastic insert yourself and save some money and time. We hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!
