Ice & Water Dispenser Actuator Kit

Ice & Water Dispenser Actuator Kit

Mark from AZ

Water kept running without button being pressed. Actuator pads simply wore out.

Screwdriver, small sockets

Easy repair. Found YouTube video on disassembly in order to replace the pads.

Ice & Water Dispenser Actuator Kit

Patrick from MO

Water dispenser on refrigerator would not shut off after filling glass.

Small flat blade screw driver, nut driver, digits, videos on YouTube

The water would continue to flow after removing the glass from the actuator. So after finding and watching a relevant video I started troubleshooting the problem. Unplug from receptacle, remove the control display. On this refrigerator there is not a bezel so the disassembly is a little different. There’s 3 tabs on the bottom of the control display. You have to look up at where the ice/ water dispenses. The 3 tabs have to be released, the middle one is a bear but keep prying with a small screw driver. Be careful not to break anything. Move the bottom down towards you until you can fold it down to access the back where some connectors are. Take photos as you continue the disassembly. You’re past the hard part now. Release the wiring connectors and remove the display. Disconnect the water line by gently depressing the plastic ring around the water line and pull up on water line. Now depress the two tabs holding the ice/water dispenser assembly. They’re on the sides. Remove this assembly. There’s a green ground wire that you’ll need to free from the sheet metal. Once it’s out of the way you’re very close. Next remove the drip tray by extending it out away from the normal position and prying up between the tray and the newly exposed area underneath the tray. Once it’s removed, remove the hex head screws holding the dispenser actuator pads. Now you should be able to push on one side and slide it free. Each actuator pad is attached by a slot/tab arrangement, remove and replace both with new actuators from PartsDr. Reassemble in reverse order. I ended up disassembling twice, first to troubleshoot, second to repair. The actual failure was not the switch but the “spring” that releases the force from the actuator switch. It consists of 4 thin plastic arms at the corners of the actuator pad, over time and use I suspect they break due to cyclic stress. This is why I wouldn’t buy used parts for this job. Take your time and lots of photos. You can do it!

Ice & Water Dispenser Actuator Kit

Shane from VA

Water dispenser actuator failed. Plastic leaf springs on the back side all broke (from age and heavy use). As a result, sensor would randomly and automatically trigger cause risk of kitchen flooding.

YouTube video walking me though it. Flat head screw driver, nut driver set and a flashlight. It is also helpful to have cleaning supplies (disinfectants) and Q-Tips as there will likely be small patches of mold behind the water dispenser fixture.

Watch the YouTube video for the repair process. Total job took me about 20-30 min. Take your time though and don't force anything. This is about replacing a small actuator assembly for the water dispenser. Don't break anything else in the process. Make sure to have the water supply to the fridge and electrical power turned off. The part is pricey but I recommend buying it new and doing the job yourself or just find somebody handy that does typical home repairs. Total cost for me was $100 just for the parts. Came in a set of two for the ice dispenser side so I guess I have a spare now. I hope this helps you. About four weeks later and it works perfectly - just like new. Also, use white vinegar to clean mineral deposits in the water spill tray if you have any.