Dispenser Actuator DIY Repair on a Whirlpool Front-Load Washer

Is your Whirlpool front-load washer struggling to dispense detergent properly? We’ll walk you through why this happens, how to test the dispenser actuator, and how to replace it to keep your machine working like new.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool front load washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• T20 Torx driver
• Multimeter
• Flathead screwdriver

Safety tips

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to test & replace the dispenser actuator

Here are the steps to access, test, remove, and replace the dispenser actuator in your washer:

Step 1. Access the dispenser actuator

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws securing the top panel at the back.
2. Slide the top panel towards the back, lift it up, and set it aside.
3. Use a flat-head screwdriver to release the lock tab on the main control and slide the control backward.
4. Release the tabs on the control cover and lift the cover to expose the internal components.

Step 2. Test the dispenser actuator

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Set a multimeter to measure resistance in Ohms (symbol: upside-down horseshoe).
2. Locate the MI3 connection, disconnect it from the control, and test the resistance between the wire at pin 1 and pin 3.
3. Look for a resistance reading between 1400 and 1600 Ohms. Replace the dispenser actuator if the reading is outside this range.
4. Reconnect the MI3 connection, locate the DI6 connection, and plug the power cord back in.
5. Set the multimeter to Volts DC (symbol: V with a dotted line).
6. Press the power button and measure voltage between DI6 pin 5 (red probe) and MI3 pin 1 (black probe). Verify approximately 5 Volts DC.
7. Set the multimeter to Volts AC (symbol: V with a squiggly line) and start a wash cycle.
8. Measure the voltage between DI6 pin 1 and pin 3 during the final door lock phase. Verify 120 Volts AC.
9. Cancel the wash cycle and turn off the washer. If no voltage was detected at the test points, replace the dispenser actuator.

NOTE: Generally, for every 1 degree in temperature difference, 2 Ohms could be added or subtracted. If the temperature in your home is cooler, resistance would be subtracted.

Step 3. Remove the dispenser actuator

1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect the wires from the shift actuator. Take a picture of the wire orientation for reference.
3. Use the screwdriver to lift the shift arm off the actuator and move it to the front.
4. Use a Torx 20 driver to remove the actuator mounting screws and gently lift the actuator out.

Step 4. Replace the dispenser actuator

1. Place the new actuator onto the dispenser and secure it using the Torx 20 screws.
2. Reconnect the wires and mount the shift arm.
3. Close the control cover and slide the control to the front to lock it in place.
4. Reattach the top panel, sliding it back into position, and secure it with the 1/4-inch screws.
5. Plug the washer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power.

We’re here to help

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the dispenser actuator in your Whirlpool front-load washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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