DIY Replace Dispenser Arm WPW10131124 on a Whirlpool Fridge

Has your Whirlpool fridge left you high and dry with a faulty dispenser arm? There’s no need to call in the professionals just yet! Discover how you can easily replace part WPW10131124 yourself, with our step-by-step guide and helpful how-to video waiting for you right below.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If the dispenser arm on your Whirlpool fridge has snapped or just stopped working, don’t worry—you’re not stuck with lukewarm water forever. Replacing part WPW10131124 is easier than it sounds, and you don’t need to be a repair pro to get it done. We’ll walk you through the simple steps to swap it out and get your fridge back in action. Let’s dive in!

Watch Here: How to replace the dispenser arm

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’ll Need

• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Small flathead screwdriver

• Whirlpool dispenser arm WPW10131124 (Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit)

Safety First

Safety comes first when working on any appliance. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Removal and Disassembly Steps

Make sure both power and water are off before beginning any repairs.

1. Extract the drip tray from beneath the dispenser by simply pulling it outwards to unclip it from the retaining tabs. Set this piece completely aside for now.
2. Use a quarter inch nut driver to remove the two screws located along the bottom edge of the control panel frame.
3. Once the screws are out, lift upwards slightly on the frame and tilt it forward.
4. Disconnect all wiring harnesses attached to the rear side of the control panel. Each harness has a locking tab that must be pressed in order to release.
5. With all wiring removed, the control panel can now fully be set aside to continue work on the actual dispenser assembly.
6. Use the quarter inch nut driver again to remove the two screws that secure the dispenser assembly to the door liner.
7. Near the side, there is also a small alignment tab that fits into a corresponding slot. Pull outwards on this tab to detach.
8. Rotate the assembly clockwise to disengage and then pull the entire piece forward. Make sure no tubing or wiring remains connected.
9. Turn the assembly over to now access the backside where the dispenser arm is mounted.
10. Use a small flathead screwdriver to detach the tension spring connected to the dispenser arm. Simply insert the tip of the screwdriver beneath the spring’s lower hook to safely pop it loose without any damage.
11. Before fully removing the dispenser arm, visually confirm one side clears the integrated switch when lifted upwards. If not already oriented as such, pivot the arm accordingly.
12. Lift the dispenser arm directly out of its bracket. With the spring already detached and room to clear that switch, the damaged part can now be fully removed.
13. The original metal torsion spring can optionally be set aside, as the new replacement dispenser arm will include an identical spring.

Installation and Reassembly Steps

1. It’s often easiest to first connect the new torsion spring onto the replacement dispenser arm before mounting it in place. Simply stretch the spring to fit over the arm’s rear hook.
2. Next, feed the opposite spring end upwards into the dispenser bracket opening while also aligning the arm’s outer molded tabs.
3. With the spring end engaged into the top bracket hook, you can now tilt the arm downwards and snap the tabs securely into their slots.
4. Visually verify the arm can pivot smoothly without any binding once properly mounted. If needed, detach and reposition the spring or arm alignment until operation is correct.
5. Rotate the dispenser assembly back into an upright orientation and slide it fully into place. Be sure the side alignment tab inserts properly.
6. Using the quarter-inch nut driver, reinstall the two screws to firmly secure the assembly.
7. If disconnected earlier, press any dispenser water line tubing back into its fitting notch.
8. Reconnect all wiring harnesses to the rear of the control panel, pressing firmly until each locking tab clicks.
9. Tilt the control panel back into place, ensuring all pins align with their sockets, and reinstall the two screws across the bottom edge.
10. Finally, simply press the drip tray back into its retaining slot beneath the dispenser.
11. Plug the refrigerator power cord back in or turn the appropriate circuit breaker back on.
12. Allow a few minutes for temperatures to re-chill before testing operation.
13. Access the control panel and confirm you can dispense both ice and water without issue by pressing the replacement dispenser arm.

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the dispenser arm in your KitchenAid, Whirlpool or Maytag refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts 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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