How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispenser Door Spring

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator’s dispenser door refusing to close properly? Don’t let a simple worn-out spring stand in the way of a perfectly functioning appliance! Fortunately, you don’t have to be a repair expert to fix this common issue—watch our easy-to-follow how-to video below and get your refrigerator back in top shape in no time.

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

The dispenser door spring on a Whirlpool refrigerator helps control the opening and closing of the dispenser door. Over time, the spring may become worn out or damaged, leading to issues such as the dispenser door not closing properly or failing to stay closed.

This repair is relatively straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete, making it an easy and cost-effective way to resolve the problem. 

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Dispenser Door Spring WPW10224328

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

• 1/4″ nutdriver
• Putty knife
• Flathead screwdriver

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

Removal 

1. Locate the two little indents, one on each side of the dispenser cover.
2. Insert the putty knife under the tabs and twist it to lift them up, releasing the tabs. 
3. If needed, gently pull outwards to create a gap for inserting the putty knife.
4. Use a putty knife with masking tape to prevent scratching the door. 
5. Once the lower tabs are released, lift up on the door to release the tabs on the top.
6. Locate the wiring harness connected to the dispenser door. Lift up on the little clip to unplug the harness.
7. Remove the two quarter-inch screws that hold the plastic bracket in place. Lift the bracket out of the way and secure it with masking tape to keep it out of your working area.
8. Tape the plastic bracket in an elevated position using masking tape so that it is easier to work with.
9. Remove the retaining screw that holds the ice lever in place. Use a quarter-inch screwdriver to unscrew it.
10. Lift up on the ice lever arm and pull it out of its spot. Then, remove the pin from the left side of the door.
11. Use a small screwdriver to bend a part of the ice lever arm, allowing flexibility to maneuver it around a specific piece.
12. Gradually work the ice lever arm out until you can reach up and disconnect the black barrel that holds it in place. Pull the barrel out and put it through the arm.
13. Locate the pin that holds the spring in place. Use a small screwdriver to pop off the little clip securing the pin.
14. Push the pin out with a small flathead screwdriver. On the other side, grab the pin by the head and pull it out partially, just enough to remove the spring.

Installation 

1. Place the new spring with its legs down and flat against the plastic piece. Make sure the legs are touching the plastic and the hump of the spring is facing up.
2. Run the pin through the hole in the spring, pushing it in until it goes through both sides of the spring.
3. Push the door back up to its original position, aligning it correctly. Then, push the pin back in fully to secure the spring.
4. Lock the pin in place by attaching the spring retainer clip.
5. Insert the black barrel through the middle of the dispenser arm and mount it securely. Flex the arm if necessary so that it snaps over the plastic piece.
6. Make sure the right-side pin goes into its designated location, and the left pin goes into the corresponding hole.
7. Place the little spring retainer clip and insert the paper spacer.
8. Remove the tape from the plastic mounting bracket and rotate it back down into position.
9. Place the lower panel back in place and secure it with the quarter-inch screws.
10. Connect the wiring harness of the front cover to lock it into place.
11. Attach the front cover by aligning the tabs on top and snapping it into place at the bottom.
12. Plug the refrigerator back in and check that it starts cooling off 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the dispenser door spring on your Whirlpool 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.

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