How to replace humidistat WP1168670 in a Whirlpool dehumidifier

The humidistat in a Whirlpool dehumidifier controls the humidity level in the air. It turns the dehumidifier’s compressor on and off as needed to either remove or add moisture from the air to maintain the humidity level set by the user.

Over time, humidistats can fail due to normal use or damage. As a result, the dehumidifier can’t work correctly. Thankfully, replacing the humidistat is an easy DIY repair that can save you time and money.

You can find a replacement control humidistat WP1168670 here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool dehumidifier, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Let’s get started!

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What the humidistat does

A dehumidifier’s humidistat helps manage the humidity level in a room. It senses how humid the air is and tells the dehumidifier when to turn on and off. When the air gets too humid, the humidistat lets the dehumidifier know that it needs to start working to remove the excess moisture.

Signs of a bad humidistat

Here are a few warning signs that you have a bad humidistat on your hands:

• Inconsistent or inaccurate humidity readings on the dehumidifier
• The dehumidifier is constantly running or fails to turn on
• Inability to adjust settings on the dehumidifier
• Clicking or buzzing noises coming from the dehumidifier

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• 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.
• Remove any residual water in the dehumidifier 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 clearly 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.

Read more: How Dehumidifiers Work: A Comprehensive Guide

What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Multimeter
• Replacement humidistat (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

How to replace the humidistat

Step 1: Remove the old humidistat

1. Turn off the dehumidifier and unplug it from the power source.
2. Pull the water bucket out of the dehumidifier. Empty it and set it aside.
3. If your unit has one, find the air filter behind the front exhaust shutters. Pull the air filter down and out from its position.
4. Find the two front screws that secure the front half of the cabinet. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws and set them aside.
5. Find the screw on the left side of the cabinet and the screw on the right side. Remove these screws to release the sides of the cabinet.
6. Remove the bottom screw and the two top hex-head screws located on the back half of the cabinet.
7. With all the screws removed, gently pull the front and back halves of the cabinet away from the body of the dehumidifier. Set the cabinet aside.
8. Find the knob on the humidistat shaft, which is positioned on the control panel. Pull the knob straight off the shaft to remove it.
9. Remove the two hex-head screws that hold the control panel in place.
10. Find the four top cover tabs on the mechanical control that hold the cover in place. Carefully unsnap the tabs and remove the cover from the control panel.
11. Disconnect the brown wire and the connector with the two black wires from the humidistat terminals. You may need to use pliers to loosen the connectors before pulling them off.
12. Unclip the humidistat from the cover.
13. Remove the humidistat from the cover.

Read more: How to choose the right size dehumidifier for your home

Step 2: Test the old humidistat

1. Make sure the dehumidifier is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
2. Disconnect the two wires from the humidistat terminals.
3. Turn the humidistat control counterclockwise. This is the lowest setting on the control.
4. Set the multimeter to the R x 1 scale. This scale measures low resistance levels.
5. Touch the multimeter leads to the humidistat terminals  – one lead to each terminal.
6. Check the multimeter reading.

If your meter shows an open circuit or infinite resistance – meaning that there’s no continuity between the terminals – then the humidistat is good and another part may be to blame.

If the meter shows any reading other than infinite resistance, then the humidistat is bad.

Read more: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts

Step 3: Install the new humidistat

1. Install the humidistat in place by clipping it onto the cover or reattaching the tabs that hold it.
2. Reconnect the brown wire and the connector with the two black wires to the terminals on the humidistat.
3. Place the cover with the new humidistat back onto the control panel. Align the tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots or openings on the control panel.
4. Press down firmly on the cover to snap the four top cover tabs into place.
5. Find the two hex-head screws that secure the control panel to the dehumidifier body. Position the control panel in place and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
6. Push the knob onto the shaft on the control panel until it’s snug.
7. Align the front and rear halves of the cabinet with the dehumidifier body.
8. Insert the bottom screw and the two top hex-head screws on the back half of the cabinet. Use a screwdriver to tighten them.
9. Attach the screws on the left and right sides of the cabinet and secure the sides of the cabinet in place.
10. Reinstall the two front screws on the front half of the cabinet.
11. Insert the air filter back behind the front exhaust shutters.
12. Slide the water bucket back into the dehumidifier.
13. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the dehumidifier to check for any problems.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the humidistat on your dehumidifier.

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. We can also help you troubleshoot common dehumidifier problems here.

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