How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator dispenser lever WP2255431B

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator leaving you high and dry without ice? A broken ice dispenser lever might be the culprit, but don’t worry—fixing it is easier than you think! Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the how-to video below to get your ice-cold refreshments flowing once again.

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

Having trouble getting ice from your Whirlpool refrigerator? If the ice dispenser lever is broken, replacing it is a straightforward DIY fix. The ice dispenser lever is located inside the ice dispenser opening on the left side of the freezer door. When pressed, it activates an electrical switch that turns on the auger motor to dispense ice. Over time, the plastic lever can crack and break, preventing ice from being dispensed. Replacing a broken ice dispenser lever restores ice dispensing functionality quickly and easily.

If you need a replacement ice dispenser lever WP2255431B, you can order it here. Looking for more Whirlpool refrigerator parts? Just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com or visit this page to find them. 

Watch the full repair here!

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.

Materials needed

Before starting this repair make sure to unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker. Safety should always come first when doing any appliance repair. Make sure to have the following tools on hand:

• Putty knife
• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• New OEM ice dispenser lever (WP2255431B)

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time 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 the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

With the right tools and replacement parts, you’ll be back to enjoying refreshing ice water and ice cubes in no time.

Step 1: Remove the overflow grille

1. The first step is to pop off the overflow grille located at the bottom of the ice dispenser.
2. Insert a putty knife into the corner and gently pry out the grille.
3. Slide the grille up and out to remove it.
4. The thin plastic grille is held in place by tabs that fit into slots, so take care not to crack the tabs by prying too forcefully.
5. Work slowly and gently to pop the grille free.

Step 2: Remove the frame cover

1. After removing the grille, you’ll see the touchpad control frame cover.
2. Carefully insert the putty knife blade into the seam on the bottom and gently pry outward to release the two locking clips.
3. With the clips released, slide the frame cover up and out to remove it.
4. Make sure not to yank or tug too hard as there are still wires connected to the back.

Step 3: Disconnect and remove the control board bracket

1. Behind the frame cover is a control board mounted in a plastic bracket.
2. The next step is to disconnect this control board so the bracket can be removed.
3. Locate the plug at the back of the control board.
4. Press in on the small locking tab and gently pull the plug outward. This will disconnect the control board wires.
5. Use the putty knife to pry out the two clips on the sides of the bracket.
6. Lift up the bracket and control board together and tape it to the freezer door temporarily to keep it out of the way.

Step 4: Remove the 1/4-inch screw and spring

1. With the control board safely taped up, locate the 1/4-inch screw just above the ice dispenser opening.
2. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove this screw.
3. Make sure not to lose the screw or the spring behind it.
4. This screw holds a small bracket that secures the ice dispenser lever.
5. Removing it will allow the ice dispenser to be detached.
6. Set the screw and spring aside carefully for reinstallation later.

Step 5: Detach the old ice dispenser lever

1. With the screw removed, you can now detach the old ice dispenser lever mechanism.
2. Start by sliding the right-side hinge pin out of the bracket.
3. Next, disconnect the lever from the time delay device by sliding it left.
4. Finally, remove the left side hinge pin from the opening in the freezer wall.

The entire ice dispenser lever assembly can now be fully removed. Compare the old ice dispenser lever to the new replacement part. Make sure the new part matches properly before continuing.

Step 6: Install the new ice dispenser lever

1. Start by sliding the left hinge pin into the opening in the freezer wall.
2. Next, connect the lever mechanism to the time delay device by sliding it to the right.
3. Then, insert the right hinge pin into the bracket on that side.
4. Verify the lever moves smoothly before continuing.

Step 7: Reinstall the 1/4-inch screw and spring

1. With the new lever installed, replace the small screw and spring.
2. Insert the spring so it holds tension on both levers.
3. Line up the hole in the spring post with the matching hole in the bracket.
4. Insert the 1/4-inch screw and tighten it down securely.
5. Test the lever motion again and ensure there is proper tension from the spring.

Step 8: Reinstall the control board bracket

1. Detach the control board assembly from the freezer door and lower it back into position. Be sure the plastic tabs are inserted properly into the slots on the sides.

This bracket needs to be fully seated for the next steps, so take care to position it precisely.

Step 9: Reconnect and reinstall the control panel

1. Carefully rotate the control panel back to an upright position. 
2. Feed the connector wires into the opening first.
3. There should be two plugs visible that need to be lined up and inserted into their sockets on the control board.
4. Once fully connected, tilt the top of the frame inward and align the three tabs. 
5. Push the frame cover in until the locking clips snap into place along the bottom.

Step 10: Replace the overflow grille

1. The last step is to slide the thin plastic overflow grille back into place along the bottom. 
2. Align the tabs on the grille with the slots along the edge.
3. Push the grille in gently until the tabs click into place. 
4. Take care not to bend or break them.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website, and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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