How to Replace Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Motor W11202789

Struggling with an ice dispenser that’s left your drinks high and dry? Discover how a simple DIY replacement of your refrigerator’s faulty auger motor can quickly bring the chill back to your ice supply. For a step-by-step guide, don’t miss the how-to video right below!

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Having trouble getting ice from your refrigerator’s dispenser? If the ice maker is still producing ice but none is coming out, the issue likely lies with the ice dispenser itself. Replacing a faulty ice dispenser auger motor is an easy DIY fix that will have your ice flowing again in no time.

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.

What does it do?

Refrigerator ice and water dispensers provide the convenience of filtered water and ice without having to open the refrigerator door. However, like any part, dispensers can break down over time. When an ice dispenser stops ejecting ice, the problem is usually a failed auger motor.

The auger motor is responsible for turning the mechanism that scoops and pushes out ice through the dispenser chute. If this motor fails, ice will no longer be dispensed, even if the ice maker itself is still functioning. With a little time and a couple of basic tools, you can have your refrigerator dispensing ice again.

What you’ll need

This repair only requires a few basic tools:

• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4 inch nut driver
• A replacement ice dispenser auger motor (W11202789)- can be ordered through AppliancePartsPros.com

You’ll also want to protect any flooring or surfaces below the refrigerator work area in case any water drips or spills during the repair. A towel or absorbent pad can help contain any messes.

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.

Removing the ice bin assembly

The first step is to access the ice dispenser housing where the auger motor is located. Start by opening the freezer door and removing the ice bin:

1. Press down on the release tab at the bottom of the ice bin. This will disengage the locking mechanism.
2. Pull the ice bin straight outward to slide it out from the opening. Set aside in a secure area.
3. With the bin removed, you’ll see the inner panel around the ice chute. Remove this panel to get to the auger motor:
4. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the front ice chute cover panel.
5. Gently pull the panel forward and slide it off the inner housing to remove it.

Accessing the ice dispenser motor

With the front panel removed, you’ll be able to see the ice auger motor at the back:

1. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the four screws securing the motor cover plate. Set them aside.
2. Lift off the motor cover plate and set it aside as well.
3. You should now see the vertical auger motor housed in the back of the ice chute.
4. Look for the wiring harness plugged into the bottom of the motor housing. Grip it firmly and unplug it from the old motor.
5. Now use the nut driver to remove the four screws actually mounting the auger motor itself. These screws go horizontally through the sides of the casing.
6. Once all four are out, you can lift up to detach the old ice dispenser auger motor. Discard or recycle the failed part properly.

Installing the new auger motor

With the old motor removed, you’re ready to install the new replacement auger motor:

1. First, carefully insert the vertical drive shaft of the new motor down through the top opening. Make sure the shaft is properly seated in place.
2. With the motor positioned correctly, plug the wiring harness firmly back into the underside of the new motor housing. Listen for a click.
3. Using the nut driver, reinstall and tighten the four mounting screws through the sides of the casing to secure the new auger motor.
4. Replace the motor cover plate and reinstall the four cover screws with the nut driver.

Reassembling the ice Bin

Once the new motor is installed, reassemble the ice bin housing:

1. Insert the bottom tabs of the white front cover panel into the slots on the housing.
2. Push the top of the panel back on until its screw holes align.
3. Use the Phillips screwdriver to reinstall and tighten the two screws into the front panel.

Replace the ice bin

1. Set the ice bin back into the opening, aligning the side tabs with the slots.
2. Push gently inward until the release tab clicks and locks the ice bin back into position.
3. Close the freezer door and plug the refrigerator power cord back in.

Wrapping Up

1. After giving your refrigerator a few minutes to power up, try the ice dispenser lever. 
2. Ice should now eject normally.
3.  Listen for the hum of the new auger motor working whenever ice is dispensed.

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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