Test and Replace: Optics Assembly on a Whirlpool Refrigerator

Ice maker acting up? If your Whirlpool-built refrigerator isn’t producing ice, a faulty optics package could be the reason. We’ll show you how to test and replace it, step by step, so you can get things running smoothly again.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool-built refrigerator, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

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 need

• Multimeter
• 1/4″ nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down 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 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.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to test and replace the Whirlpool-built refrigerator’s optics package

Step 1. Enter diagnostic mode

1. Press and hold the two buttons on the leftmost side of the refrigerator’s user interface while the doors are closed.
2. Wait for the display to show a countdown, followed by a flashing “1” or “01,” and listen for tones.
3. Use the fifth button from the left to navigate to Test #15 (Ice Level Sensor Test).
4. Wait for the display to show either 01 or 02.
5. If you go too far, use the fourth button from the left to go back.
6. If the display shows 01, the ice bin is full or not present.
7. If the display shows 02, the ice bin is not full.
8. Open the left-hand door and remove the ice bin.
9. If the display was showing 02, it should now switch to 01.
10. If the display is already showing 01, make sure the ice level slide is in the ON position and check the movement of the flapper door.
11. If the test correctly transitions between 01 and 02 when the flapper door is manually activated without blocking the beam, the ice level sensor is working properly.
12. If the test does not change or stays at 01, the optics package or user interface may have failed.
13. If the ice level sensor is working correctly, press and hold the two leftmost buttons again to exit diagnostics.
14. If the ice level sensor is not working correctly, unplug the refrigerator or turn off the breaker.

Step 2. Access the optics package

Side-by-side refrigerator

1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
2. Open the freezer door and remove the ice bin.
3. Remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the outer ice bin frame to the door.
4. Remove the outer frame.
5. Take a picture of the insulation slabs for reference before removing them.
6. Remove the insulation slabs.

French door refrigerator

1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
2. Open the left-hand refrigerator door.
3. Open the ice room door and remove the ice bin.
4. Use a putty knife or plastic trim tool to pry the receiver cover from the inner left side of the ice bin enclosure until it pops out.
5. Repeat the same process for the emitter board on the right side.

Step 3. Test the optics package

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Locate the three-wire connector between the door harness and the emitter/receiver harness.
2. Disconnect the three-wire connector.
3. Set a multimeter to DC voltage.
4. Reconnect power to the refrigerator.
5. Enter diagnostic mode and navigate to Test #15.
6. Take a voltage reading between pin 1 (typically red or orange) and pin 3 (typically black).
7. Expect a reading of approximately 14V DC.
8. If voltage is present, the optics package needs to be replaced.
9. If voltage is not present, the user interface may need to be replaced.
10. Disconnect power to the refrigerator before proceeding with the replacement.

Step 4. Remove the optics package

Side-by-side refrigerator

1. Use a small flathead screwdriver to depress the tabs holding the receiver board and cover the left side of the inner frame.
2. Push the tabs inward and pull the cover into the ice bin area.
3. Remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the receiver board to the cover.
4. Disconnect the harness from the receiver board.
5. Repeat the same process for the emitter board on the right side of the inner frame.

French door refrigerator

1. The emitter and receiver boards should already be exposed.
2. Remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the receiver board to the cover.
3. Disconnect the harness.
4. Repeat the process for the emitter board on the right side.

Step 5. Install the new optics package

Side-by-side refrigerator

1. Connect the harnesses to the new emitter and receiver boards.
2. Attach the boards to their respective covers with the Phillips-head screws.
3. Install the emitter on the right side and the receiver on the left side.
4. Pop the covers back into their housings.
5. Reconnect the door harness to the receiver harness.
6. Set the ON/OFF slide to the ON position.
7. Reinstall the insulation slabs.
8. Slide the outer frame back into place.
9. Secure the outer frame with screws.
10. Reinstall the ice bin and close the freezer door.

French door refrigerator

1. Connect the harnesses to the new emitter and receiver boards.
2. Attach the boards to their respective covers with the Phillips-head screws.
3. Install the emitter on the right side and the receiver on the left side.
4. Pop the covers back into their housings.
5. Set the ON/OFF slide to the ON position.
6. Reinstall the ice bin.
7. Close the ice bin door.
8. Close the freezer door.
9. Reconnect power to the refrigerator.
10. Enter diagnostic mode and run Test #15 to confirm that the ice level sensor is working correctly.
11. Check that the display transitions between 01 and 02 when the ice bin is removed and replaced.
12. If the test transitions correctly, the repair was successful.
13. If the issue persists, consider further troubleshooting for the user interface.

You made it!

Thanks for following along! We hope this guide made testing and replacing the optics package in your Whirlpool-built refrigerator a breeze. If you still need parts, bring your model number on over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you’ll find millions of parts in stock and fast shipping—most arrive in only two days! If you have questions, you can reach us at 1 (877) 477-7278 or chat with us online. Make sure to swing by our DIY blog and YouTube channel for more repair tips. And don’t miss out—follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram to see our latest and greatest!