Whirlpool Fridge Icemaker W10873791 Easy Replacement Guide


Steven E / Wednesday June 18, 2025


Is your Whirlpool refrigerator leaving you high and dry with no ice? Don’t fret! If you’ve already ruled out common culprits like water supply issues and thermostat settings, it’s time to tackle the ice maker assembly with confidence. Our step-by-step guide, complete with a handy how-to video, will show you exactly how to replace this crucial part and get those ice cubes flowing once more.

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Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice like it used to, or maybe not at all? If you’ve already checked the basics (like water supply and temperature) and still no luck, your ice maker assembly might be bad. The good news is that replacing it with part W10873791 is something you can handle without a service call. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove the old ice maker and install the new one so you can get the ice flowing again. Let’s dive in and fix it up!

Watch here: How to replace ice maker in a refrigerator

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.

Tools and materials needed

Safety first 

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety 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 preventing any risk of electric shock. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If your appliance has any parts that hold water, turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Replacement Steps

  1. Open the freezer door.
  2. Press down on the latch to open the ice bin.
  3. Lift the ice bin straight out to remove it.
  4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws that hold the panel on the housing.
  5. Lift up on the cover and pull it slightly out to expose the wiring.
  6. Press the tab on the connector to disconnect the wire harness for the switch.
  7. Set the cover aside.
  8. Press the tab on the ice maker wire harness to disconnect it.
  9. Remove the wire harness from the three clips on top of the ice maker.
  10. Disconnect the LED light wire harness by pressing the tab on the connector and pulling it apart.
  11. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws on the bottom of the ice maker.
  12. Pull the ice maker up and out of the door.

Install the New Ice Maker and LED Light

  1. Remove the LED light from the old unit by pressing the tab on the connector with a flat-head screwdriver and pulling it out.
  2. Insert the LED light into the side of the new ice maker.
  3. Line it up with the opening, insert it from the bottom, and snap it into place.
  4. Line up the ice maker with the mounting tabs on the door.
  5. Ensure all wire harnesses are out of the way.
  6. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to install the screws that secure the ice maker to the door.
  7. Connect all wire harnesses, ensuring they are secure.
  8. Secure the wire harness in the three clips on the top of the ice maker.

Reinstall the Cover Panel and Ice Bin

  1. Line up the cover and reconnect the wire harness connector.
  2. Slide the bottom in and press the top into place.
  3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to secure the panel on the back with screws.
  4. Install the ice bin.
  5. Close the freezer door.

Restore Power and Test

  1. Plug the appliance back into the power outlet.
  2. Turn the circuit breaker back on.
  3. Allow the ice maker to run through several cycles.
  4. Verify that the new unit dispenses ice properly.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the ice maker in 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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