How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6873992 / W11346623 Refrigerator Water Filter Head Assembly

Wasn’t sure what the part was called, so it took longer to find the proper part than to install it! After watching the video which was great, very well explained clear video. Step by step instructions, Again more time pulling out the refrigerator to gain access than to fix. With that video easy peasy! 

So after years or dealing with this stupid refrigerator, it looks like it's finally fixed. Basically the water pressure would diminish sporadically. Sometimes a filter would last a couple months, weeks, days, hours, minutes. I couldn't figure out what was going on. Had two technicians come out over the years and they couldn't figure it out either. The last tech quoted me $600 to replace the filter housing and I told him I'd think about just replacing the refrigerator. After putting in ANOTHER new filter when the technician left, it worked for a month or so. Then recently it went on the fritz again and no new filter would let water come out normally for more than a day. The last technician tested the switch, and inlet valve and defrosted the tank for precautionary measures. Everything checked out fine. I was about to order a new refrigerator from Costco but decided to fix it myself and researched the part number for this filter housing. The Youtube video from AppliancePartsPros.com made the repair look simple so I gave it a try. The part arrived quickly (Las Vegas to SoCal) and I decided to give it a go. With the laptop on the kitchen counter and the tools required, the repair took about 15 minutes. Everything seems to be working good and I can't believe it's finally fixed after four years or dealing with it. 

Ordered the part recommended for my model. 

I bought this filter housing part. It arrived quickly. I watched the YouTube video and fixed it easily myself instead of waiting 3 weeks for someone to be available. Impressed my husband. 

I did research to figure out the cause of the noise, then researched the parts necessary. Then replaced the parts. Problem solved! 

Replaced filter head. 

After watching the great how to repair video from the Appliance Parts Pros, I ordered the new part and after receiving it from them, replaced the filter head. The company has all the bases covered!! 

Reviewed videos available from APP and others. Attempted to order from my primary source. Was not available. Searched on APP and found part. Although available, the schematic was difficult to discern the correct part. Sent in a clarification email and received a response the next day. Ordered from APP and received in good order. Since I had already removed the damaged part, it took me 5 minutes to install the replacement part. All good. I have ice and water once more. 

After diagnosing the problem, the fix was very simple with this part. I simply followed the instructions from this youtube video without any problems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1IGWqCCx10 

The water suddenly stopped coming out of the dispenser. I heard a loud water hammer sound and then it completely stopped. I thought that there might be a water line obstruction or a problem with the solenoid valve but I could hear it hum when I pressed the button. I removed the filter and used the cap with no success. I loosened the cap all the way and turned it slowly clockwise as I pressed the water dispenser button and water flowed slowly making a sucking sound. As soon as I got it fully installed the water abruptly stopped. The filter is the first place the water goes from the supply line so I focused on that. I am glad that I replaced the water filter head first, as it came as a complete assembly with the hoses and new filter block off the cap and it was a cheap part at $36. It was a very easy install with no tools (except for a 1/2" wrench I used to compress the quick connect for the hose to the solenoid and to tighten the supply line) and it immediately began working again.