How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6010400 / WP67004151 Refrigerator Dispenser Control Panel Overlay

1. Purchased a new Facade. The removal of the old one was relatively easy except that the two screws that hold it in place (behind the spill tray) were rusted (they should have used stainless steel ones) one came out with a vise grip but on the other I had to buy an "Easy Out" tool from Home Depot, once out the unit drops down. Had my wife hold the new unit, swiped the wires from old to new, removed the control board from the old one and installed it on the new one with one screw and cleaned the calcium deposits from the exterior of the water tube with CLR. Unit goes straight in and up then installed the two new screws and washers that I bought from the hardware store for 45 cents. 2. Purchased a new Insert. This was interesting as our ref. is an Admiral and the Insert has been discontinued (does not make any sense) so we ordered the one for the Maytag ,same unit but the insert has five buttons and it says Maytag, functions just the same. 3. Purchased a new light bulb. Works great! Ref looks like new 

Replace circuit board and Facade, I didn't realize the facade was broken under the sticker until I got it apart, have to order that part now, circuit board was super easy to replace. 

I had initially removed the entire dispenser from the freezer door (which was a very simple operation). Shortly after starting the facade replacement, I realized that the dispenser could have just stayed in the door. Carefully and slowly peel the old facade sticker away. If it splits during the removal, as mine did, the old adhesive will need to be removed. Something like Goo-Gone would be best. I ended up alternating WD-40 and rubbing alcohol. Do NOT use acetone based products. The dispenser is made of a plastic that will soften if exposed to acetone. After the old sticker and glue is gone, carefully align the new facade and set into place being careful not to trap any air bubbles. Note: this product uses excellent glue, and once installation is started, any attempt at repositioning will most likely ruin the sticker. 

Some instructions would have been nice. I thought I was getting a full façade, instead it was just an adhesive backed decal. After searching the web I found that I needed to peel off the old decal, which had degraded. After taking of the old decal and the half dozen little remnants with plastic putty knife, I wiped the surface with alcohol. Centering the new decal was tricky. But once I got it on it looked just like new! 

I ordered a new facade, activation switch, control circuit board and insert that identifies the buttons & lights. As it turned out, I did not need the circuit board or switch. The problem was caused by the facade which had failed over the buttons. Repair was straight forward: removed the existing facade by removing the two screws prying slightly at the bottom and sliding it downward; disconnected the switch and board wiring plug and removed the existing board. Installed the new board which has but one screw and carefully snapped the mounting dogs over the board. I then reconnected the board and switch wiring, tested, installed the replacement facade by sliding it upward and installing the 2 screws, and finally attached the insert. Special care must be taken when mounting the new control board to the facade so that the board is not damaged or the dogs broken. Printed circuit boards are susceptible to static discharge damage so one must be grounded when working with the board. Oh yeah! don't forget to unplug the refrigerator before starting work. The reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5: perhaps I should have removed the the insert over the buttons which would have revealed the true nature of the problem and I would have not ordered the circuit board. But rather than returning it, I installed it. C'est La Vie! 

I pulled the old water / ice dispenser and checked it over and realized the actual buttons were failing so I ordered that item too. Put the new facade sticker on , clipped in the circuit board and 3 screws later it's brand new. Finding the parts was easy, the prices were good and the speed of delivery was super fast. 

I was told I would need to replace the entire front unit of my refrigerator to repair worn out buttons. - to the tune of $200+ labor. In truth, less than $20 for the sticker was all I needed. Took maybe 15 minutes, with 8 of those trying to find a hair drier to help remove the old one. 

Removed and replaced the facade. Used hair dryer to remove 

Peeled off old faceade (sticker) and put on new one! $22 saved a ton by doing it myself!!! 

I used a hair dryer to loosen up the adhesive on the old decal and it came right off leaving very little residue. Then I cut off just a little bit of the backing on the left side (makes it easier to position the decal without securing it). Then once in place I pressed the left side of the decal down, and pealed off the rest of the backing and it fell into place. I also removed the front clear protective layer prior to installing. Getting this off was the hardest part. I also had a few buttons the were broken off (behind decal). I used a few layers of scotch tape to replace those, prior to installing the decal. My fridge called out part number 67004344 which I was not able to locate anywhere. I found this one looked close (67004121), bought it and it worked and fit perfectly! Its just slightly different, but is the exact same size and layout, and it looks 100% better that the original. Its says it is not a directly replacement, but it should be.