How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP4071198 / 61004441 Pad, Acuator

Replaced the flexible pad, actuator which had deformed some over time. Switch now works reliably, turning off after pressure is removed. 

Removed cover by removing two torx screws, unplugged switch circuit board, then removed the three torx screws that hold the ice door assembly and unplugged the two plugs. Removed the switch held by one Phillips screw and removed the actuation pad. Cleaned everything up and reinstalled. Took a proxy 20 min. 

I ordered a new actuator from you guys and watched the repair video. I didn't realize, however, that it would be a more involved repair because my fridge has wood panels on it. So I had to carefully remove the panels before the cover would come off so I could reach the actuator. But all worked out fine. 

Replaced the actuator boot 

Replaced both . Had to file plastic to smooth surface under burned switch. 

My old ice maker leaked water into the ice bin and would freeze all the ice into one big clump. Replaced it with the new one in no time and has been working great. Also my flapper door would stick, so replaced it an the solenoid and it works perfect. It did take long to fix both of these and l'm happy with the end result. 

Replacement of pad and switch 

I ordered the limit switch and pad actuator as others on the site recommended. The fix was super easy. If I could do it anyone can. The only problem was rusted screws on the ice dispenser faceplate. WD-50 took care of that. You need a 15 torx and a phillips screwdriver. Most screwdriver head sets for electric drills and screwdrivers already have the torx driver head, mine did. 

The new part fixed it. 

I replaced the limit switch and the pad. Very easy to do. Just take note of the position of the solenoid and spring for the ice dispenser door flap. Should these parts come loose and fall out you will need to remember how to reinstall them. Especially the spring. I thought I had everything perfect when I put it back together. I was wrong. The ice dispenser door flap was not tight to the housing. This caused air to enter and frost to build up. To fix this I had to take it apart again and twist the spring one turn to get the correct spring tension. This kept the correct pressure on the ice dispenser flap.