How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP7185509 / W11566405 Ice Maker Recirculating Pump

My husband (TACLB12654C) took the machine apart and found the recirculating pump would not run. The electrical receptacles inside the machine had corroded to the point that it took two days soaking in vinegar water to loosen them. He gave the entire machine a good cleaning, reassembled it, installed the new pump, and turned the little ice making machine into an operational device. Since this belonged to one of our best friends, our friend is now a happy camper. 

I took all of the cleanable parts out and cleaned them. I found lots of mineral deposits in both pumps. since the ice machine was 9 years old I decided to replace both pumps and the valve. We have hard water and have problems from time to time with the water. Replaced both pumps in the machine and replace the main water valve. Put it back together and it works just like it did when it was new. Keep the pumps clean and free of minerals. 

Ordered a new pump and put it on. The ice machine began making ice immediately. 

Under counter ice maker quit making ice. Water quit recirculating from reservoir to ice freezing plate. Drained and removed plastic reservoir and then was able to get at motor. Removed recirculating pump and trouble shot pump motor. Motor is 12 VAC, so its a little difficult to test directly. Found on internet that motor resistance should be 3.8 ohms. (http://www.manualslib.com/manual/761944/Ge-Zdis150wss.html#manual) Tested it with a meter and found a dead short. Ordered the part from Parts Pros by part number. Part arrived in two days. Set to work put everything back together, all worked well, made some ice, and settled down for a well deserved drink. Repaired it for about $50 vice a $400 plus "professional" repair!! 

After searching the internet and finding out how to run the diagnostic routine I was confident the pump was likely bad and not a sensor. Ordered replacement and had it 2 days later, brand new, original Whirlpool pump at a great price! Simply unplugged the old pump and popped it out of the bracket and in with new pump. Fifteen minutes and on the way to making ice. 

After cleaning the ice machine and restarting the machine no ice was made . I took a few inside covers off and discovered a wire on the sensors plug had come out . I ordered a new sensor, replaced it. Circulating pump didn't come on so I ordered a new pump . I replaced the pump , reassembled the unit. Turned the machine back on . Machine is back in working order. 

The filter to the ice machine had become clogged. Not supplying enough water. replaced the filter everything is back to normal. I will keep the pump in case I need it in the future. 

Disassembled all components from inside the ice machine (except cooling coil) and removed failed wiring harness. Installed new wiring harness and reinstalled all removed items replacing failed or broken items. 

I ran a diagnostic test that I got off the internet. 

Replaced the motor. Easy to do, but hand to reach in to get to parts.