How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6005495 / WP12575501 Limit Switch

There was a little tiny black part inside of where the water comes out. I took a photo of that part, then I studied the tech specs for the make and model of my fridge for almost 2 hours until I found a part that looked very similar to my photo of the little black part. It was a limit switch. Sure enough, that was it!!! Water now dispenses, and even better, when you pull the glass away, the water stops coming out! 

So, I have this problem where the water dispenser isn't working. I thought the switch might be bad since the ice maker appears to be working fine. Unfortunately, that wasn't the problem. Anyway, the swap out of the switch was really simple. Unscrewed the spout/switch assembly, popped out the old switch and popped in the new one. Totally easy 5 minute job. This part was easy, I just need to find the root problem. So, this rating is for this part of my project. 

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!