Water Dispenser Actuator

No previous experience with this appliance, a 36 inch side by side unit. Had to determine how to access the area to replace the part. This is done from the front with the door closed. The bottom shelf in the dispenser area elevates and slips out. Retainer screws are then evident. Remove screws that hold trim and then unplug the electric attachment for the switches from the trim which contains the light and selection controls. Next remove the screws placed around the circuit board holder. This then allows the section attaching the ice dispenser and water dispenser to be pulled forward. Do not disconnect the water tube. Two small metal retainers for the water dispenser can then be removed (three small screws) carefully. Remove the broken part of the old actuator and place the new one in the slots. Replace the retainers (start the retainer screws by hand unless you have a magnetic screwdriver). Replace the section holding the circuit board; then the trim and the bottom shelf. Easier than anticipated.

First I removed the water drip tray. Next I removed the three screws on the bottom edge of the face. Then I removed the whole face, being careful not to break the tabs at the top of the face. Next I unplugged the small plug on the top of the back of the face. The face completely removes. Then I removed 3 more screws that hold the whole inside unit in place. One screw on each side and one on top. I gently pulled the unit far enough out to work behind it, but did not remove it all the way. Next you will see two small silver plates (one with 2 screws one with 1 screw). Remove those screws and plates. The actuator will come right out with little effort. Put the new actuator in, then reverse your steps to put it back together. Your done!

Followed the instructions from Jonathan from Universal City TX and GEORGIA from SAPULPA OK

First I removed the water drip tray. Next I removed the three screws on the bottom edge of the face. Then I removed the whole face, being careful not to break the tabs at the top of the face. Next I unplugged the small plug on the top of the back of the face. The face completely removes. Then I removed 3 more screws that hold the whole inside unit in place. One screw on each side and one on top. I gently pulled the unit far enough out to work behind it, but did not remove it all the way. Next you will see two small silver plates (one with 2 screws one with 1 screw). Remove those screws and plates. The actuator will come right out with little effort. Put the new actuator in, then reverse your steps to put it back together. Your done!

I removed the drip pan in the ice/water well. Then I removed the 3 screws holding the front control plate and disconected the front control from the ice/water dispenser.

I then removed the ice/water dispenser by removing 3 screws, disconecting the wire block and removing the water hose.

The actuatior was easily replaced (4 screws) and I reversed the whole process to put everything back together.

One other note, the actuatior had been redesigned and the replacement seems to be much stronger than the original... shouldn't have to do this again.

used your video that made it very easy thank you very much

Ordered the part from PartSelect. Estimated time for slow delivery seven days. I got it in three. Removed the cover from the water and ice maker dispenser arena held on by three screes. I had to use an easy out on one rusted scree. Disconnected the wiring to the switches and lat the Circuit Board come forward by removing three small screws. Using tweezers to catch the screws, I removed two small screws holding the broken actuator and put the new one in its place making sure the spring was properly located and the ice maker swivel was under the hold-down strip along with the new actuator. I reassembled the door cover and got a drink of cold water. By the way, always unplug the refrigerator because that area is hot. Dr Robert E McGinnis author of In Search Of Paradise and many other fine books found on Amazon.

Unscrew it, rusted, but doable, install the new part, screw it back, the problem is to fit the little hose in the same hole properly, so we created a tool like a piece of wire to elongate it and make it fit again, screw the cover, and Eureka, like new. So happy.

All I did was follow the instructions Jonathan from Texas posted and it was very easy. Thanks to him!!!

After removing the drip tray to expose the three screws i removed them. this allowed me to partially remove the unit from the door i was able to remove the two screws holding the actuator without removing the unit or the fill tube. I then installed new actuator and reassembled unit. Was surprised how easily it went.

took out bottom plate where the glass sets removed 3 screws at bottom lifted up on face plate and pulled out the cover (unplug controls) 3 more screws and operating unit was out. Important....unplug electrical connection on the left side 2 screws to remove actuator and replaced with new one.
Reverse steps.

My husband did the repair so I'm not sure about tools used; however, I placed the order and was EXTREMELY pleased with the ease of ordering and speed of delivery. Our order came the next day! The online directions made the water actuator repair so much easier! Only challenge, according to my husband, was the short water hose. Thanks for the great service!

I followed the directions given on previous posts and it was no problem. My husband was out of town so I did it all by myself. The only tool needed was a Phillips head screw driver. Piece of cake!