How to Install Complete Ice Cutter Grid Assembly WP2313637 in a Whirlpool Ice Maker
Quick answer: Unplug the ice maker, pull out the ice bin, unplug the grid harness from the side wall, unscrew the old grid from its side brackets, seat WP2313637 in the same position under the evaporator plate, reconnect the harness and let a full freeze cycle run.
Cutter grid WP2313637 is the heated wire grid that turns the slab of ice from a Whirlpool or KitchenAid under-counter ice maker into square cubes. During harvest the slab slides off the evaporator plate onto the grid; low-voltage wires warm up and slowly melt through it, so the cubes fall into the storage bin below. When the grid stops heating or a wire breaks, a whole slab sits on top of the grid and the bin stays empty.
This complete assembly comes ready to mount and supersedes a long list of earlier grid part numbers, so it fits many built-in cube machines. Nothing needs programming or calibration. Set aside about an hour, work with the power off, and photograph the harness routing before unplugging anything so the new grid goes back exactly where the old one sat.
See part details and every compatible model: WP2313637
- Unplug the ice maker or switch off its breaker before touching the grid; the wires are heated electrically while running.
- Wear work gloves. Cutter grid wires are thin, taut and can slice skin, and the old grid may still be cold enough to stick to bare fingers.
- Let any slab of ice melt or lift it out carefully; do not pry frozen ice off the grid with a screwdriver because you can bend the frame.
- Keep the harness connector dry. Wipe up water in the compartment before plugging in the new grid.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Phillips screwdriver and a small flat-blade screwdriver
- Quarter-inch nut driver or small socket set for bracket screws
- Needle-nose pliers for stubborn harness clips
- Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp wires and edges
- Towels and a shallow pan for melting ice
- Flashlight or headlamp to see inside the compartment
Step-by-Step Installation
- Power down and empty the bin Unplug the ice maker or switch off its breaker. Open the door, slide the ice storage bin straight out and set it aside. Put towels on the floor under the door.
- Clear any stuck slab If a slab of ice is resting on the grid, let it melt or lift it off with gloved hands. Dry the compartment so you can see the grid brackets and the harness.
- Photograph and unplug the harness Take a photo of how the grid wires run to the connector on the side wall of the compartment. Squeeze the connector latch and pull it apart; use needle-nose pliers on the latch if it is tight.
- Remove the mounting screws The grid is held by screws or clips on the left and right side brackets near the front of the compartment, just below the evaporator plate. Remove them and keep the screws together.
- Lift out the old grid Tilt the front of the grid down slightly and pull it forward and out. Note which edge faces the front and which way the harness exits so WP2313637 goes in the same way.
- Compare and prepare the new grid Set the old and new assemblies side by side. Confirm the frame width, bracket holes and connector style match, and check that every wire on the new grid is taut and unbroken.
- Seat the new grid Slide WP2313637 into place under the evaporator plate with the same orientation as the old one. Line up the bracket holes and drive the screws in snug; do not overtighten into the plastic liner.
- Reconnect the harness and route the wires Route the grid harness along the same path as before, away from the falling slab, and push the connector together until the latch clicks. Tug lightly to confirm it is locked.
- Restore power and test a full cycle Replace the bin, close the door and plug the unit back in. Let the machine run a full freeze and harvest cycle, then confirm a slab drops onto the grid and separates into cubes.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- The grid frame sits level between the two side brackets with no rocking when you press on the corners.
- The slab landing area is directly under the evaporator plate with nothing blocking the front edge.
- The harness connector is fully latched and the wires are not pinched between the frame and the compartment wall.
- All grid wires are taut; none sag or touch the neighboring wire.
- The ice bin slides in and out without touching the grid or its harness.
- Your model appears in the fitment list, for example GI1500XHT5, KUIC15NLTS1 or KUIS18PNXW0.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Working with the power on The grid heats whenever the control calls for it. Always unplug the machine before you reach into the compartment.
Prying ice off the grid Levering a frozen slab with a tool bends the frame and stretches wires. Let it melt or lift it off by hand.
Installing the grid backwards If the harness exits on the wrong side the slab can land on the connector or the wires never line up with the plate. Match the photo you took.
Overtightening bracket screws The screws thread into plastic. Snug is enough; stripping them means the grid will rattle and shift.
Pinching the harness A wire trapped behind the frame chafes and eventually shorts. Route it exactly where the original ran.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Slab sits on the grid and never cuts Check the harness connector is latched on both sides and that no wire is broken. If the grid still stays cold, the grid transformer or control board may be at fault.
Cubes are joined in strips One or more wires are slack or missing. Inspect the grid; a damaged new grid should be exchanged, and a low water fill can also make a thin slab that cuts unevenly.
Grid buzzes or hums loudly The frame is loose or touching the liner. Re-seat it and snug the bracket screws evenly.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Clean the machine every six months with the manufacturer-approved ice machine cleaner so scale does not coat the grid wires.
- Rinse the grid gently with warm water during cleaning; never scrape wires with a brush or pad.
- Keep the water supply filtered; mineral buildup shortens grid life and makes cubes cloudy.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 97 Whirlpool models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Replaces or is replaced by: 9913, G517-8800-W1, W10823815, W10843121, W11566407, WB13T10046, WB26X32629, WB27X10861
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 45 to 75 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the cutter grid is bad and not the ice maker?
If a complete slab is sitting on the grid while the machine is cold and running, the grid or its power supply is the problem. If no slab forms at all, look at the water fill and evaporator instead.
Does WP2313637 replace my older grid part number?
Yes, this assembly supersedes several earlier numbers such as WP2310092, WP2313705 and W10823815. Check the replaces list on the part page for your original code.
Do I need to shut off the water supply?
No. The grid does not touch the water circuit. You only need to unplug the machine and empty the bin.
How long until I get cubes after installing?
A full freeze cycle usually takes well over an hour, then the slab must be cut. Expect the first proper cubes within about two hours.
Final Checklist
- Ice maker unplugged and bin removed
- Old slab cleared and compartment dried
- Harness routing photographed before unplugging
- WP2313637 compared to old grid: width, brackets, connector
- New grid seated level with the same orientation
- Bracket screws snug, harness latched and not pinched
- Bin reinstalled, power restored
- One full harvest observed producing separated cubes