How to Install Ice Level WP67004028 in a Whirlpool Ice Maker
Before You Start
The ice level part helps your Whirlpool ice maker know what is happening in the ice bin area. When that signal is wrong, the ice maker may not work properly. You may see poor ice production, odd stopping, or a bin that seems misread by the control system.
Before you order or install Ice Level WP67004028, confirm your full model number. Check the model tag on your refrigerator or ice maker area. Do not rely on looks alone. Many parts look close but do not fit or work the same.
For owner information, model lookup help, and brand support, use Whirlpool’s Owner Manuals, Product Help Library, or Service and Support. These resources can help you find the correct manual or product page.
You should also take photos before each step. A phone photo can save you from a wiring or placement mistake later. Take one wide photo, then close photos of the part, clips, and wire route.
Safety First
Unplug the refrigerator before you work near the ice maker. If you cannot reach the plug, turn off power at the breaker. Do not work on the ice maker while power is live.
Shut off the water supply if your repair puts you near the water line or fill area. This part repair may not always need water line removal. Still, water and electricity never mix well.
Wear work gloves if the freezer area has sharp edges. Plastic liners, brackets, and metal rails can cut your hand. Safety glasses also help if you work under or inside a tight freezer space.
Let cold plastic warm for a few minutes if possible. Frozen plastic clips can crack when you force them. Use light pressure and steady hands.
Keep screws and small parts in a cup or tray. Do not leave them on a freezer shelf. A dropped screw can fall into a drain, vent, or hard-to-reach corner.
Tools and Supplies
You may not need every tool listed here. Tool needs can vary by model and ice maker layout. Use only the tool that fits the fastener or clip in front of you.
Common tools include:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver or plastic pry tool
- Nut driver set
- Needle-nose pliers
- Work gloves
- Towel
- Small cup for screws
- Phone camera or flashlight
Avoid using oversized tools. A poor fit can strip a screw or break a plastic clip. If a screw does not move, press firmly and turn slowly. Do not jab a screwdriver into the liner or wiring.
A plastic pry tool is safer than a metal screwdriver on trim. If you use a flat screwdriver, cover the tip with tape. This lowers the chance of scratches and cracked trim.
Confirm Part and Model Fit
WP67004028 is the OEM number provided for this ice level part. Match that number to your order, packing label, or part listing before you start. Also match your appliance model number.
The compatible models supplied for this job are:
| Whirlpool Compatible Model | Use Before Install |
|---|---|
| 596.73503200 | Confirm full model tag |
| 596.73503201 | Confirm full model tag |
| AFD2535DEB | Confirm full model tag |
| AFD2535DES | Confirm full model tag |
| AFD2535DEW | Confirm full model tag |
A model number can have letters, numbers, and extra digits. Use the full number from the tag. One missing digit can point you toward the wrong part.
If your model number is not in the supplied list, do not force this repair plan onto your machine. You can still use the safety and inspection tips. But you need separate fit confirmation before buying or installing the part.
When the Ice Level Part May Be the Problem
An ice maker not working properly can have many causes. The ice level part is one possible cause, not the only one. You need to look at the full symptom pattern before you replace it.
A bad or stuck ice level part can cause wrong bin readings. The ice maker may think the bin is full. It may also fail to respond when the bin needs more ice. In some cases, the part may be loose, blocked, broken, or not seated.
Check for ice buildup around the bin and sensing area. Ice can block movement or light paths on some ice level systems. Remove loose cubes and frost carefully. Do not chip liner plastic with sharp tools.
Look for broken tabs, loose connectors, or damaged wires. A part that hangs crooked may not work right. A connector that is not fully seated can act like a failed part.
You should also check the ice bin position. A bin that is not fully pushed in can confuse the ice maker. Rails, shelves, and bin stops must sit in the correct place.
Quick Diagnosis Before Replacement
Do a basic check before you remove parts. This can stop you from replacing a good part while the real issue remains.
First, empty enough ice to see the bin and sensing area. Look for stuck cubes, frost, or food packaging in the way. Clear the area with a towel and warm hand pressure only.
Next, check the ice maker control position. If your model has an on and off control, make sure it is set right. Do not force any switch or arm.
Then inspect the ice level part. Look for cracks, broken clips, or signs it moved out of place. If it is loose, note how it was mounted before you remove it.
After that, check the wire path if visible. Look for pinched, cut, or unplugged wiring. Do not pull on wires. Pull connectors by the connector body.
Finally, review recent freezer changes. A moved shelf, overfilled bin, or jammed bucket can cause false symptoms. Fix those issues before replacing the part.
Decision Matrix: Replace, Clean, or Stop
Use this table before you install the new part. It helps you avoid a rushed repair.
| What You See | Likely Next Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ice buildup blocks the sensing area | Defrost and clean first | Ice can mimic a failed part |
| Broken tab or cracked housing | Replace the ice level part | The part may not sit correctly |
| Loose connector | Reseat connector, then test | A loose plug can stop operation |
| Burnt smell or damaged wire | Stop and get service help | Wiring damage needs proper repair |
| Wrong model number | Stop before install | Fit and function may be wrong |
| Bin not seated | Seat bin correctly | The ice maker may read the bin wrong |
| Part matches WP67004028 and model matches | Continue install | You have the right repair path |
This table does not replace a full diagnosis. It gives you a clean path when symptoms overlap. Ice maker problems often look alike, so inspect before you spend time and money.
How to Install Ice Level WP67004028
Post-Install Checks
After the install, check the ice maker area with the door open. Make sure the bin is seated, the new part is secure, and no tool remains inside. Look around the floor for dropped screws.
Close the freezer or ice maker door fully. A door left open can slow cooling and delay ice production. Wait before you judge the repair.
Check back after a few hours. You want to see normal ice maker behavior, not just one quick sound. If your model has visible movement during a cycle, watch from a safe distance.
Inspect for water leaks if you moved anything near the fill area. A small leak can freeze into a bigger problem. Wipe moisture and check again later.
If the ice maker still does not work properly, do not keep replacing parts at random. Recheck power, water supply, bin seating, and visible wiring. Then use Whirlpool support resources or contact a repair professional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many failed DIY ice maker repairs come from rushed work. The part may be correct, but the install can still cause trouble.
Do not skip model verification. Your model number matters more than the part’s appearance. Similar Whirlpool ice maker parts can mount or signal differently.
Never pull wires to remove a connector. You can loosen the terminal inside the plug. That damage may not be easy to see.
Avoid prying against the freezer liner. A cracked liner can lead to bigger problems than the original repair. Use light pressure and look for hidden fasteners.
Do not over-tighten screws. Small freezer parts need a firm hold, not crushing force. Stop when the part sits flat and secure.
Keep the ice bin path clear. If the bin hits the new part, something is not seated right. Remove the bin and check alignment before forcing it.
Do not judge the repair too fast. Ice production can take time after power loss, door opening, and warm handling. Give the system time to settle.
Medium Difficulty: What That Means
This repair is rated medium because access and care matter. You may need to remove covers, handle clips, and work around wiring. The steps are not complex, but the work area can be tight.
A beginner can still do this job with patience. The key is not speed. The key is clean photos, correct part fit, and careful handling.
If you feel heavy resistance, stop. Resistance usually means a hidden clip, ice buildup, or a missed screw. Forcing parts rarely saves time.
You should also stop if you see damaged wiring, melted plastic, or signs of electrical failure. Those problems need deeper diagnosis. Replacing the ice level part may not solve them.
Time Estimate: 30 to 60 Minutes
Most of your time goes into access and careful removal. The part swap itself may be short. Tight freezer spaces can slow the job.
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes from start to cleanup. Add extra time if the freezer has frost or packed ice. You may need to let plastic warm slightly before clips release.
Do not start this job when you are rushed. An extra ten minutes can prevent broken tabs or a wrong connection. Good repair work is steady, not fast.
What If the Ice Maker Still Acts Wrong?
If the ice maker still is not working properly after the repair, step back and check the basics. Start with the easiest items first.
Confirm power is restored. Check that the freezer door closes fully. Make sure the ice bin is seated and not overfilled.
Look for ice jams. A clump near the rake, chute, or bin area can stop normal operation. Clear loose ice by hand. Do not use a knife or sharp tool.
Check the water supply if the ice maker is not filling. Make sure the supply valve is open. Also check for kinked tubing if you moved the unit.
Review your connector. A plug may look attached but not be fully seated. Disconnect power again before touching it.
If all basics pass, the issue may involve another ice maker part or control problem. At that point, guessing gets expensive. Use model-specific service help or contact RepairKitHub for part guidance.
Maintenance After Installation
A new ice level part works best when the ice bin area stays clean and clear. You do not need heavy maintenance. You do need regular checks.
Once a month, pull the ice bin and remove loose ice buildup. Wipe the bin dry if frost collects. Check that the bin slides back into place without hitting nearby parts.
Every few months, inspect the sensing area. Look for food bags, ice clumps, or frost blocking the part. Keep freezer storage away from the ice maker path.
After any power outage, check the bin area. Melted and refrozen ice can form clumps. Those clumps can block normal ice maker movement and sensing.
When you clean the freezer, avoid spraying cleaner into the ice maker area. Use a damp cloth instead. Keep liquid away from connectors and controls.
Compatible Model Notes
The supplied compatible models are 596.73503200, 596.73503201, AFD2535DEB, AFD2535DES, and AFD2535DEW. These numbers help you narrow the fit path for WP67004028.
You still need the full model tag from your machine. Do not use a partial number from memory. Do not rely on a sales receipt if the model tag is available.
If your model label is worn or hard to read, take a photo with flash. Zoom in and compare each character. Some letters and numbers can look alike in low light.
Part fit is not the place to guess. A wrong ice level part may mount poorly or fail to signal correctly. It may also waste time during install.
How to Install Ice Level WP67004028 Without Breaking Clips
Cold clips are the weak point in many ice maker repairs. They do not like twisting, bending, or sharp prying. Treat every clip like it may be brittle.
Warm the area by leaving the freezer open only as long as safe for the food. Do not use high heat on plastic. A hair dryer can damage liners or nearby parts if used carelessly.
Use your fingers first. If the clip does not release, inspect it with a flashlight. Many clips release in a specific direction.
Support the part near the clip. Do not pull from the far end. Long leverage can snap a tab.
When installing the new part, line up the clip before pressing. A clip that starts crooked can shave plastic or fail to lock. Remove and realign instead of pushing harder.
FAQ
What to Do Next
Need help finding the right part for your Whirlpool ice maker?
Final Checklist
Before you call the job done, run through this list:
- Power was disconnected before repair.
- Water was shut off if the work area required it.
- Model number matched the supplied compatible list.
- Part number WP67004028 matched the replacement part.
- Old part position was photographed before removal.
- Mounting area was cleaned before install.
- New part sat flat and secure.
- Connector was fully seated.
- Wires were routed away from moving parts.
- Covers and bin were reinstalled correctly.
- Power and water were restored.
- Ice maker area was checked for leaks or loose parts.
- Ice production was checked after enough time passed.
A careful install gives the ice maker the best chance to work normally again. If the symptom returns, avoid guesswork. Confirm the model, inspect the basics, and get help before replacing more parts.