How to Install Plug Button WP67001130 in a Whirlpool Refrigerator
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is refrigerator not working properly or acting odd around the cabinet opening, a worn plug button can be part of the problem. In this guide, you will learn How to Install Plug Button WP67001130 with a clean, safe process. This part is a small piece, but it still matters. It helps close an unused opening and keeps the cabinet finish neat and protected.
You are not dealing with a deep repair here, but you still need care. A bad fit, a damaged edge, or a rushed install can leave the opening loose. That can lead to noise, gaps, or a poor seal at the mounting point. With the right prep, you can usually finish this job in 30 to 60 minutes.
The replacement you need here is the Whirlpool OEM part number WP67001130. The listed compatible models are ARB2217CW, BX22S5W, BZ22QL, and BZ22QW. Use those model references only as given. If your unit matches one of them, work slowly and confirm the part seats cleanly.
What the Plug Button Does
A plug button is a small closure piece. It covers an opening in the cabinet or panel area. On a refrigerator, that opening may be left from a factory layout or a prior component setup.
When the button is loose, missing, or damaged, you may notice an open hole, a rattling edge, or a rough finish. That does not always stop cooling by itself. Still, it can point to wear or other service needs in the same area. If your refrigerator is refrigerator not working properly, check the surrounding parts before you force any replacement.
This job is medium difficulty. That means you do not need advanced skills, but you do need steady hands. You also need patience during removal and alignment.
Before You Start
Unplug the refrigerator first. Do not work on a live appliance. If the unit is built in or hard to reach, move it only as much as needed. You want a stable work area with enough light to see the opening clearly.
Gather your basic tools before you begin. A small flat tool, a clean cloth, and a flashlight are usually enough for this kind of part swap. If your existing button sits tight, you may need a gentle pry tool. Use care so you do not scar the surface around the opening.
Also inspect the old opening before you remove anything. Look for cracked plastic, bent tabs, or burrs around the edge. If the opening is damaged, the new button may not hold well until you clean the area.
Signs You Need This Replacement
A plug button does not get much attention, so damage can hide in plain sight. Watch for these signs:
- The opening is exposed.
- The button falls out or feels loose.
- The surrounding edge looks chipped or worn.
- The finish looks uneven where the button should sit.
- The refrigerator has another issue nearby, and the opening needs a fresh seal point.
The symptom list for this topic includes refrigerator not working properly. That is broad. It means you should not assume one tiny part is the only problem. Use the repair as a chance to inspect the surrounding area too.
Tools and Materials
You do not need a big tool kit for this repair. Keep the work clean and controlled.
Use:
- A small flat tool or plastic pry tool
- A flashlight
- A clean cloth
- A vacuum or brush for dust
- The replacement plug button, WP67001130
If you need to remove any loose debris around the opening, do that before fitting the new piece. Dirt and rough edges can stop the button from sitting flat.
Quick fit check before install
Use this short decision check before you press the new part in:
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Clean opening, no cracks | Best case | Install the new button |
| Small debris at edge | Minor issue | Clean the edge first |
| Cracked or bent opening | Fit may fail | Stop and inspect the area |
| Button will not stay in place | Retention problem | Recheck the opening shape |
This check saves time. It also keeps you from forcing a part into a bad opening.
How to Install Plug Button WP67001130
Follow these steps in order. Keep pressure light and controlled.
1. Disconnect power
Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. If the outlet is behind the unit, reach it safely before you move anything. Never depend on the door switch alone. Power should be off before your hands go near the cabinet opening.
2. Open access to the opening
Move shelves, bins, or nearby items if they block your view. You want a clear line to the plug button location. If the area is cramped, use a flashlight from the side. Better lighting helps you avoid pushing at the wrong angle.
3. Remove the old plug button
If the old button is still in place, work it out gently. Use a plastic tool if possible. If you use a metal tool, wrap it with cloth or keep the pressure very light.
Do not twist hard. Do not dig into the cabinet edge. A small part can come out fast once it loosens. If it resists, stop and inspect the lip around it. Sometimes dirt or deformation holds it in place.
If the old button is missing, skip this step and move straight to cleaning the opening.
4. Clean the opening
Wipe the area with a clean cloth. Remove dust, grease, or loose bits from the edge. If you see debris stuck in the hole, brush it out carefully.
This step matters more than it looks. A dirty edge can stop the new button from seating fully. That can leave it proud of the surface or loose after install.
5. Compare the new part to the old opening
Before you press the new button in, hold it near the opening. Check the shape and the edge. Make sure it lines up with the hole in a natural way. Do not force a round or irregular part into a bad angle.
This is where careful work pays off. A small mismatch can create a loose fit. If the part seems wrong for the opening, stop and verify your model match.
6. Press the new button into place
Align the button with the opening. Push it in with steady pressure. Use your fingers first. That gives you better feel and less risk of damage.
If it starts to tilt, back it out and realign it. Do not hammer it. Do not shove it past resistance. The part should seat with firm, even pressure.
When it is set right, it should sit flush or nearly flush with the surrounding surface, based on the design of the opening.
7. Check the fit
Run your finger around the edge. The button should feel stable. It should not wobble, slip, or stick out too far. If it moves, remove it and inspect the opening again.
Look at the surface from two angles. Light can hide a gap from one direction and reveal it from another. You want a neat finish and a secure seat.
8. Restore the refrigerator
Put shelves, bins, or panels back where they belong. Plug the refrigerator back in. Wait for normal operation to return.
If the refrigerator still acts up, the plug button was not the only issue. At that point, inspect other nearby components or service points.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small parts invite fast mistakes. Slow down and avoid these common errors:
- Forcing the part into a dirty opening
- Prying too hard and gouging the cabinet edge
- Skipping the power disconnect
- Pressing at an angle
- Assuming every small fit issue is normal
- Reusing a damaged button when the new one is available
If the opening looks cracked, do not ignore it. A button that falls out later means extra work and possible damage around the opening.
If the New Part Still Will Not Stay In
Stop and inspect the opening shape. If the lip is bent or worn, the button may never lock in well. Clean it again. Then compare the seat depth and edge profile.
If the opening looks damaged, the problem is no longer just the button. You may need a deeper cabinet or panel inspection. That is especially true if your refrigerator is refrigerator not working properly and the issue continues after the replacement.
Do not keep pressing harder. More force usually makes the fit worse.
Brand and Model Notes
This repair uses the Whirlpool OEM part number WP67001130. The provided compatible models are ARB2217CW, BX22S5W, BZ22QL, and BZ22QW. Use that list as your reference point for this article.
If your refrigerator is one of those models, the replacement should follow the same general process. Still, watch the opening itself. Real-world wear can change how any small part fits.
For model and service reference material, Whirlpool’s support pages can help you confirm product details and find manuals. See the Owner Manuals page, the Product Help Library, and Service & Support for official resources.
Maintenance Schedule After Install
A small part like this does not need frequent service. Still, a light check routine helps keep the fit clean.
- Right after install: Confirm the button sits flush and does not move.
- After one week: Check for loosening after normal use.
- Every few months: Look for cracking, discoloration, or edge wear.
- After moving the refrigerator: Inspect the area again for impact damage.
This habit takes little time. It also helps you catch a small fit issue before it turns into a missing part.
When to Stop and Call for Help
Stop if you see cracked cabinet material, a warped opening, or signs of deeper damage nearby. Stop if the part will not seat without force. Stop if you are unsure whether the opening is even the right one.
You should also stop if the refrigerator has a larger issue beyond the plug button. A small cosmetic or closure part does not fix a cooling problem, a power issue, or a failed system component. If the refrigerator is refrigerator not working properly after this repair, the cause is somewhere else.
What Good Installation Looks Like
A correct install looks clean and feels secure. The button stays in place. The edge looks neat. The opening is covered without gaps or tilt.
You should not see a forced fit. You should not hear rattling near the part. You should not need to keep pressing it back in.
If the part looks right and stays put, you are done.
What to Do Next
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RKH Tech Team