FIXED 106.51773510 Kenmore Elite Refrigerator will not dispense ice

[Deadeyelefty]

Model Number

106.51773510

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

1-5 years

Need help please:
My Kenmore Elite 106.51773510 will not dispense ice when the freezer door is closed.
If I open the Freezer door and hold down the door switch the ice dispenser will work properly.
I have taped the switch closed with door closed and it will not dispense ice.
Dispenses water properly.
Any thoughts ???
Thanks.

 

[Jake]

Ok, I see 2 door switches on the freezer side, which are you holding down with the door open? #10 or #13 or both?

 

[Deadeyelefty]

I think it's #10 but it's hard to tell based off the diagram.
I have included 2 photos showing the location at the inside top of the freezer between the freezer lights.

 

[Deadeyelefty]

Also the freezer lights have not worked for sometime.

 

[Jake]

I don't see the other door switch in your photos.

Here's the #10 door switch:

Whirlpool W11457217 Switch (AP6987430) - AppliancePartsPros.com

Switch W11457217 / AP6987430 made by Whirlpool

click.linksynergy.com

Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and remove that door switch and ohm test it per this video below:



Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

I am getting a continuity reading of 00.3 on the "NO" circuit when the switch is depressed and a 00.2 on the "NC" circuit.
Per the video if the switch was good, both should read 00.0 correct?

 

[Jake]

When the switch is NOT depressed you have continuity, thus the lights will get power when the switch is not depressed.

Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

I ordered a new switch. Will let you know if that fixes my problem.
Thanks.

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

Installed new switch.
Nothing changed. Still have original problem.

 

[Jake]

It shows the another switch #13 in your parts diagram too, have you ohm tested that one?

Here's #13 for your model: https://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Rocker-Switch/W11123943/4842945

Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

I'll check it out and let you know.

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

Switch #13 is good.
what's next?

 

[Jake]

Then I'm puzzled as well, time to contact Sears to come out at 1-800-469-4663 to see what's going on.

Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

Ok, Thank you for all your help.

 

[Jake]

Let us know what they find, I'm very curious myself as I've not run across this problem before.

Jake

 

[Deadeyelefty]

Hi Jake,
I found the problem.
After reading other threads on here, I checked the wiring bundle that goes into the freezer door from the bottom.
Seems there has been a few broken wires found by others on the Elite models.
I found a white wire that was broken.
After a few choice words trying to splice the wires together (not much room to work lying on the floor)
it started dispensing ice again with the freezer door closed.
It seems that the wiring bundle was made by the mfg. to just fit without any thought on a little slack so the bundle would move more freely
as the door opens and closes repeatedly so there wouldn't be so much stress on the wires which are small gauge.
I hope this info helps in the future.
Thanks again.

 

[Jake]

Excellent, good find.

I was going to mention checking for broken wires under the freezer door, but what threw me off was when you said this:

My Kenmore Elite 106.51773510 will not dispense ice when the freezer door is closed.
If I open the Freezer door and hold down the door switch the ice dispenser will work properly.

I didn't know how it could still work when you opened the freezer door and held down the switch if any wires under the freezer do was broken, you see what I mean?

Thanks for the update!

Jake