Buy now: You may order this connector replacement kit online from me at http://www.truetex.com/order-gc.htm. These parts are normally in stock here for immediate shipment.

Replacing failed original white plastic connectors on newer machines: These connectors are identical replacements for the original ones used on Whirlpool ice machines (including KitchenAid and other branded versions), and the only type used from about 2001 to the present.

Replacing black rubber connectors on older machines: You may also use these connectors to upgrade or replace the original black rubberized brass-prong connectors on an older type Whirlpool grid, such as were used up until about 2001. These black connectors have long been discontinued by Whirlpool and unavailable. To perform the replacement, you will cut off both the rubber plug and rubber receptacle sides of the connection, and substitute this new pair of connectors.

Instructions:

• The kit contains:
  • Two metal male pins
  • Two female metal receptacles
  • Two plastic shells, one shell male and one female.

  The photo above shows examples of one of each pin, but the kit actually contains two of each (four pins total).

• First, carefully identify the parts from the photo above. You must follow the detailed logic of which pins go in which shell, and which shell attaches to the grid versus the shell which attaches to the chassis side of the connection. The parts will not fit, and the connection will not succeed, if you do not observe this mechanical logic.
  • A female metal receptacle and the male plastic shell are on the left of the photo. The male shell has one hinged barb which locks it onto the female shell.
  • A male metal pin and the female shell are on the right of the photo. The female shell has the two hinged barbs which lock into the cutout in the metal panel chassis of the newer machines.

    Observe that the gender of each metal part is opposite to the gender of the associated plastic shell: Male metal pins assemble into the female plastic shell. Female metal receptacles assemble into the male plastic shell.

  • In newer machines (that is, originally using this white plastic connector type), the female shell fits into a rectangular cutout punched in the machine chassis. To replace this female shell, remove the old one from the machine, by pinching the barbs that lock it into the chassis cutout.
  • In older machines, (that is, having the original black rubber connectors), both new connectors when mated will remain loose on the ends of wires leading from the chassis, instead of being mechanically inserted into the chassis.

• The male shell will be loose on the end of the grid leads, and connects to the female shell.
• In newer machines, if only one side of the connection has failed, you may opt to replace only the failed-side connector.
• Set aside the plastic shells until the new pins are all attached to the wires as follows.
• Cut off the old connectors and strip the wires 1/8 inch.
• Solder and/or crimp the metal pins and receptacles onto the appropriate wires.
• Pull firmly on the new pins and receptacles to confirm a good, solid connection to the wires, before you insert the pins or receptacles into the shells. Confirm this before inserting the pins and receptacles into the shells, since removing them from the shells to repeat the assembly is difficult and likely to weaken or damage the proper fit.
• Insert and lock the male metal pins into the female plastic shell.
• Insert and lock the female metal receptacles into the male plastic shell.
• On newer machines, lock the new female shell into the chassis cutout, replacing the original shell that you will have removed.
• Mate the connectors and test the grid performance.

Support: If you should botch the pin work and spoil the new parts, I am happy to replace them to give you a second try at no additional cost. Simply return whichever new part(s) are spoiled to me by mail and I'll return new ones. I'm confident you'll get it right on the second go!

If you can't manage the connector installation, or have other problems with the grid itself, then you can send your grid to me for expert repair at a fixed price. See the instructions and online ordering at:http://www.truetex.com/order-ig.htm

I maintain extensive technical information and support for ice machines on my Web page http://www.truetex.com/icemachine.htm