How to Replace 2206670B Dispenser Overflow Grille on Whirlpool Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Water pooling under your refrigerator's ice dispenser? That little grille at the bottom of the dispenser isn't just decorative—it's the overflow grille, and when it cracks or breaks off, you'll know. The 2206670B dispenser overflow grille catches drips and channels them away, but after years of ice cubes bouncing off it and daily use, the plastic tabs snap. Good news: replacing it takes about five minutes and requires zero tools.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the simplest refrigerator repairs you'll ever do. You won't need any tools—just the replacement grille and clean hands.

• New 2206670B dispenser overflow grille
• Damp cloth (for cleaning the area)
• 2-3 minutes of your time

Repair Time: 3-5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

You don't need to unplug the refrigerator for this repair. Just make sure the dispenser area is dry to get a good grip on the parts. If there's been water leaking, wipe it completely dry before you start—moisture makes the plastic slippery and harder to work with.

Step 1: Locate the Overflow Grille

Open the freezer door and look at the bottom of the ice dispenser chute. The overflow grille is the small plastic piece sitting in a channel directly below where ice drops out. On models like the GC3SHEXNT00, KSRG25FVMT00, and 6GD5SHGXSS00, it's typically white or gray and about three inches wide. If yours is cracked or missing, you'll see the empty slot.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grille

Grip the front edge of the grille with your fingers and pull it straight forward. It's held in place by friction tabs on the back—no screws, no clips, just a tight fit. If it's been there a while, give it a firm wiggle while pulling. The old one might be brittle and break into pieces as you remove it. That's fine—just get all the pieces out of the channel.

Step 3: Clean the Channel

Before installing the new grille, use your damp cloth to wipe out the channel where it sits. You'll likely find ice residue, mineral deposits, or sticky drink spills. A clean surface ensures the new grille seats properly and doesn't pop out during use. Let the area dry for 30 seconds if you used much water.

Step 4: Install the New 2206670B Grille

Take your new grille and align it with the channel opening. The back edge has two or three tabs that need to slide into slots in the dispenser housing. Push the grille straight back until you feel it click into place. Give it a gentle tug forward—it should resist. If it slides right back out, you didn't push it far enough back to engage the tabs.

Step 5: Test the Installation

Dispense a few ice cubes to make sure the grille stays in place. The cubes should bounce off it without dislodging it. Also dispense some water—check that any drips flow into the grille's channels rather than pooling on the door. On KitchenAid models like the KSRG25FVMT series, the fit is snug enough that you'll hear a subtle click when it's fully seated.

Testing After Installation

Run the ice dispenser continuously for 10-15 seconds to simulate normal use. Watch for any movement in the grille. If it stays put, you're done. Also check underneath the refrigerator over the next day—if the grille wasn't the only problem and there's a clog elsewhere in the drain system, you might still see water. But if the grille was your issue, that floor puddle should disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this grille fit my Kenmore or Maytag refrigerator?

Yes, the 2206670B replaces several part numbers including WP2206670B, AP6006547, W10171993, and W10189532. It's used across Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, and Maytag side-by-side and French door models. Check your model number against the compatibility list—it covers hundreds of models from the 3XED5SHGKS series to the KSRG line.

Why does this grille keep breaking?

Ice cubes hitting the same spot hundreds of times per day eventually fatigues the plastic. If you habitually overfill cups and ice bounces back, that accelerates wear. Some people also accidentally hit it while cleaning the dispenser area. The tabs that hold it in place are thin by design—they need to flex for installation—so they're the weak point that cracks first.

Can I run the refrigerator without this grille?

You can, but you shouldn't long-term. Without the grille, drips from the dispenser go straight down the door instead of being channeled away. That water finds its way into the door insulation, the door gasket track, and eventually onto your floor. Install the $8 grille now instead of dealing with a moldy door seal in six months.