Ansoon 4389102 Ice Maker Optic Board Kit Review

Intro

The Ansoon 4389102 Refrigerator Ice Maker Optic Level Control Board Kit is a low-cost aftermarket replacement that targets optics-related failures in many Whirlpool-family refrigerators. The listing describes the kit as including an emitter and a receiver control board that address common symptoms such as an ice maker that won’t make ice, won’t dispense ice, or dispenses too much ice. Owners repeatedly describe it as an inexpensive fix that often brings an older fridge’s ice system back to life quickly, but there are recurring fit and longevity notes to factor into the decision.

What it is / first look

At its core this is an optics control board kit for refrigerator ice makers. The listing names it as the "4389102 Refrigerator Control Board Kit" and specifies that the kit includes the emitter and receiver icemaker controls. The listing lists the part number as AS4389102 and the listing’s Material Type as "Plastic." The manufacturer and brand are both listed as Ansoon, part number AS4389102, and the product is described as compatible with multiple appliance brands including Kenmore, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, Maytag, Dacor, and Thermador. The product page also lists a long set of OEM replacement numbers it is intended to match, including 2198585, 2198586, 2220398, 2220402, 2255114, 4388635, 4389102R, W10193666, W10193840, W10290817, W10757851, PS10064583, AP3137510, AP595676, TJ4389102R, PS557945, and ADC9102.

Images on the listing show the boards and connectors. The file names for those images are B07J6FMP37_4803.jpg, B07J6FMP37_461.jpg, B07J6FMP37_4225.jpg, B07J6FMP37_4335.jpg, B07J6FMP37_3756.jpg, and B07J6FMP37.jpg. Based on the imagery, the kit appears to be standard PCB-style electronics with plastic housings and connector pins rather than a full metal assembly.

What the kit claims to fix

• Ice maker not making ice
• Ice maker won’t dispense ice
• Ice maker dispenses too much ice

Those are the same symptoms called out in the listing’s full product description and bullet features.

Compatibility and models

The listing states compatibility with many Whirlpool-family models and explicitly lists at least one example model (Whirlpool ED5FHAXSL02, ED5FHAXSL03, ED5FHAXSQ00, ED5FHAXSQ01) and a broader brand list (see above). If a fridge model is not listed, the listing advises checking compatibility because the part replaces many OEM numbers.

In daily use

This is not a consumer-facing appliance — it’s a replacement electronics kit. "Daily use" for this product really means: install once and let the fridge manage the ice maker. In owner reports, the kit typically restores normal ice-maker behavior within minutes to hours of a successful install: several owners say they heard the unit start filling or the ice-shedding cycle resume right after reconnecting power, and measured ice production returning within a few hours.

How installs actually play out (owner reports)

Owner feedback clusters into a few consistent patterns. Many owners describe the install as quick and straightforward if you know where the optics boards live and you have the right tools. Several positive reports say the kit was an inexpensive way to fix a fridge that had stopped making ice — one owner notes the whole process took about ten minutes and the smaller (emitter) board was the first one to try replacing. Another owner describes a successful repair on a 20-year-old Whirlpool after watching online videos, replacing only the smaller optic board and getting ice back within a few hours.

On the other hand, owners commonly warn about small practical hurdles: the connector cable is short, and reconnecting the board’s plug can be awkward. One report mentions needing a long flathead screwdriver to seat the connector. Another owner with electrical experience said the receiver board didn’t fit one model out of the box because a 470uF capacitor on the aftermarket board sat a few millimeters too close to the board edge and interfered with the plastic cover in that fridge. That owner resolved the clearance problem with a small modification (tilting the capacitor slightly) but also reported the part lasted only about two weeks. That sequence — quick fix for some, short lifespan or fit adjustments for others — is a repeated theme.

Tools & basic steps (what owners used)

• Basic hand tools (screwdriver set) to remove ice-bin area and panels
• Careful handling of connector pins — connectors can be stiff and short
• Power-off the refrigerator before beginning the swap (the listing explicitly instructs to unplug the refrigerator and wear work gloves)

Because the cable length and connector fit are mentioned repeatedly, plan for awkward access; a long screwdriver or a small pry tool may be necessary to seat connectors through tight openings. Multiple owners stress that the smaller emitter board is often the one to start with.

Materials & build quality

The listing identifies the Material Type as "Plastic," and shows small circuit boards and plastic housings in product images. The listing emphasizes compatibility with specific OEM part numbers rather than promoting premium materials or third-party certifications. Owners note the aftermarket boards are visually similar to factory boards in component arrangement — one owner said the components are in the exact same arrangement as the factory board — but also described the boards as "super-cheap compared to OEM" in reference to longevity concerns.

Build-quality signals from owners are mixed. Positive reports describe arriving quickly, being an "exact match," and working immediately. That suggests the boards are assembled to the right form factor for many units. Critical reports point to manufacturing tolerances: a capacitor positioned too close to a board edge in one unit interfered with a fridge cover and required either a small modification to the capacitor or a trim of the plastic housing to make it fit. Another repeated signal is the short connector lead on the wiring harness; owners say re-seating the connector can be fiddly and sometimes needs a long screwdriver to snap in the connector fully.

Bottom line on materials: the boards and housings are typical low-cost PCB assemblies and plastic parts. The listing doesn’t claim higher-end materials or specific certifications; if material or food-contact claims matter to you, the listing does not provide any independent certifications or extended material specs beyond "Plastic."

Safety considerations

There are several safety points to call out — some are explicit on the listing, others come from owner experience:

• Power off before you work: The listing explicitly says to "safely store refrigerator's any food while the power is off and unplug the refrigerator before installing this part. Wear work gloves to protect your hands." Follow that instruction. One owner specifically warns you can shock yourself if you touch the board while it’s connected and powered.
• Connector and wiring hazards: Multiple owners report the connector cable is short and snug. Forcing connectors in or out in poor light or awkward positions raises the risk of pin damage or a poor electrical connection. One owner used a screwdriver to push a short connector into place; that kind of tool use around energized electronics is why the listing reminds you to unplug first.
• Fit and clearance issues: One owner found a 470uF capacitor positioned too close to the board edge, which conflicted with the fridge’s plastic cover and required a modification to fit. Modifying boards or plastic housing to make parts fit can introduce electrical risks if not done correctly. If a board doesn't seat cleanly, that’s a signal to stop and reassess rather than forcing it.
• Aftermarket variability: The listing is for an aftermarket replacement product. Owners describe a range of outcomes: some units are an exact match and last; others fit poorly or fail after a short time. That variability affects both reliability and safety (intermittent, loose connections are undesirable in service wiring).

Given those signals, the practical safety checklist is straightforward: unplug the appliance, protect your hands, avoid contact with the board when power is applied, confirm fit without forcing a board into place, and be prepared to revert to professional service if the board does not seat cleanly or wiring looks damaged.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use case matters. This kit is aimed at home cooks and householders who want a low-cost aftermarket fix for common ice-maker optics failures on Whirlpool-family refrigerators. It’s a good match for:

• Owners of older refrigerators (many owner accounts refer to 13–20 year old units) who see optics-related error lights or a sudden loss of ice production and want to try a targeted electronics swap before replacing an entire ice maker.
• DIY-minded home cooks who are comfortable unplugging a fridge, removing interior panels or an ice bin, and handling small electronic connectors.
• Anyone on a budget who wants an inexpensive replacement part — owners repeatedly highlight the kit’s low price compared with OEM replacements.

Skip or be cautious if:

• You are uncomfortable working around mains-powered appliances. The listing and owner feedback both indicate there’s a live-voltage risk if the board is touched while powered.
• Your refrigerator model shows tight clearance around the optics board and you don’t want to modify boards or plastic housings. Owners report some aftermarket boards have components positioned differently enough to require a small mod to fit in specific fridge trims.
• You need an OEM-backed long-duration solution and want factory warranties or service support; the listing describes an aftermarket kit and does not include OEM warranty details in the product facts provided.

Verdict

If an ice maker suddenly stops making ice and the symptoms line up with optics/sensor problems, the Ansoon 4389102 emitter-and-receiver kit is a budget-friendly, commonly effective first fix. Owners frequently describe fast, satisfying repairs and call out the kit as a fraction of the cost of OEM parts or service calls. The listing explicitly positions it to replace a long list of OEM numbers and to address common symptoms like no ice or erratic dispensing.

However, expect variability. Owner feedback shows the part often works well and arrives as an "exact match," but there's a non-trivial minority of reports about fitment interference (notably a capacitor near the board edge) and at least one report of the unit failing after a couple of weeks. Reconnecting the short harness can be finicky, and improper seating or forcing parts could lead to electrical or functional problems. The listing’s own safety advice — unplug before installing and wear work gloves — is important to follow.

Check before you buy

• Confirm your fridge model is listed among the compatible models or matches one of the OEM part numbers stated on the listing.
• Plan for a short connector lead — you may need a long screwdriver or small tool to seat the connector in tight spots.
• Unplug the refrigerator before installation and wear work gloves, per the listing instructions.
• Inspect the aftermarket board against your factory board for clearance issues (check capacitor placement) before forcing a fit.
• Be prepared for variable longevity; keep the order/return details handy in case you need to swap the part or re-evaluate.

For many owners this is a low-cost way to get ice back without a big parts bill or a service call, but it’s not a guaranteed OEM-grade replacement in every fridge trim. If that risk profile works for you and you’re comfortable with basic appliance disassembly, this kit is worth trying as a targeted repair option.

Available colors (from listing images)

• green (printed circuit board)
• black (plastic housings/connectors)
• metallic/silver (contacts and pins)

Note: the listing does not provide an explicit color palette; the items above are based on the product images and typical PCB/component coloring shown on the listing.