The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Refrigerator water dispenser not working are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
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Refrigerator Light Not Working? Refrigerator TroubleshootingThe dispenser actuator is the component that activates the switch or switches to send voltage to the dispenser. If the dispenser actuator is damaged, it may be unable to activate the switch. Inspect the dispenser actuator for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
To determine if the water supply tube is frozen, disconnect the tube at the bottom of the door and blow air through it. If air does not pass through, this indicates that the water supply tube is frozen. If the water supply tube is frozen, thaw it out. In addition, ensure that the freezer is kept at the proper temperature. The freezer temperature should be kept from 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit. If the freezer is too cold, the water line may freeze.
The water inlet valve opens to supply water to the dispenser. If the water inlet valve is defective, or if the water pressure is too low, the water valve will not open. The valve requires at least 20psi to function properly. Make sure that the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve for continuity. If the water inlet valve does not have continuity, replace it.
The home may have insufficient water pressure. The water inlet valve supplies water to the water dispenser. The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to function properly. Check the water flow and test the pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi.
Water filter may not be seated properly. Remove and reinstall the water filter. For optimal performance, refrigerator water filters should be replaced every six months or after 200-300 gallons of water have been dispensed - whichever comes first. Replace the water filter if needed.
The refrigerator is connected to a water supply valve that may not be fully open. If the water line was disconnected or the valve was shut off for service, it may not have been turned back on to the fully opened position.
Pull out the refrigerator and confirm the the water supply line is not kinked. A kinked water supply line will cut off or reduce the water supplied to the refrigerator. It is best to replace the water line if it looks damaged.
The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If the control board is faulty, it may stop supplying power to the entire dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. It is more likely that a single part has failed. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the control board is more likely to be at fault.
The dispenser switches send voltage to the dispenser. If one of the dispenser switches is defective, the dispenser will not work. To determine if a dispenser switch is defective, use a multimeter to test each switch for continuity. If a dispenser switch does not have continuity, replace it.
On many refrigerators, the incoming water will pass through a water filter before reaching the dispenser. If the water filter housing is damaged, water may not flow through the housing when the filter is installed. Inspect the water filter housing for damage and confirm it is properly seated. If necessary replace the damaged housing with a new one.
Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly
Make sure the water dispenser control is not locked. There will often be a lock symbol or other indicator to confirm the control is locked. When locked, neither the ice nor water dispenser will work. If the control is locked you will need to press and hold a "lock" button or another combination of buttons for 5 to 10 seconds to unlock the control.
A clogged water filter can restrict the flow of water to the dispenser and prevent the dispenser from working properly. The water filter should be replaced about every six months to maintain proper water flow and ensure water quality.
The door switch turns off the ice and water dispenser when the refrigerator door is open. If the door switch fails, the dispenser will not turn on. To determine if the door switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the door switch does not have continuity when activated, replace it.
The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If the control board is faulty, it may stop supplying power to the entire dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. It is more likely that a single part has failed. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the control board is more likely to be at fault.
A refrigerator's main control board governs most of the functions of the appliance including the dispenser system. If the control board is faulty, it may stop supplying power to the entire dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. It is more likely that a single part has failed. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the main control board is more likely to be at fault.
Heating Element
Micro Switch
Filter Holder
Dispenser Funnel Guide
