The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Refrigerator ice and 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.
The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, it is probable that an individual part has failed. In this case, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. 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.
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.
Check to make sure all drawers and ice buckets are pushed in properly. Be sure the refrigerator doors are completely closed. There should be no visible gap around the door gasket.
On many refrigerators, the incoming water will pass through a water filter before reaching the dispenser or the ice maker fill tube. 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.
Control Board
The main control board might be defective. However, the control board is rarely at fault for this problem. Before replacing the control board, first check all of the dispenser components. If none of the dispenser components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.
If just the refrigerator's ice dispenser is not working, you should first confirm that the ice maker assembly is functioning properly and producing ice. Since many of the ice maker components are not sold separately, you may need to purchase and replace the entire ice maker assembly. Before replacing the ice maker assembly, check the water inlet valve, water line, and fan. If none of these parts are at fault, and the freezer temperature is at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit, replace the ice maker assembly.
A refrigerator water inlet valve will direct water to the dispenser as well as the ice maker fill tube. If the inlet valve is obstructed, the solenoid coils on the valve are defective, or the home's water pressure is too low, the water valve will not work properly. 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.
Auger Motor
Ice Bucket Assembly
Dispenser Funnel Guide
