Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpRefrigerator RepairRefrigerator ice dispenser not working Repair

Refrigerator ice dispenser not working

If your refrigerator ice dispenser not working, start with the dispenser door — a broken or jammed door is the most common cause and often stops ice from being released even though the ice maker and motor are fine. If the door looks good, the next suspects are the dispenser control board and the dispenser switches; a faulty control board can cut power to the whole dispenser system, while a bad switch will stop voltage from reaching the motor or solenoid. Also check the crushed/cubed ice solenoid if your model has a crush function, and remember the main control board can be at fault when multiple systems fail. Sometimes the fix is simple: ice chute jammed with clumps of cubes. Use a multimeter to test switches and solenoids for continuity and remove the dispenser frame to inspect the door and chute. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator so you get the right ice dispenser part the first time.

01 - Refrigerator Dispenser Door

The dispenser door is opened by a motor or a solenoid to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Refrigerator Dispenser Door Parts
Top Solution

02 - Refrigerator Dispenser Switch

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.
Shop all Refrigerator Dispenser Switch Parts
Highly Likely

03 - Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board

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.
Shop all Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board Parts
Highly Likely

04 - Refrigerator Main Control Board

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.
Shop all Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Common

05 - Refrigerator Crushed/Cubed Ice Solenoid

The crushed/cubed ice solenoid is the component that opens and closes a door in the ice bucket auger housing to allow the fully formed ice cubes to pass through or to divert the cubes through a crushing blade system to crush the ice when that option is chosen. If you don't hear a "clunk" sound when switching between the "Crushed" and "Cubed" ice options, it's likely the crushed/cubed ice solenoid is defective. You can use a multimeter to test the solenoid for continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the component. If the solenoid has no continuity, the component is faulty and will need to be replaced.
Shop all Refrigerator Crushed/Cubed Ice Solenoid Parts
Common

06 - Ice chute jammed

The ice chute may be jammed by clumps of cubes frozen together. You can run warm water through the chute to help remove the obstruction.
Common

07 - Power reset

After a power surge or power outage, refrigerator operation could be temporarily affected. Full operation can sometimes be restored through a power reset by either unplugging the appliance's power cord for a few minutes and then plugging it back in or switching off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator then switching it back on.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator ice dispenser not working?
Freezer makes ice but the ice dispenser won't dispense ice, what should I check?
How do I test the dispenser switch or the crushed/cubed ice solenoid?
Could the main control board or dispenser control board be the cause?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement?

Troubleshooting by Brand

Frigidaire Refrigerator RepairKenmore Refrigerator RepairElectrolux Refrigerator RepairGibson Refrigerator Repair
Kelvinator Refrigerator RepairTappan Refrigerator RepairWhite-Westinghouse Refrigerator RepairRoper Refrigerator Repair
Crosley Refrigerator RepairUniversal Refrigerator Repair

Shop for Parts by brands

Frigidaire Refrigerator PartsKenmore Refrigerator PartsElectrolux Refrigerator PartsGibson Refrigerator Parts
Kelvinator Refrigerator PartsTappan Refrigerator PartsWhite-Westinghouse Refrigerator PartsRoper Refrigerator Parts
Crosley Refrigerator PartsUniversal Refrigerator Parts