If your Caloric refrigerator ice dispenser is not working, start by checking the dispenser door — a broken or misaligned door often prevents ice release and may require removing the dispenser control panel or frame to inspect and replace the part. If the whole dispenser system is dead, the dispenser control board or main control board can stop power to the mechanism, but those are less likely than a failed switch or solenoid. Test the dispenser switches with a multimeter for continuity; a bad dispenser switch will stop voltage to the mechanism. If switching between crushed and cubed modes produces no “clunk,” the crushed/cubed ice solenoid may be faulty and should be tested for continuity. Don’t forget the simple stuff: the ice chute can jam from clumped cubes and usually clears with warm water. Whether you need a dispenser door, switch, solenoid, control board, or just a chute defrost, you can enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and step-by-step repair help.
01 - Caloric 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.
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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 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.
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.
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
My refrigerator ice dispenser not working. What should I check first?
Freezer makes ice but ice dispenser not dispensing ice. Why is the ice not coming out?
How do I test the dispenser switch or crushed/cubed ice solenoid?
When should I replace the dispenser control board or main control board?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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