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HomeRepair HelpRefrigerator RepairRefrigerator ice and water dispenser not working Repair
Refrigerator ice and water dispenser not working
If your refrigerator ice and water dispenser not working, start with the dispenser actuator — it physically activates the switch that sends power to the dispenser and is the most common failure. If only one function fails, an individual part like the actuator or a dispenser switch is likely; use a multimeter to test each dispenser switch for continuity before assuming the control board is bad. If the entire dispenser system is dead, the dispenser control board is more likely at fault. Also check the door switch, which disables the dispenser when the door is open, and make sure drawers, ice buckets, and doors are closing fully with no visible gap in the gasket. Finally inspect the water filter housing on models that route water through a filter; a damaged or improperly seated housing can stop flow and leave your fridge water dispenser not working. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement parts and step-by-step repair guidance for your refrigerator.
01 - 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.
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02 - Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board
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.
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03 - Refrigerator Dispenser Actuator
The 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.
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04 - Refrigerator Door Switch
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.
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05 - Doors not closing properly
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.
Highly Likely
06 - Refrigerator Water Filter Housing
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.
Common
07 - Refrigerator Control Board
If both the ice and water dispenser are not working, the 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 control board.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator water dispenser not working?
Ice dispenser not dispensing ice: is the control board or actuator usually at fault?
How do I test a dispenser switch or door switch?
Could a damaged water filter housing stop the dispenser from working?
How do I find the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com for my refrigerator?