the water dispenser on my Monogram refrigerator stopped working. I changed the filter and pressed the dispenser arm for two minutes. ice is being made. what do I do next?
- James Buchanan asked 6 years ago
Below is a list of five common problems that may be causing this problem.
Most people need a hands on tech to diagnose and repair this sort of defect.
Faulty Door Switch
Many models of refrigerators that have an ice and water dispenser in the door utilize the door switch as a safety shut-off. When the door open the refrigerator is wired to prevent the dispenser from providing ice or water. The result is if the switch is faulty, the dispenser may think that the door is open and therefore will not allow it to dispense ice or water.
Faulty Dispenser Switch
There is a small micro-switch that is actuated when the water dispenser lever is pushed. If this switch is faulty, it will not send power to the water valve and you will not receive water.
Frozen Reservoir or Supply Lines
In order for your water to be chilled when it comes out of the dispenser, there must be some water that is exposed to the cool environment of the fresh food compartment. This is usually a small tank (reservoir) or length of coiled plastic tubing that is located behind the the wall of the fresh food compartment. If for some reason the reservoir or tubing becomes exposed to freezing temperatures, it is possible for it to freeze up. This prevents water from traveling to the dispenser.
If you have noticed that you vegetables or other crisper items are being frozen, this could indicate that the lower section of the fresh food compartment is getting too cold. This could be an outward indicator of a frozen reservoir.
The supply line that runs through freezer door can also freeze. If the insulation around the line moves or if the line shifts to an exposed position, it is possible for it to freeze in the door too. If you are receiving water from the valve, yet not receiving water, this type of blockage is the most likely the cause of your problem.
Faulty Water Valve
Most water inlet valves used on refrigerators with an ice maker and water in the door utilize two solenoids. Each of these solenoids controls a separate valve assembly that independently controls the ice maker fill and water in the door dispensing. What this means is that is is possible for a single water valve to allow the ice maker to receive water but still prevent the dispenser from receiving it (or vice versa).
How to Diagnose?
The easiest way to be sure that the dispenser side of the valve is operating properly, is to disconnect the fill line to the dispenser. Place a dry towel under the valve to collect any water. Next, verify that the freezer door is shut. Finally, depress the water dispenser lever and see if a burst of water comes from the valve. If water is present, the valve is operating properly and you have a different problem. However, if water is not present, you should proceed to the next step.
The next step is to measure the voltage across the valve terminals. Depress the water dispenser lever again and see if your meter reads 110v. If it does, this confirms that the valve is receiving power, it is simply faulty and must be replaced. However, if it does not receive the voltage, there is another issue and the valve is likely okay.
- AV Repair Help answered 6 years ago
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