How to Troubleshooting Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser

Since you clicked on this article, the water dispenser of your refrigerator is probably non-functioning. Three things that might have happened are: the water dispenser may have stopped dispensing water completely or the water may have an odd odour or the pressure of the water may be low. Chances are you are having trouble figuring out what your next step should be. Do not worry, we have got you covered. Read on to find out what may cause such an issue and how you can fix Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser problem and prevent it from happening again.

You will discover every common manner a frigidaire water dispenser malfunctions and how you can mend it so that it starts functioning correctly again.

The first step to solving any problem is identifying its source. Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser not working? We will assist you to get to the bottom of it. Then we will dutifully guide your way as you repair it.

Troubleshooting frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser

Water Tube in Door is Frozen
Vinyl is the material that the water tube that supplies water to the refrigerator water dispenser is usually made of. It could also be of copper, plastic, or stainless steel. These lines of water often pass across the ice maker and/or freezer. This allows them to supply both drinking water plus ice cubes in the dispenser assembly. However, this also poses a risk of the water in the tubes freezing.
If the water in the tube is frozen, problems may arise including: water not being dispensed.

In order to fix this issue, you may take the following steps:

Open your refrigerator door
Examine the ice maker and water tubes to detect whether there is ice inside the tubes or not
If there is, use a hairdryer with its settings on low to safely defrost your water tube. This is the fastest path you can take without defrosting the freezer or disassembling the tubes.

Other than that you can also try using a leaf blower, heat lamps, portable heaters, and hot towels.
Keep in mind that the refrigerator temperature should be between -12 and -17 Degree Celsius. This will prevent the freezer from reaching temperatures that are too high or too low.

Ice & Water Filter
The water and ice filter ensures that the substance keeping you hydrated and the one which forms cubes that keep your drinks cool are formed from are crisp and aseptic. It does so by eliminating all debris or toxins that the water from the main water supply may contain.

The filter may have clogged up preventing the water dispenser from dispensing water. An unclean filter also lessens the amount of water that flows to the dispenser.
You can locate your water filter at either the refrigerator’s base in the grille or at the top right corner of the interior in the back. A button or knob there will help you remove the filter.

You should replace your filter if it has a defect or is clogged. Even if neither of that has happened with your filter you should change it at least once a year.
If the area where you reside has hard water, you have to replace the water filter biannually or more often to prevent similar mishappenings.

Water Inlet Valve
From your house’s main supply line the water for the dispenser travels to the fridge at a pressure of 20psi. However, this will not occur if the water pressure is below 20psi, or if the water inlet valve is broken. An obstruction in the valve could also possibly be keeping your refrigerator from dispensing water.
To check on the water inlet valve, carry out the following steps:
Unplug your refrigerator
Shut off its water supply
Remove the panel at the back and track down the water tube to the valve from the dispenser. This will help you find the solenoid inlet valve which supervises the switching on and off of the flow of water.

To make sure if it has continuity, use a multimeter to test the terminals of that solenoid.
Inspect if the tube that brings water in has debris in the screen on it. If it is clogged, wipe the screen clean to let water back into the water dispenser.

Inspect the inlet tubing for blockage. You should make sure the manual water shut-off valve is clean. You may need a larger household water pressure to maintain the water flowing from the inlet to the valve. Or it might be that there is dirt inside or a defect in the water inlet valve itself.

Low Water Pressure from House Supply
You are probably aware of how important the water pressure in your residence is to prevent pipes from bursting or the taps from drying up. In the same way, it is extremely necessary for the water pressure in your water inlet valve to be adequate. Balance is the key everywhere.

It requires a minimum of 20 psi(Pounds per square inch). If your pressure value is lower than that, problems may arise at your water dispenser since the inlet valve is what supplies the dispenser with its main resource.
Inspect the water flow.
Examine the pressure.

Determine if it is at least 20 psi.
If not, contact your local plumber. Ask them to either install a dedicated water line to your refrigerator that is not connected to the reverse-osmosis system. Or to install a bypass cartridge to increase the water pressure to your refrigerator.

Water Dispenser Actuator
The plastic bit you press down with your glass to start the water flowing is called the water dispenser actuator. It can be identified by the click sound it makes while commencing the dispenser micro switch.
To test this component,
Unplug the fridge.

Remove the cover that the control panel consists of.
When the switch is pressed, check if the actuator pushes it.
Inspect the bracket that consists of the actuator.
Check the bracket that the switch is in.
Examine the pivot of the actuator.
Replace whichever component is not operating.

Door Switch
Like the other components, Before beginning the inspection, you should make sure to disconnect the power supply of your refrigerator. The most straightforward method to do this is unplugging the unit directly from the wall. You could trip the appropriate switch in the circuit breaker panel instead or remove the appropriate fuse from the fuse box.

Consult an appliance repair technician if you do not feel confident enough to carry out this test on your own.
Identify the location of the switch. It will be in hindsight when you open the refrigerator door, somewhere along with the refrigerator’s internal frame. Once you manage to locate the switch, remove it.

After locating its various wires, label them so that you can keep track while reattaching them.
Remove the wires from the switch delicately. The wires themselves should not be pulled since they may risk damage. Alternatively, try to pull on the connectors. Needle-nosed pliers may also be used.

Set to the X1 setting use the multitester to test the switch for continuity. Place the multitester's leads on both of them if your switch consists of two terminals.
The reading should change from infinity to a reading of zero. Keep the leads pressing the terminals and hold your finger down on the switch. The reading should then convert back to infinity.

You should replace your door switch if the results that show up do not align with the aforementioned ones.
Suppose your switch has four terminals, you should again set the multitester at X1. Touch one lead to a terminal, and use the other lead to touch the additional three terminals one at a time. If the test of even one of the terminals differs from the results presented here, your door switch needs to be replaced.

Dispenser Microswitch
The dispenser microswitch sends power via a solenoid to the water inlet valve. It is basically the power source that supplies energy in the form of voltage.
You can easily find it behind the small shaft you have to push down with the edge of your water glass to kick off the flow of water from your refrigerator water dispenser.
Disconnect your refrigerator from its power supply
Take the cover off the control panel
Locate the switch behind the lever
Use a multimeter to check its continuity
If the dispenser switch does not have continuity, replace it.

Dispenser Control Board
The dispenser control board does exactly what its name suggests, control the activities of the dispenser system. If the control board is malfunctioning, the power supply to the entire dispenser system may be disrupted.

However, it is highly likely that only one of the many dispenser parts isn’t working. You should test each and every part of the dispenser before touching the control board. If everything else is okay, move on to check the control board. If it is indeed defective, you have to change it.
Take the following steps to do so:
Turn off the electric supply.
Remove the dip tray
Remove the dispenser housing by unscrewing its screws and disconnecting its wires.

Finally, remove the control board and take a picture of its wiring to keep a record of how the connections were arranged.

Snap the new control board into place. Do keep in mind to touch something metallic or wear a grounding strap to prevent static from causing any damage
Reconnect the wires and restore electric power.

What not to do when frigidaire water dispenser not working
First of all, do not worry excessively. It is understandable that it can be stressful to not have a constant supply of cold water and/or ice. We are aware of how important it is to stay hydrated, even more so if the temperatures are high.
Conversely, if you decide to call for professional help on an impulse, you may have to spend a huge amount of money which you could have spent otherwise. This surplus spending can be avoided only if you take out some time from your schedule and try troubleshooting your frigidaire refrigerator. You will probably not only be able to detect but also solve your issue. As a consequence, making your water dispenser function again, that too, at an affordable price.

If you try examining each of the parts mentioned above and find no issues at all you can unhesitantly call up a professional technician who has experience working with such electrical appliances.
FAQ
What causes refrigerator water dispensers to stop working?

There are a variety of reasons the refrigerator water dispenser may not be working. Some of them include issues in
-the water inlet valve
-the water dispenser actuator
-the dispenser microswitch
-the water tube being frozen, or
-the water pressure being too low.

However, do not fret too much, more or less all of these problems can be solved by you right at the comfort of your home only if you manage to troubleshoot appropriately. That must not be of much concern if you have gone through the above article.

How do I clean my Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser?
First and foremost turn the water supply attached to the dispenser off.

Subsequently, loosen the screw which links the water tank and the water supply pump.

Slide off the water tube.
With help of a small funnel, pour three to four cups of vinegar into the water tube. To make sure it stays upright, tape it to a surface.

In order to clear the vinegar out of the system, hold the tap of the water dispenser until no liquid is coming out.
Lastly, after you reconnect the tube to the water tank, let clean water run over the system up until there is no vinegar remaining.

Will a refrigerator dispense water without a filter?
Whether or whether a refrigerator will dispense water without a filter depends entirely on the presence of a bypass plug. If the bypass plug is installed, your refrigerator will function just fine without a filter.

A water filter would nevertheless ensure that the water you drink is free of all germs and dirt. The risk of contamination is greatly reduced by this single component.
How often should you clean the water dispenser in the fridge?

Your water filter should be cleaned weekly. You should also remember to replace it every six to twelve weeks. This is highly recommended by experts to ensure your access to a constant supply of pure, disinfected water.

Depending on the quality of water in the area you live in, you may have to clean it more frequently.

You are now familiar with everything that might have gone wrong with your frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser. It is quite inconvenient when the refrigerator water dispenser stops operating. It could potentially cut down your water intake by a huge amount. Especially if you are only reminded to drink water every time you walk in front of your refrigerator.

It may alarm you if the water stops dispensing all of a sudden, but try not to worry excessively. The issues are easily fixable if correctly identified. If you follow all the steps correctly you should be able to dispense water again in no time at all.

The problems listed above are ones that you can solve at home after troubleshooting efficiently. If your refrigerator still does not dispense water, you may want to contact a professional or Frigidaire’s customer services.