Ice Makers and Water Dispensers

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about ice maker and water dispenser repairs.

Testing a solenoid
Took it apart, put back together now it works
Water dispenser problem
Head makes a thumping noise
New head and still problems
Cubes won't dump
A simple fix for a common problem
Water doesn't stop running, unit was disconnected for 3 years
Water dispenser works but no ice
How does an ice maker function
Get ice but no water
Water dispenser not working after a move
Water leaks into the ice bin
Where is this dual solenoid on a Whirlpool?
Erratic sizes on cubes
No water because of line plugged up?
Misc. ice maker questions
New installation not working
Ice but no water dispenser
Ice doesn't come out of twisting tray design
Installing an ice maker on an older side by side?
New head installed still no ice
Very little volume
Reservoir cleaned with bleach now can't get rid of taste
Long time to make ice and small cubes
Ice maker makes ice intermittently
Too much water in a flipping cube tray design
Ice is made but won't dump
Ice maker not working after a move, here was the solution
What causes the ice maker supply line to freeze up?
Ice maker shoots ice out onto floor
Makes ice but cubes are hollow
Fine mist of water comes from under the refrigerator
Solenoid clicks but no water coming up
Water in the tray but no ice in the bin
Refrigerator moved for painting now ice maker not working
Ice maker control arm fell off
Ice maker leaking?
Does this sound like a defective solenoid?
Not enough ice made
Cubes won't break apart
Repairing the ice maker solenoid
How does a compression fitting work to hook the water line onto the fridge?
Water out of dispenser won't stop running

The Fridge Doctor Book (fourth edition) has an entirely new section on ice makers and water dispenser problems and solutions. Here is an example of some the information you get about ice makers and water dispensers:

Compared to other repairs on refrigerators many small things happen to the ice and water systems that can be easily resolved by most homeowners. In this section you will learn the basics on how these systems work and how to diagnose and repair the many different things that can and do go wrong with them.

Since this welcome additional feature became available to domestic refrigerators in the early 1960's there has been an evolution in the components and features available. At first there was only an ice maker that emptied into a bin inside the freezer, then came distribution of the ice through the door. With this feature, beside the ice dispenser a chilled water dispenser was later made available. Now newer designs even offer the option of normal or crushed ice. Some refrigerators now have their own water filter monitored by electronics.........

Figure 8.1 Cross Section of Ice Maker Details