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Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser not working
Common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser is not working
The most common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser is not working are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.
64% of the time it's the Compressor
12% of the time it's the Water Filter
9% of the time it's the Dispenser
15% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Water Filter Replacement
Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the ice maker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.
Dispenser Replacement
When a refrigerator dispenser malfunctions, it can lead to various issues including the dispenser's failure to dispense water or ice, regardless of user input. This malfunction may stem from problems with the dispenser water supply, dispenser controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. There may be slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or even complete non-functionality. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to pool around the dispenser area or even inside the refrigerator. For a thorough diagnosis and resolution of these issues, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional address the situation.
Why is my Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser not working?
Start by following the troubleshooting tips in your Figidaire refrigerator owner’s manual to find the cause of the water dispenser not working.
Door not Closed Completely
Make sure the refrigerator or freezer door is closed so the dispenser will operate.
A side-by-side Frigidaire refrigerator requires the freezer door to be closed to operate the water dispenser.
On a Frigidaire French door refrigerator, the door with the dispenser and sometimes the other refrigerator door must be closed for the dispenser to operate.
Dispenser Control Panel is Locked
If the dispenser control panel is locked, unlock the dispenser as shown in the image above for many Frigidaire refrigerators.
If your dispenser lock is different, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for your fridge to unlock the dispenser control if it’s locked.
Clogged or Improperly Installed Water Filter
If you haven’t replaced the refrigerator water filter in the last 6 months, it may be time to do that now. A clogged water filter can keep the water dispenser from getting water.
An improperly installed water filter in a Frigidaire refrigerator can also prevent the water dispenser from working.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace a common type of Frigidaire refrigerator water filter so the water dispenser works properly:
The video also shows how to reset the filter replacement reminder so you can get a reminder on the control panel when it’s time to replace the refrigerator water filter.
Check the refrigerator water supply
Check to see if the ice maker is getting water. If the ice maker mold is empty and not filling during the harvest cycle, then check the refrigerator water supply by following these steps:
- Check the water supply shut-off valve to see if it is fully open. Open that valve if you find it closed.
- If the water supply going to your fridge uses a saddle valve, deposits and debris can clog the small opening that the saddle valve uses. Shut the saddle valve and then open it back up to clear debris or deposits from the small water supply opening of the saddle valve. This may restore the water supply to your Kenmore refrigerator.
- Verify that you have water going to the refrigerator through the water supply line. Shut the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water line from the back of the fridge. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve. If water doesn’t flow from the end of the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.
If these tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser not working, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
What to expect when you experience a Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser not working issue
How is the water dispenser not working problem fixed?
Correcting most water dispenser not working problems usually involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator water dispenser that is not working
When the refrigerator water dispenser is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator water dispenser not working diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
Troubleshooting a Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water
When you find your Frigidaire refrigerator not dispensing water, check to see if the ice dispenser works. If neither feature works on the dispenser, check the control lock to see if it’s enabled. Disable the control lock to get the water dispenser and ice dispenser working again.
If you didn’t find the control lock enabled and both the water dispenser and ice dispenser aren’t working, a bad dispenser control board or failed main electronic control board in the fridge could be causing the problem. A wiring failure could also be preventing the water and ice dispenser from working. Because the dispenser control board and wiring connections are difficult to access and diagnose for a DIY’er, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to fix your Frigidaire refrigerator not dispensing water.
If the ice dispenser works, a problem with the water valve for the water dispenser may be preventing the water dispenser from working. To fix this type of problem, schedule service and have a refrigerator repair technician visit your home and fix the water dispenser.
If the ice dispenser makes ice but the ice maker isn’t making ice because the ice mold isn’t getting filled, then a problem with the water supply going to your fridge may be preventing the water dispenser from working. A clogged water filter will also prevent the water dispenser from working. Try replacing the water filter and then see if the water dispenser works. If it does, then your situation is resolved.
If replacing the water filter doesn’t help, then check the water supply going to the fridge. Make sure the water cut-off valve is fully open. If it is, check the water supply going to the fridge by shutting off the water supply valve and removing the water supply line connected to the back of the fridge. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve. If water doesn’t flow from the end of the water line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the fridge.
Frigidaire Refrigerator No Water Troubleshooting Tips
When you discover that your Frigidaire refrigerator has not water, check the control lock on the dispenser to see if that feature is enabled. If it is, turn the control lock off and you should get water through the water dispenser.
Replace the water filter to see if that fixes the water supply failure. A clogged water filter won’t allow any water to go to the water dispenser or ice maker.
Next, check the water supply cut-off valve for the fridge to make sure that valve is fully open. Open the valve if you find it shut.
If you find the water supply cut-off valve open, shut that valve and disconnect the water supply line on the back of the refrigerator so you can check for water flow through the supply line. Disconnect the water supply line from the back of the refrigerator and place the end of that water line into a bucket. Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve and check the water flow from the end of the water line.
If water doesn’t flow through the end of the supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your Frigidaire fridge.
If water does flow from the water line, reconnect the water line to the back of the fridge and open the water supply cut-off valve. Schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Homer Services technician visit your home and fix your Frigidaire refrigerator no water problem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.