If you have been struggling with KitchenAid refrigerator dispenser problems, this article will help you troubleshoot and fix the problems.
Table of Contents
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working – What to Do
If you have a KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser that is working, troubleshoot the following components and fix anyone found to be defective:
1. Dispenser Control Board
Most parts of the refrigerator dispenser system are controlled by the dispenser control board. The entire system may not receive power if you have a defective dispenser control board.
If a part of your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is not functioning, the dispenser control board should be the last part to troubleshoot. It is usually when the entire dispenser system is faulty that the dispenser control board is the culprit.
2. Water Tube
To know if your dispenser’s water tube is frozen, pull out the tube from the bottom of the refrigerator door and then try to circulate air through it using a hairdryer.
If air does not circulate, it means that the water tube is frozen. At this point, you need to thaw the ice and keep the freezer temperature between a temperature of 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The reason for this is to ensure that the water line does not freeze again or become too warm.
3. Water Inlet Valve
Water enters the dispenser from the water inlet valve, and if it is defective or has low pressure, the valve will remain closed. The water inlet valve operates at a pressure of 20 psi, and if the pressure is below that, it is an indication that the valve is defective.
If you suspect that the water inlet valve is defective, conduct a continuity test using a multimeter. If the test shows that the valve lacks continuity, get a new one.
4. Dispenser Switch
The role of the dispenser switches is to transmit voltage to the dispenser. If even a single switch is defective, the water dispenser will not function. To know if the dispenser switch is faulty, run a continuity test. If the reading of the multimeter shows, the dispenser switch lacks continuity, change it.
5. Water Filter
If the water filter of your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is clogged with dirt, there will be a restriction of water flow. This will prevent the water dispenser from functioning properly. A rule of thumb is to always change the water filter of your dispenser every six months. This is to ensure you always get clean water and to maintain adequate water flow.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Not Working – How to Solve It
If the ice dispenser of your KitchenAid refrigerator is not working, troubleshoot the following components and fix the faulty parts:
1. Dispenser Control Board
The dispenser system may stop functioning if the dispenser control board is damaged. If that happens, there will be nothing to supply power to the dispenser system, which makes you realize your ice dispenser is not working.
More often than not, it is only when the whole dispenser system is not working that you need to troubleshoot the dispenser control board and replace it if found to be defective.
2. Dispenser Switch
As mentioned earlier, the dispenser switches transmit voltage to the dispenser. If any of them is defective, your ice dispenser will stop functioning. You can conduct a continuity test to know if the dispenser switch needs replacement.
3. Dispenser Actuator
The dispenser actuator activates the dispenser switches, which supply power to the auger motor. If the dispenser actuator is defective, the switches will not be activated, and the ice dispenser will not work.
You can carry out a continuity test to know if the dispenser actuator is damaged and needs replacement.
4. Auger Motor
To begin with, the auger blade rotates and facilitates the pushing of ice through the dispenser chute. Without the auger motor’s power, the auger blade will not rotate, and you will not get ice.
To know if the auger motor is broken, detach the ice bucket and spin the bucket auger with your hands. If you do not notice any resistance as the auger motor spins, carry out a continuity test. You will need to get a new auger motor if the test shows the old one does not have continuity.
5. Dispenser Solenoid
The door flap on your refrigerator dispenser opens and closes with the help of the dispenser solenoid. So, if you notice your refrigerator dispenser is not working, test the dispenser solenoid for continuity. If the dispenser solenoid lacks continuity, replace it.
6. Dispenser Door Motor
Thanks to the dispenser door motor, the dispenser door will open and close appropriately so cold air will not escape. If the dispenser door motor is broken, not only will the dispenser door not open, the dispenser will not give you ice.
That said, if your KitchenAid refrigerator dispenser is not dispensing ice, check if the dispenser door motor is receiving power at all. If power gets to the motor and it still refuses to run, get a new one.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Making Loud Noise
The KitchenAid refrigerator dispenser makes the following noises when there is an issue:
1. Clicking/Snapping
If your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser makes a clicking or snapping sound, it is because of the opening and closing of the water inlet valve. That usually occurs when the dispenser lever is pushed. Also, you may hear a clicking sound when the dispenser stops dispensing water.
2. Rattling
If your KitchenAid refrigerator makes a rattling sound, it is due to the flow of water and refrigerant to the different components of the refrigerator, the water dispenser included. A rattling sound may also occur when you are storing food items on the top drawer of the refrigerator.
3. Continuous Beeping
If your KitchenAid refrigerator keeps beeping for an extended period of time, know that something is wrong somewhere. If you cannot figure out the defective component, you can hire a professional or call the KitchenAid Refrigerator customer care at (800) 422-1230.
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KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Cold – Fast Fix
If you have not used your refrigerator water dispenser for quite some time, the first glass of water it will dispense will not be cool. You have to use your dispenser at least once a week to maintain its supply of cold water.
Also, if you recently dispensed a large amount of cold water, the chances are high that the water subsequently dispensed will not be cold. Allow the water to get chilled before dispensing again.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Dripping — Solution
If your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is leaking or dripping, that is an indication that the tubing is broken. You will need a utility knife, vinyl tubing, quick-connect couplings, and a needle-nose plier to fix it.
Once you have all the needed tools and materials, unplug your refrigerator and put a small bowl beneath the water dispenser. After that, pull down the lever so that water is dispensed into the bowl.
Next, use the needle-nose plier to disconnect the leaking tubing. Once that is done, use the utility knife to cut off the damaged part of the tubing. Finally, place the ends of the tubing into the quick-connect coupling, and the dripping will stop.
That said, if your KitchenAid refrigerator is leaking water from the ice dispenser, check for ice shavings in the ice chute. Perhaps, there are some residual ice shavings, which will begin to drip when melted. Also, to avoid ice shaving accumulation, dispense 8 to 10 cubes of ice after dispensing crushed ice.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Drip Tray Removal – What to Do
If the drip tray of your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is full, you have to remove and empty it to avoid leaks. Also, you may have to clean the drip tray from time to time, necessitating its removal.
To remove the drip tray of your refrigerator water dispenser, press the rear edge of the insert down and tilt up the front edge. Once that is done, simply slide out the drip tray from the dispenser.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Slow – How to Fix
If your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is dispensing slower than usual, check the following components, and fix any problems found:
1. Saddle Valve
Once you notice that your KitchenAid refrigerator is dispensing at an abnormal rate, check if its shutoff or saddle valve is properly installed. If the saddle valve is not properly installed, the water dispenser will not have enough pressure to dispense water properly.
Low water pressure will also cause ice jamming and the formation of hollow ice cubes. Ensure that the saddle valve is not the self-piercing type to avoid clogging.
2. Water Filter
If the saddle valve checks out, troubleshoot the water filter. The water flow rate of your refrigerator water dispenser and ice maker will drop, and small ice cubes will be produced if the water filter is clogged.
Start the troubleshooting process by taking note of the water flow rate. After that, detach the water filter from the dispenser and try dispensing water. If the water flow rate rises, it means that the water filter is either improperly installed or clogged. If the latter is the case, you have to replace the water filter.
That said, if you cannot get a new water filter immediately, you can use a bypass plug in the meantime. The water system will bypass the clogged water filter, which causes a drop in water flow rate or low ice cube production.
3. Refrigerator Reverse-Osmosis System
If the water filter and the saddle valve check out, inspect the refrigerator to see if it is connected to a reverse-osmosis system. This system can cause a drop in the water flow rate.
If your KitchenAid refrigerator is connected to a reverse-osmosis system, ensure that the water pressure is at a range of 40 to 60 psi. In addition, allow the water tank to refill after it depletes. And ensure that nothing is blocking the reverse-osmosis system.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Won’t Shut Off — How to Fix
To begin with, if your KitchenAid refrigerator refuses to shut off, it means the dispenser lever is broken and needs to be replaced.
To replace the dispenser lever, unscrew the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws located at the bottom ends of the dispenser switch housing, using a nut driver. After that, tape the dispenser switch housing to the refrigerator door and unscrew the 1/4-inch hex-head screw located below the dispenser water line.
Also, unscrew the screw fastening the water line to the dispenser lever. Keep the screw, which holds the spacer, and the tension spring, in a safe location. Lift out the old dispenser lever and insert the new one.
Place the tension spring in its original position and ensure it touches the top of the water and ice dispenser levers. Fasten the tension spring with the screw removed before and slide in the spacer to secure the lever in place.
Finally, ensure that the water line is fastened to the dispenser lever and reinstall the dispenser switch housing with the two 1/4-inch hex-head screws.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Dispenser Problems – Related FAQs
How to Remove Ice Dispenser Cover on a KitchenAid Refrigerator
To remove the cover or trim on your KitchenAid refrigerator, unplug the refrigerator and insert a putty knife between the trim and the refrigerator door. Twist the knife so that the trim pops open and lift up the trim to free it from the tabs.
Pull out both ends of the wire harness that are connected to the refrigerator and the dispenser switch housing. Once that is done, you will have access to the internal components of the dispenser to perform any repairs.
How Do You Clean the Water Dispenser on a KitchenAid Refrigerator?
To clean a KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser, turn off the water supply and remove the screw securing the water tube in place. Slide out the water tube and pour three cups of distilled vinegar into it.
Allow the distilled vinegar to settle for five minutes, press the ice dispenser lever to dispense all the ice, and allow the vinegar to flow through. Hold down the water dispenser lever so that the vinegar runs through the tubes.
Continue to hold down the water dispenser button until the vinegar flows into the water tank. Scrub the water tank with a brush (preferably a toothbrush) and rinse with a bowl of warm water. After that, discard the dirty water and flush the water tank with a bowl of fresh water to remove any vinegar residue.
How Do You Unlock the Water Dispenser on a KitchenAid Refrigerator?
The lock mode of the KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is activated to prevent unauthorized access, especially by kids and pets. To unlock the water dispenser, press and hold down the “TO LOCK” button for about three seconds. Also, look at the display screen to know whether or not the water dispenser is locked. You cannot change the settings of the dispenser if the lock mode is activated.
Note that controlling the lock feature slightly varies from model to model. So, always check the user’s manual for specific instructions.
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