If you have been battling with LG refrigerator dispenser problems, this article is for you. We will provide detailed answers to the most pressing questions you have about LG refrigerator dispensers.
Table of Contents
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working – What to Do
If your LG refrigerator water dispenser is not working, troubleshoot the following parts and replace any found to be the cause of the problem:
1. Water Inlet Valve
Water gets to the dispenser via the water inlet valve. If the valve is broken or the valve pressure is low, water will not get to the dispenser, and that is when you will notice there is a problem with the dispenser.
The water valve pressure should be at a minimum of 20 psi for it to work without glitches. If the pressure is up to the recommended level, conduct a continuity test using a multimeter. If the test indicates the water inlet valve lacks continuity, get a new one.
2. Water Filter
Another component of your LG refrigerator to troubleshoot if the water dispenser is not working is the water filter. If the water filter is clogged, water will not flow to the dispenser. While you can use a bypass plug to restore water flow in the interim, you still have to get a new water filter to resolve the problem permanently.
That said, refrigerator repair experts recommend that you change the water filter of your refrigerator dispenser at least once in six months to maintain the water quality and proper water flow rate.
3. Water Tube
If the water supply tube is frozen, air will not flow through it, which is a problem for the dispenser. To know if the water tube is frozen, detach the tube from the door and use a hairdryer to blow air through it. If air does not circulate throughout the tube, melt the ice.
In addition, ensure that the freezer temperature is at a range of 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the water line from freezing up or getting too warm.
4. Dispenser Switch
Voltage gets to the dispenser via the dispenser switches. If, for any reason, a single switch is defective, the dispenser will not function at all.
Apart from physical inspection, you can also conduct a continuity test to know the working condition of your dispenser switches. If the test shows the dispenser switches do not have continuity, go for a replacement.
5. Door Switch
The door switch of your refrigerator turns off the water and ice dispenser as the refrigerator door is opened. Both dispensers will not work if the door switch is bad.
The best way to know if the door switch is responsible for the water dispenser not working is to carry out a continuity test. If the multimeter reading shows that the door switch does not have continuity, go for a replacement.
6. Dispenser Control Board
A rule of thumb is to troubleshoot the dispenser control board last if you notice your water dispenser is not functioning. This is because the dispenser control board rarely goes bad, and if it does, the best option is to replace it instead of repairing it.
Most components of your dispenser are controlled by the dispenser control board. When you are sure other dispenser components are working properly, then troubleshoot the dispenser control board by performing a continuity test.
LG Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Not Working – Solutions
If your LG refrigerator ice dispenser is not working, do the following:
1. Check the Dispenser Switch
As mentioned above, the dispenser switches transmit voltage to the dispenser. If any dispenser switch is faulty, the ice dispenser will not function properly.
To know the state of the ice dispenser switches, run a continuity test. Replace the switches if the multimeter reading indicates that they lack continuity.
2. Inspect the Auger Motor
The auger motor facilitates the rotation of the auger blade and sends the ice down the dispenser chute. If the auger motor is broken, the ice will not go down the chute.
To know if the auger motor is working, detach the ice bucket and turn the auger blade by hand. If there is no resistance to the rotation of the auger blade, test the auger motor for continuity. If the test reveals the auger motor lacks continuity, replace it.
3. Examine the Dispenser Door Motor
The dispenser door motor facilitates the opening and closing function of the dispenser door. By so doing, cold air does not escape from the freezer.
If you have a faulty dispenser door motor, the dispenser door will remain shut and refuse to dispense ice.
To know the working condition of the dispenser door motor, check if it is receiving adequate power. If it is not, get a new dispenser door motor. Also, if the dispenser door motor lacks continuity, replace it.
4. Check the Dispenser Actuator
The dispenser actuator works hand-in-hand with the dispenser switches to power the different components of the ice dispenser. A broken dispenser actuator cannot activate the dispenser switches, so the ice dispenser will not work.
Carry out a continuity test to know the state of the dispenser actuator and replace it if the multimeter reading shows does not have continuity.
5. Inspect the Dispenser Solenoid
Another component of your LG refrigerator ice dispenser to troubleshoot is the dispenser solenoid. This component is designed to open the door flap, which releases ice. Having a defective dispenser solenoid means that the door flap will not work.
Just like most electrical components of the dispenser, carrying out a continuity test is the best way to know if the dispenser solenoid is defective and requires replacement. That said, you can rotate the actuator pin of the dispenser solenoid, and if you notice resistance in its rotation, replace the solenoid.
6. Inspect the Dispenser Control Board
The dispenser control board is the heart of the refrigerator dispenser, so it is quite tricky to troubleshoot. If you do not understand how a circuit works, it is best to hire a professional to help you troubleshoot and fix the dispenser control board.
If most components of your ice dispenser system are not functioning, the dispenser control board is most likely the culprit.
Important Note
Sometimes, the ice maker does not produce ice due to some faults. Ensure there is ice in the storage bin before trying to dispense it. Also, ensure there are no ice clumps in the storage bin because htey can prevent the dispenser from working. If that is the case, turn off the ice maker and remove the bucket.
Allow it to thaw before dumping the ice out. Alternatively, run hot water into it to dissolve the ice quicker. Next, check the ice maker to ensure it works well. Wiggle the shut-offf arm and inspect the water tube. If you cannot determine whether or not the ice maker is faulty, get a service technician for further assistance.
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LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Light Blinking – How to Fix
If the light on the control panel of the LG refrigerator dispenser starts blinking, the main control board is responsible for the problem. It may be that the capacitors on the control board are bloated or burnt.
As with all refrigerator repairs, ensure you disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
Remove the screws securing the cover of the main control board and pull out the four plugs connected to the board. Take note of the orientation of the plugs because you will connect them back to the board at the end of your repair.
After that, place a flathead screwdriver on the top clip on the control board so that it pops open. Do the same thing for the bottom clip, and you can pull out the main control board.
Now, get your new main control board and install it the same way the old board was installed. Clip the top and bottom of the board, so it does not fall off.
After that, reconnect the four plugs and cover the main control board. Ensure you secure the control board cover with the screws you removed earlier. Turn on your refrigerator, and the fluctuating light problem will be gone if you carefully followed the instructions we laid out.
LG Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Light Stays On – How to Fix
Before you start the repair, ensure you disconnect the power cord from the wall socket to prevent electrocution. The problem here is that the light button of your LG refrigerator dispenser is stuck.
Check if the light button is in the open position. That is, the button is not on the same level as the refrigerator wall. If that is the case, carefully pull out the small lip on the switch to release the stuck button.
You can press the light button several times to ensure that it does not get stuck again.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Leaking – How to Solve It
Troubleshoot the following parts of your LG refrigerator to know the source of the leak and fix it:
1. Water Filter
If the water filter is not installed correctly, water may start leaking from the filter. Reinstall the water filter if that is the source of the leak.
Also, check the water filter head to see if it is cracked or if the seal is torn. Replace the water filter head once you notice it is defective.
2. Water Inlet Valve
Another component of the refrigerator dispenser that may be responsible for the leaking problem is the water inlet valve. The valve is installed to facilitate the supply of water to the ice and water dispenser.
Water will start leaking from the valve if it is loosely fitted or if it is cracked. While you can tightly secure the valve if it has a loose-fitting, you have to get a new valve for the existing one is broken.
3. Water Tank Assembly
If the water filter and the water inlet valve are working properly, the problem may be from the water tank assembly. Carefully inspect the water tank for any leaks. If you notice any, the best option is to get a new water tank. Gluing the damaged one will only last for a couple of days.
The drip tray may be full, causing water to leak from the dispenser. The tray is the part of the dispenser that collects excess water when you use the dispenser. If you remove the glass from under the dispenser nozzle before the water stops dripping, the tray collects it.
The same is true if the glass overflows before you turn off the dispenser to prevent excessive dripping. Lift the tray up and off the dispenser so you can empty and clean it. Do this as ofthe as the tray fills with water.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Very Slow – Fast Fix
If your LG refrigerator dispenser is dispensing water slowly or not dispensing at all. Perhaps, the ice dispenser is also finding it difficult to produce ice. These are signs that the water pressure is low or the water flow is slow.
To fix this problem, check if the ice dispenser is producing hollow ice. Also, dispense water into an 8-ounce glass and check the time it takes to get filled. If it takes more than eight seconds for the glass to be filled, perhaps the water filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.
LG recommends that you change your water filter at least once in every six months, even if the water pressure seems to be fine. If you cannot get a new water filter immediately, you can use the bypass plug, which comes with the refrigerator, in place of the water filter. After installing the bypass plug, observe the water flow rate, and if it increases, it means you have to get a new water filter.
That said, ensure that there are no kinks or bends in the water line connected to the refrigerator. In addition, ensure that the water inlet valve is fully open to prevent restrictions to water flow.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Makes Noise – How to Fix
There are four circumstances behind the noise your LG refrigerator water dispenser makes:
1. Faulty or clogged Water Filter
If you hear a noise coming from within the water filter of your refrigerator dispenser, remove the filter from its housing and install a bypass plug in its place. The bypass plug comes with the refrigerator, so you do not need to worry about spending money to get it.
Dispense water into a glass and listen if the water dispenser makes any noise. If you do not hear any noise, the water filter is the problem.
Now detach the bypass plug you just installed and examine the water filter head to see if it is dirty. Dirt can cause a connection problem to the water dispenser, so be sure to clean the water filter head if you notice any dirt.
Reinstall the water filter into its housing. Use the water dispenser again and if the noise persists, get a new water filter.
2. Air in the Water Line
Your water dispenser will start making noise if air is trapped in the water line. Dispense about 12 to 15 glasses of water (or empty the water tank) to get rid of the trapped air in the water line.
3. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
If you hear any noise coming from the water inlet valve at the back of your refrigerator, unplug the refrigerator and move it out from the wall. Get someone to dispense water from the dispenser while you inspect the water inlet valve for any unusual noise.
If the noise is coming from the water inlet valve, replace it.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser with No Power – What to Do
If your LG refrigerator dispenser does not light up even when the power cord is plugged into the wall outlet, disconnect the power cord from the power supply for about 30 seconds. After that, reconnect the power to the refrigerator.
If that does not work, the problem may be that there is static electricity, which occurs when you pull away the plastic covering off your refrigerator dispenser. You can try cycling the power to the LG refrigerator.
Also, your refrigerator dispenser may not receive power if the doors were detached during its installation. Ensure that the door wiring is connected correctly.
If the problem persists, we suggest that you hire a professional to help you troubleshoot and fix the refrigerator dispenser.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Tray Removal – Quick Guide
To remove the drip tray from your LG refrigerator dispenser, carefully lift off the cover by placing your finger at the bottom. Now you can clean the drip tray or replace it. To replace the drip tray, simply put it back from where you removed it. Ensure the tray makes a snapping sound, so it will not fall off. Check out the video below to see how to remove and clean a refrigerator water dispenser drip tray…
LG Refrigerator Dispenser Problems – Related FAQs
1. How to Remove Ice Dispenser Cover on an LG Refrigerator
To remove the ice maker cover from an LG refrigerator dispenser, disconnect the power cord from the power source. Once that is out of the way, open the refrigerator doors and grab the ice maker cover with both hands. Push both ends slightly inwards and tilt them up. Once you do that, the ice maker cover will be released.
You can then clean it or replace it with a new one. After sliding the ice maker cover back into position, ensure you listen for a snap. This sound indicates that the cover will not fall off later.
2. How to Clean the Water Dispenser on an LG Refrigerator
To clean the LG refrigerator water dispenser, first, unplug the power cord and disconnect the water supply line. Next, loose the screw securing the water tank and water supply pump. Detach the water tube and pour 3 cups of white vinegar into the tube.
Allow the vinegar to sit still for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then discard it. After that, reattach the water tube to the water tank and use a bowl of fresh water to flush the system. This is to get rid of the traces of vinegar left in the dispenser system.
3. How Do You Unlock an LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser?
To unlock your LG refrigerator water dispenser, go to the control panel and tap the settings icon. Next, click the Lock icon, which is next to the Dispenser Lock button.
Note that this process may slightly differ for different LG refrigerator models, so ensure that you follow the user’s manual that comes with your refrigerator.
4. How to Replace LG Refrigerator Dispenser Switch
To replace the dispenser switch on your LG refrigerator dispenser, first, ensure that the refrigerator is not receiving power, so there is no chance of electrocution. After that, grab the bottom of the dispenser paddle, push it to the left side and lift it out. This gives you access to the dispenser switch, which may be faulty and needs replacement.
The dispenser switch is secured by one Phillips screw, so unscrew it with a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the wires from the dispenser switch and replace it with the new one. Screw it up and reinstall the dispenser paddle you removed earlier. Reconnect the power supply of your refrigerator, and you are good to go!
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