Ice maker dispenser switch has stopped working - will not dispense ice or water. Can I repair myself? How do you gain access to the switch in the door?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9GjSqi6eY4

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=yj52Xrn4O9aGjLsPjY2MkAY&q=Ice+dispenser+on+refrigerator+has+quit+dispensing.+ice+maker+and+water+dispenser+still+work.+fuse%2C+switch%3F+What+do+I+need+to+do%3F&oq=Ice+dispenser+on+refrigerator+has+quit+dispensing.+ice+maker+and+water+dispenser+still+work.+fuse%2C+switch%3F+What+do+I+need+to+do%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i362i308i154i357l6.3892.3892..4963...0.0..0.280.280.2-1......0....2j1..gws-wiz.....6.KpTP5CQ-W1Y&ved=0ahUKEwi5hZO9_KvoAhVWA2MBHY0GA2IQ4dUDCAU&uact=5#kpvalbx=_8UF2Xqv7BqLHxgOu8YKYDw57

Hi Norm,

Most fridges don't need a motor to run in order to dispense water. A simple on / off solenoid on the water line (same for the ice maker) that makes a click when changing from off to on and on to off is usually all anyone hears (the ice maker makes rumbling sounds and you can hear ice falling into the bin - too).

Check for ice. If it has a maker and it is making ice, the problem could be a defective water dispenser switch, solenoid or other circuit component or wire. If no ice, I'd suspect a filter or water supply issue.

Make sure the filter is fully inserted and twisted into place. Many filters have marks to align when 1) inserting and 2) to let you know when it is installed correctly. When sure it is installed correctly - try to dispense water again. Many fridges will dispense water without a filter. Check your manual before trying this though! If not working still, remove the filter and try to dispense water. If you're able to dispense water, the problem is either the installation of the filter or the filter itself. Try to re-install it correctly. Try to dispense water again.

If it still doesn't work - call the plumber back and ask why there's no water. Or - try this yourself:

Locate the point of attachment to the domestic water supply that the plumber used. There should be a valve to turn the water on and off. If off, turn ON. Try to dispense water again.

If that doesn't work - check to see if the fridge has pinched, kinked or crushed the water supply line. You may need to move the fridge forward to gain access to the water line and connection point on the fridge. Repair or replace the line as needed and route in such a way that moving the fridge in or out will not cause it to damage the line again.

Good luck!

Ice dispenser doesn't work

1. Dispenser control board

If the ice dispenser is not functioning at all the most likely cause is going to be the dispenser control board. The dispenser control board governs the major portion of the systematic functions of the dispenser and is less likely to be the issue if only certain components are malfunctioning. If the dispenser control board is at fault, it will need to be replaced.

1. Water inlet valve & low water pressure from house supply

If the ice dispenser on your refrigerator is not working properly, one of the first things to consider as an issue is the water pressure to your appliance. The ice dispenser cannot properly function with a psi less than 20. If psi is appropriate, proceed to replace the water inlet valve to correct the issue. You may also be dealing with low household water pressure. This low flow can be examined by using a water pressure test gauge. Once the household water pressure is resolved, you can double check your refrigerator connection to ensure it is now flowing properly and that the ice dispenser is functioning.

1. Water tube in door is frozen

If the ice dispenser is not working on your refrigerator, the issue could be a frozen water supply tube located in the door. Although this may be a tricky problem to locate, the first thing to do is find a connection point in the tube. After this has been found, attempt to blow air through the tube. If the air flows freely through the tube, it is not frozen and this is not the issue. If it does not, the tube is frozen and needs to be removed to thaw out. As it thaws, attempt to ascertain why it froze and correct the positioning of the tubing to prevent the issue from occurring again in the future.

1. Dispenser switch

If the refrigerator ice dispenser is not working properly you could be dealing with a defective dispenser switch. Activated by the dispenser actuator, the switches are responsible for numerous actions including ice cube disbursement, type of ice, and water controls. The switch can be tested using an ohm meter and should be replaced if it does not reveal continuity.

1. Door switch

If the refrigerator ice dispenser is not working, the functionality of the door switch can be inspected. This switch is responsible for turning on the light in the freezer and simultaneously turning off the ice dispenser when the freezer door is opened. If this switch malfunctions, it will show no continuity on the ohm meter and will require replacement.
Ice maker not functioning or producing ice cubes

1. Check connections

Check all hose connections to ensure that water is being transmitted through your appliance and there is no frost build up.

1. Feeler arm

Double check to make sure your feeler arm is not stuck or that ice cubes are not blocking the feeler arm's motion to produce more ice.

1. Ice maker heater

The heater may be stuck on. The heater comes on for 1-2 minutes to break cubes free from mold. If the heater stays on too long ,the ice maker will get hot and stop making ice. Carefully feel around the ice maker mold; if it is hot to the touch, the heater is on. This indicates that the ice maker is jammed, and it is better to replace ice maker than to try and repair it.

1. Water inlet valve

The water valve supplying the ice maker is a key component of the ice-making system. When the ice maker calls for ice, its switch closes an electrical circuit and energizes the solenoid-operated water valve. This allows water to flow through the valve and into the ice cube tray. The water is frozen into cubes, and the cubes are dumped into the ice bin. When this part is not operating correctly, a repair/replacement part may be needed. Refrigerator Repair Help Troubleshooting and Parts

Ice dispenser doesn't work

1. Dispenser control board

If the ice dispenser is not functioning at all the most likely cause is going to be the dispenser control board. The dispenser control board governs the major portion of the systematic functions of the dispenser and is less likely to be the issue if only certain components are malfunctioning. If the dispenser control board is at fault, it will need to be replaced.

1. Water inlet valve & low water pressure from house supply

If the ice dispenser on your refrigerator is not working properly, one of the first things to consider as an issue is the water pressure to your appliance. The ice dispenser cannot properly function with a psi less than 20. If psi is appropriate, proceed to replace the water inlet valve to correct the issue. You may also be dealing with low household water pressure. This low flow can be examined by using a water pressure test gauge. Once the household water pressure is resolved, you can double check your refrigerator connection to ensure it is now flowing properly and that the ice dispenser is functioning.

1. Water tube in door is frozen

If the ice dispenser is not working on your refrigerator, the issue could be a frozen water supply tube located in the door. Although this may be a tricky problem to locate, the first thing to do is find a connection point in the tube. After this has been found, attempt to blow air through the tube. If the air flows freely through the tube, it is not frozen and this is not the issue. If it does not, the tube is frozen and needs to be removed to thaw out. As it thaws, attempt to ascertain why it froze and correct the positioning of the tubing to prevent the issue from occurring again in the future.

1. Dispenser switch

If the refrigerator ice dispenser is not working properly you could be dealing with a defective dispenser switch. Activated by the dispenser actuator, the switches are responsible for numerous actions including ice cube disbursement, type of ice, and water controls. The switch can be tested using an ohm meter and should be replaced if it does not reveal continuity.

1. Door switch

If the refrigerator ice dispenser is not working, the functionality of the door switch can be inspected. This switch is responsible for turning on the light in the freezer and simultaneously turning off the ice dispenser when the freezer door is opened. If this switch malfunctions, it will show no continuity on the ohm meter and will require replacement.
Ice maker not functioning or producing ice cubes

1. Check connections

Check all hose connections to ensure that water is being transmitted through your appliance and there is no frost build up.

1. Feeler arm

Double check to make sure your feeler arm is not stuck or that ice cubes are not blocking the feeler arm's motion to produce more ice.

1. Ice maker heater

The heater may be stuck on. The heater comes on for 1-2 minutes to break cubes free from mold. If the heater stays on too long ,the ice maker will get hot and stop making ice. Carefully feel around the ice maker mold; if it is hot to the touch, the heater is on. This indicates that the ice maker is jammed, and it is better to replace ice maker than to try and repair it.

1. Water inlet valve

The water valve supplying the ice maker is a key component of the ice-making system. When the ice maker calls for ice, its switch closes an electrical circuit and energizes the solenoid-operated water valve. This allows water to flow through the valve and into the ice cube tray. The water is frozen into cubes, and the cubes are dumped into the ice bin. When this part is not operating correctly, a repair/replacement part may be needed. Refrigerator Repair Help Troubleshooting and Parts

There should be a plastice hinge cover on the left top hinge on freezer door. Take it off and press the plug together firmly. Try that and let me know, Sea Breeze

If you take the ice bin out and gain access to the motor by removing the cover over the motor area you can check for voltage to the motor when you try the dispenser switch. If it's not getting voltage the switch is bad. If it gets voltage but don't turn or if it bogs down easily the the motor is bad.

Or the problem is in the disp in the door.. Its complicated you should call a tech to to the repairs

Check the ice maker see it is in the right position, maybe you can try pull out the ice maker and clean it and push it back, make sure the position is right.

Check the following:

Is the freezer door closed completely?

Is the ice storage bin installed correctly?

Is there ice in the storage bin?

Has the ice frozen in the storage bin?

Is ice stuck in the delivery chute?

Has the wrong ice been added to the storage bin? Use only
cubes produced by the current ice maker.

Has the ice melted around the auger (metal spiral) in the
ice bucket? Dump the ice cubes and clean the ice storage
bin.

Is the ice dispenser stalling while dispensing “crushed”
ice? Change the ice button from “crushed” to “cubed.” If
cubed ice dispenses correctly, depress the button for
“crushed” ice and begin dispensing again.

Has the dispenser arm been held in too long? Ice will stop
dispensing when the arm is held in too long. Wait 3 minutes
for dispenser motor to reset before using again.

The ON/OFF switch is located on the top right side of the freezer
compartment.
To turn the ice maker on, slide the control to the ON (left) position.
To manually turn the ice maker off, slide the control to the OFF
(right) position.
NOTE: Your ice maker has an automatic shutoff. The ice maker
sensors will automatically stop ice production, but the control will
remain in the ON (left) position

REMEMBER:

Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the
first three batches of ice produced.

The quality of your ice will be only as good as the quality of the
water supplied to your ice maker. Avoid connecting the ice
maker to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals
(such as salt) can damage parts of the ice maker and lead to
poor quality ice. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided,
make sure the water softener is operating properly and is well
maintained

The Dispenser Lock (on some models)
Your dispenser can be turned off for easy cleaning or to prevent
unintentional dispensing by small children and pets.
NOTE: The lock feature does not shut off power to the product, to
the ice maker, or to the dispenser light. It simply deactivates the
dispenser levers. The ice and water dispensers will not work.
Style 1: Press the LOCK BUTTON to lock the dispenser. Press the
UNLOCK button to unlock the dispenser.
Style 2: Press and hold the LOCK OUT button to lock the
dispenser. Press and hold the LOCK OUT button a second time to
unlock the dispenser.

http://www.ajmadison.com/ajmadison/itemdocs/2261717.pdf

CM, there are 2 things that'd cause this. One is inexpensive, the other is not. First, check the cheap one... That rectangular rubber piece in back of your dispenser area is only a cover for a cantilever device. When you push in on this with a cup, the cantilever swivels back toward you and makes contact with a micro-switch. This switch sends power to the integrated circuit board which, in turn, performs the function you requested (cubed, crushed, water). OK... unplug your fridge. Then use your ears to diagnose this. Push the actuator pad several times in and out and listen for the tell-tale "click click" of the micro-switch. If you hear it clicking, it's good. Plug your fridge back in. Now for the expensive part. If your micro-switch clicks, your dispenser control board is fried and needs to be replaced. (I'm afraid that this is the case because the board controls the light as well as all the other functions.) UNPLUG YOUR FRIDGE BEFORE REPAIRING! To gain access the board, use a small flat blade screwdriver and remove the fascia panel starting at the bottom first. Just begin prying it gently off. Then remove the screws that are holding the board assy in place and gently pull it out. Take note of all of the wiring so you can re-install it correctly. The board number you need is #61005274. Unfortunately, it lists for about $100. A professional repairman would charge you over $200 for the repair, so you're actually saving money here! BTW, we recommend using a Belkin Surge protector for all appliances that utilize electronic controls. (you wouldn't plug you computer directly into a wall outlet, would you?) We regularly use these... http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(a1q3xi45sxgfbzm0qejhei55)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=3115672