Frigidaire Refrigerator Dispenser Problems (Solved)

Getting ice and water becomes much easier when your refrigerator has a top-notch dispenser system. But what if the dispenser suddenly stops working?

Fixing a broken dispenser can be quite a hassle and there can be several reasons that might lead to the malfunctioning of the Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser.

To fix the problem quickly you need to know a few things – in today’s article, we’ll highlight the possible problems that can cause your refrigerator dispenser to break down. 

We will discuss both ice and water dispenser issues of your Frigidaire refrigerator. And once you identify the problems, troubleshooting the dispenser by hiring a professional can help you avert a major crisis.

So, without any more dilly-dallying, let’s get on with it! 

How To Fix The Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser? 

1. Refrigerator Water Line 

Any problem with your refrigerator’s water supply line will cause the water dispenser to stop working. For instance, if the water line is broken or kinked, it will interrupt the normal water flow to the Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser.

You can move the refrigerator to check the water line for any damages and untwist it gently to restore the water supply. 

The water dispenser can also stop working if the residual water inside the line freezes, creating blockages.

You can use a leaf blower or a hairdryer to melt the frost on the frozen water tube. However, if the Frigidaire refrigerator water line continues to freeze, make sure the freezer temperature stays between 0 and 10℉. 

You can even contact a professional refrigerator service provider to check your water tube and get the water dispenser up and running again. 

2. Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens and closes to control the flow of water from the water supply line into the dispenser system of your Frigidaire refrigerator. If the water pressure is low, the valve can’t work properly, interrupting the water flow into the water dispenser. 

When the water pressure is less than 20 PSI, the inlet valve won’t open, and the dispenser will automatically stop working.

Under these circumstances, your best course of action is to increase the water pressure of your central water system so that the valve can function properly. 

If the water valve doesn’t open even after increasing the water pressure, it’s probably defective. In that case, you need to use a multimeter to run a continuity test because when there’s no continuity, it’s best to hire a professional to replace the valve. 

And don’t try to change the inlet valve yourself because you might do more harm than good. 

3. Dispenser Control Board 

You can compare the dispenser control board to the CPU of a computer, which means the entire dispenser system will stop working if the control board is busted. It’s best to replace a faulty control board with a new one instead of wasting money on repairing it from time to time.

The dispenser control board comes with several switches, and if any one of them is damaged, the system won’t work. You can perform a continuity test to check the condition of these switches before opting for replacements. 

Moreover, if the Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser lock button on the control board is enabled, all control panel functions will automatically get locked, and your water dispenser won’t work.

If you see the Control Lock button light is on, press and hold the button for around 3 seconds to turn it off. The dispenser will resume its normal functions and dispense water. 

4. Dispenser Switch 

You can find the dispenser switch just behind the dispenser lever, allowing the machine to dispense cold water or ice. It activates the water inlet valve so that water flows into the dispenser. If your Frigidaire refrigerator control board has a defective dispenser switch, it can’t open the inlet valve, and the water supply will get disrupted.

You can conduct a multimeter continuity test to detect whether the dispenser switch is working properly. If there’s no sign of continuity, you can contact an appliance repair technician to assess the issue and replace the switch to resolve the problems of your Frigidaire water dispenser. 

5. Water Filter 

Water filter problems can also lead to the water dispenser not working. If you have an old and clogged water filter, it can prevent the refrigerator water dispenser from dispensing water.

This is due to the continuous deposition of particles, restricting water flow, so changing the water filter every six months is essential to avoid clogging and ensure uninterrupted water supply. 

Faulty installation or damage to your water filter can also cause low water flow and leaks, affecting the performance of the dispenser. In this case, you need to consult a professional technician who can inspect your water filter and replace it if required. 

Besides, your Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser won’t work if you don’t install the brand-recommended OEM filter.

Installing a non-OEM filter can cause your water dispenser to malfunction because it’s not the right fit for the refrigerator and restricts water supply. 

6. Door Switch 

When you open the Frigidaire refrigerator door, the door switch gets automatically activated to turn off the dispenser function, preventing water leaks. The switch must stay deactivated when the refrigerator door is closed, allowing the dispenser to operate normally. 

However, if your Frigidaire water dispenser isn’t working, even when the freezer door is closed, you might need to replace the broken door switch.

A multimeter continuity test can help you determine whether you have a faulty door switch that needs changing. 

What To Do If The Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Isn’t Working?

1. Dispenser Control Board

Like the water dispenser, the proper functioning of the Frigidaire refrigerator ice dispenser system also depends on its control board. If you have a faulty control board, it will disrupt the power supply to the ice dispenser, preventing it from dispensing ice when you need it. 

But, before you test the control board, check whether every individual component is working fine.

In most cases, the ice dispenser stops functioning because of a faulty part. If you notice that the entire system has stopped working, it’s time to inspect the control board.

A multimeter testing will show the lack of continuity in the dispenser control board. There’s no point in repairing a faulty control board because it might keep breaking down. Your best course of action is to contact a professional who can replace it with a new one. 

2. Dispenser Switch 

The dispenser switch of your Frigidaire ice dispenser works to supply the right voltage to the unit for it to function correctly. If one or more dispenser switches are burned, the ice maker will not work.

Under these circumstances, a physical inspection might not be enough, so you need to run a continuity test. If the test indicates that any switch has blown, replace it as soon as possible to get the ice dispenser running again. 

3. Dispenser Actuator 

The dispenser actuator works alongside the dispenser switches to supply power to the auger motor of the Frigidaire refrigerator ice dispenser.

If the dispenser actuator breaks down, the dispenser switches will stop working, preventing the auger motor from dispensing ice. You need to carefully inspect the working condition of the dispenser actuator with a multimeter for continuity and get it replaced if necessary. 

4. Auger Motor 

The auger motor inside the Frigidaire ice maker works to keep the auger blade spinning to push the ice through the dispenser chute. If the motor is defective or burned out, it won’t dispense the ice, which will remain stuck inside the dispenser chute. 

To check the working condition of the motor, remove the ice bucket and try rotating the auger blades using your hand. If you feel any resistance while rotating the auger blades, it indicates that the auger motor isn’t functioning properly and needs to be replaced. 

You can also run a continuity test to determine whether the motor receives sufficient power. If the motor is burned out or not working even after getting enough power, it’s time to install a new motor. 

5. Dispenser Door Motor 

The dispenser door motor ensures the opening and closing of the dispenser door to keep cold air locked inside the freezer without letting it escape. If the door motor is faulty, it cannot open or close the dispenser door, preventing the ice maker from dispensing ice. 

You need to check whether the door motor is getting enough power to function correctly. If there’s no problem with the power supply, perform a multimeter continuity test and replace the door motor when it doesn’t show any continuity.

6. Dispenser Solenoid 

A faulty dispenser solenoid can also lead to the Frigidaire refrigerator ice dispenser not working. The dispenser solenoid powers the door flap to open it while dispensing ice through the chute and closes it once the job is done.

If the dispenser solenoid is defective, you won’t get ice from your Frigidaire refrigerator. 

You can inspect the solenoid for any defect in two ways: hand rotation and continuity test. In the first method, try to rotate the solenoid’s actuator pin to check whether it can rotate freely. While the second method is a normal multimeter continuity test to determine the working condition of the solenoid. 

If you feel any resistance while rotating the actuator pin or the test shows a lack of continuity, call a technician and replace the dispenser solenoid. 

7. Ice Bucket Auger 

When you press down the dispenser lever, the auger blade rotates to push down the ice through the chute. So, the ice bucket stores the ice until the auger blade starts rotating to facilitate ice movement down the chute.

If the auger blade gets disconnected from the ice bucket or you have a faulty auger, the ice maker won’t dispense ice. Moreover, when you have a broken lever, the ice bucket auger will stop working. You need to check the auger to determine the problem and get it replaced by hiring a professional. 

How To Fix The Dispenser Lever Of A Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser?

If your Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser isn’t dispensing cold water, there’s a high chance that you have a broken or defective lever. You can apply some DIY techniques to fix the dispenser lever, using a putty knife and a multi-screwdriver in the following steps: 

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is unplug the Frigidaire refrigerator and take out the drip tray to detach the dispenser façade using a putty knife.

You’ll also need to remove the dispenser switches to access the lever. But carefully note the location of these switches because you need to rewire them to these exact positions after you fix the lever.

Step 2

In the next step, you need to remove the dispenser light bulb and the light switch. Then, detach the delay mechanism and open the chute door to get full access to the faulty lever and pull it out. Once you’ve removed the old lever, carefully place a new lever in that position and secure it by tightening the screws. 

Step 3

It’s time to put everything back together, starting with the delay mechanism which you will need to screw into the chute door.

Also, you need to rewire all the dispenser switches and make sure that the dispenser façade top is perfectly aligned to the edge of your dispenser housing. And plug in the refrigerator after inserting the drip tray to get the water dispenser working again. 

What To Do If The Water Dispenser Is Leaking?

1. Water Filter Head 

A broken water filter head can be the reason behind your Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser leaking. If you have an old water filter, the filter head and O-Ring are often prone to damage, which causes leaks. 

You can replace the broken water filter to avert any long-term crisis and remember that broken housing components are usually accompanied by a busted water filter. It’s better to hire a professional to replace these housing components to prevent further leaks. 

2. Water Tank Assembly

Faulty water tank assembly can also be a possible source of a Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser leak. However, it can be quite difficult to detect the leak in the tank assembly if it’s too small. 

You need to take your time and carefully check every corner of the water tank to identify the leak. Once you find the leak, don’t try to use glue to fix it up because it’s not effective on plastic parts. The best option is to replace the entire water tank assembly and when you have trouble detecting the leak, contact a professional without wasting much time.

3. Water Inlet Valve 

If the water inlet valve starts malfunctioning, it can result in a leaky refrigerator water dispenser. When your inlet valve is broken, it won’t open and close periodically to maintain a constant flow of water into the dispenser from your main water line.

Instead, the busted valve components might start leaking water behind or underneath your Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser. 

The inlet valve can also leak water if it’s loosely fitted to the dispenser but you can simply tighten the valve to stop the leakage. However, if tightening the water valve is of no use, it’s best to hire a professional to replace the valve and stop further water leaks. 

4. Drain Pan 

The drain pan of the refrigerator water dispenser collects water that gets thawed by the evaporator coils. Usually, the water in the drain pan evaporates till the pan is completely full. But, when the pan has a leak or crack, it leaks water before it dissipates. 

You can check the damage to the drain pan by detaching it from under the refrigerator. If the pan is damage-free, your Frigidaire refrigerator probably has a malfunctioning defrost system, causing excessive water leakage. You’ll need professional help if it’s a defrosting issue, but if it’s a damaged drain pan, you can simply get a new one. 

5. Leaky Water Lines 

Another common cause of the Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser leaking can be loose connections in your water lines. In that case, move your refrigerator away from your wall and closely check the water line for leaks. 

If you see water dripping from the supply line and pooling underneath the refrigerator, it would be best to check the connections. Tighten the loose connections and inspect the plastic water tube for holes or signs of damage. Call your plumber and replace a worn out water tube as soon as possible. 

6. Clogged Defrost Drain 

The defrost drain is designed to carry water to the drain pan from the defrost system. However, when there’s excess ice buildup, it can block the drain tube, leading to water leakage. Your Frigidaire refrigerator might start leaking water inside the produce drawers or behind the deli, in such a scenario.

The defrost drain is located near the refrigerator’s evaporator coils, behind its interior rear panel. You can unplug the Frigidaire refrigerator and remove its rear panel to flush the defrost drain with warm water to loosen the clog.

What To Do If The Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Is Running Slow?

When we talk about Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser problems, slow performance can be a major setback. Your water dispenser might be working correctly, but it’s no good if you have to wait for ages to fill a glass of water. It’s possible to remedy the situation by checking the following factors: 

1. Check Your Water Line

Usually, it takes the Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser seconds to fill an 8-ounce glass, so if it’s taking forever to fill the glass, check your water line. The line might be twisted or leaking, which obstructs the smooth flow of water to your dispenser. 

Under these circumstances, hire professional help to replace the broken water tube and install a new one for your refrigerator water dispenser. You can fill the 8-ounce glass within 10 seconds without a hitch by installing a new line.

2. Check Refrigerator Power Supply

The machine won’t work at its optimal capacity if your water dispenser is not receiving sufficient voltage from your main power supply line. It might start malfunctioning, a common symptom of which is dispensing water slowly. 

Carefully check the voltage transmission rate and the power supply line to ensure that the water dispenser is getting the requisite power.

If the power line is busted or the voltage transmission is low, contact your local electrician to fix the problem and ensure the refrigerator water dispenser runs seamlessly. 

3. Inspect Refrigerator Water Filter 

The water filter in the dispenser works to remove impurities so that you can have clean drinking water. However, the dirt and impurities in the water get deposited inside the filter, clogging the pores.

Under such circumstances, the refrigerator water dispenser fails to dispense any water, or it takes ages to get the job done.

It’s best to check your water filter every six months to avoid clogging and clean it from time to time. You can also use some distilled vinegar to unclog the water filter without installing a new one. 

Final Thoughts 

A Frigidaire refrigerator can make getting water and ice hassle-free, thanks to its easy-to-use mechanism. But, if the dispenser system breaks down or shows some problems, you need to contact a technician who can assess the issue and repair it as soon as possible. 

Whether the problem is with your water system, power supply line, or dispenser components, a professional expert has the right equipment and experience to fix any issue.

Besides, you can avoid any major dispenser issues by changing the water filter regularly and cleaning the various components to keep them in top shape.

It’s time for us to sign off, and we will see you next time with another informative guide. Bye!