GE Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working But Ice Maker Is!
Is your GE refrigerator water dispenser not working while the ice maker is functioning? This situation may seem perplexing since both rely on the same water supply line. However, it is possible for the water dispenser to malfunction while the ice maker continues to work.
Several factors can contribute to this issue, but the good news is that most of them can be resolved through do-it-yourself methods. By paying close attention to your GE refrigerator’s behavior and condition, you can identify and address these problems promptly.
In this article, we will explore seven potential causes for the water dispenser malfunction and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. Let’s begin!
Quick Troubleshooting
| Probable Cause | Quick Fix |
| Frozen water tubing/reservoir tank | Adjust the temperature and defrost/de-thaw the water line |
| Unplugged wire harness | Ensure you plug in the wire harness |
| Jammed water filter | Replace the clogged/jammed water filter |
| Faulty micro switch | Reposition/replace the switch |
| Bad water inlet valve | Replace the bad water inlet valve |
| Low water pressure | Adjust your home water pressure |
| Unfilled water line | Fill up the water tubing/reservoir tank first before switching on the ice maker |
Possible Reasons for GE Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working While Ice Maker Is:
If you find that your GE refrigerator’s ice maker is functioning properly but the water dispenser is not, there are several potential causes to consider. Below are seven possible explanations and their corresponding solutions:
Frozen Water Tubing or Reservoir Tank
The water tubing or reservoir tank located beneath the vegetable drawers can become frozen, obstructing the flow of water. While the ice maker may still work due to the water supply, the water dispenser fails to dispense water. This issue often occurs when the refrigerator’s temperature is set lower than recommended or if the tubing lacks adequate insulation.
Quick Fix: Check the temperature setting of your GE refrigerator and adjust it if necessary. Defrost the frozen water line by either allowing the unit to sit powered off or using a hairdryer to melt the ice.
Unplugged Wire Harness
If your GE refrigerator was recently installed and the door was removed during installation, the wire harness may not have been correctly plugged in. This can cause the water dispenser to fail despite the ice maker functioning properly. The location of the wire harness varies depending on your GE model, either under the hinge of the top freezer door or at the bottom.
Quick Fix: Contact your installer to inspect and properly connect the wire harness. If you prefer a DIY approach, refer to the manual for instructions on installing the harness wire correctly.
Jammed Water Filter
GE refrigerators require the water filter to be changed every six months or when the filter indicator light illuminates. A clogged water filter can prevent water from flowing to both the ice maker and the dispenser, resulting in the water dispenser malfunctioning while the ice maker continues to work.
Quick Fix: Check the filter indicator on your GE unit for any indication of a clogged filter. If the light is on, replace the water filter. If it has been more than six months since the last replacement, it’s time to get a new GE water filter.
Faulty Micro Switch
A micro switch located on the GE refrigerator door activates the dispenser. If the micro switch is out of position, broken, or faulty, the water dispenser will not work.
Quick Fix: Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the micro switch. If there is no continuity, the micro switch is defective and needs to be replaced.
Bad Water Inlet Valve
All GE refrigerators have a water inlet valve at the back that allows water to flow into the dispenser, ice maker, and other parts with water lines. If this valve is clogged or worn out, it will not function correctly, resulting in the water dispenser failing to dispense water.
Quick Fix: Test the continuity of the water inlet valve using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, the valve is defective and requires replacement. Additionally, check for excessive dirt clogging in the valve.
Low Water Pressure: While low water pressure usually affects both the ice maker and the water dispenser, there are instances where it only affects the water dispenser. Insufficient water pressure can be caused by problems in the main water supply, such as a partially closed valve or unauthorized adjustments to your home’s water pressure.
Quick Fix: Use a home water pressure gauge to measure and adjust the water pressure to around 20 psi or slightly higher for optimal performance of the ice maker and water dispenser. Ensure the main valve is fully open. If you’re unable to resolve the issue, seek assistance from a GE fridge expert.
Water Line Not Fully Filled: In some cases, especially with new GE installations, the water tubing or reservoir tank may not be completely filled with water. While the ice maker can still function with partially filled water lines, the water dispenser requires 100% water filling.
Quick Fix: Before using the dispenser, make sure the water tubing or reservoir tank has filled up with water. If it hasn’t, press and hold the dispenser for a while to purge any air trapped in the tubing. This will allow the water to flow and fill the tubing, enabling the water dispenser to work.
If both the water dispenser and ice maker are not working, consider the following possibilities (some of which we have already covered):
- Frozen Water Line Tubing/Reservoir Tank: Check the water tubing to see if it is frozen. If it is, you can use a hairdryer to melt the ice or unplug the unit and allow it to self-defrost.
- Clogged Filter: Inspect the water filter for any signs of clogging, especially if it has been more than six months since the last replacement. Replace the water filter if it is clogged or older than six months.
- Failed Control Panel/Board: If both the water dispenser and ice maker are not functioning, it could indicate a problem with the control panel or board. It is advisable to have an expert fridge repairer check the condition of the control board. Faulty control boards can cause both the water dispenser and ice maker to fail.
- Damaged Door Switch: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the door switch. If there is no continuity, the door switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Faulty Dispenser Switch: Test the continuity of the dispenser switch using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the faulty switch.
In addition to these causes, it’s important to check the water pressure, wire harness, and ensure the tubing is filled with water, as these can also contribute to the water dispenser not working.
People Also Ask:
Why Does My GE Fridge Make Ice but Not Water?
There are several potential reasons why a GE fridge only makes ice but does not dispense water, including a bad water inlet valve, clogged water filter, malfunctioning microswitch, frozen water tubing, low water pressure, or an unfilled water line. It is advisable to check all these possibilities to troubleshoot and fix the issue accordingly.
How Do You Reset A GE Refrigerator Water Dispenser?
To reset a GE refrigerator water dispenser, simultaneously press and hold the auto-lock and lock keys on the dispenser until the water filter status light flashes or indicates a reset.
Why Is My GE Water Dispenser Not Working?
A GE water dispenser may not be working due to low water pressure, a faulty water filter or valve, or frozen water tubing. It is recommended to check all these factors before powering on the dispenser.
In conclusion
When troubleshooting a GE refrigerator water dispenser that is not working while the ice maker is functioning, it is important to inspect the condition of the water line, water inlet valve, water filter, microswitch, water pressure, wire harness, and ensure the tubing is properly filled with water. These factors could be contributing to the issue, and addressing them can help resolve the problem.
