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+--- Thread: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. (/showthread.php?tid=30850)
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Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - spacescape - 04-02-2007
Last Thursday our refrigerator stopped making ice and the water isn't coming out of the water dispenser. Before I call a repair man or download the service manuals I'm going to order a new water filter (even though it's good until June) because I heard those can get clogged up and cause issues. When you attempt to use the water dispenser it will drip a little bit but all you get is a click and it sounds like the pump has come on but nothing comes out. Same w/ the ice, you hear it click and sounds like it's struggling so it shuts off. I did turn off the ice maker last night with hope that I didn't damage the pump already.
Anyone have this problem before? Is this something I can fix? or should I just call a service guy in a suck it up? Oh and we bought the refrigerator early 2003 so it isn't time to replace it.
Thanks!
Bill
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - papercup - 04-02-2007
I had the same problem.
First test: make sure the supply line to the fridge isn't clogged/rusted shut. (turn off water, disconnect flexible line to back of fridge & slowly turn on water to make sure you are getting flow.)
If you are getting good flow, it may be the inlet valve. It can be done fairly easily for about 50 bucks. In Novi, Mi. if you want to pick it up yourself. http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=3307
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - papercup - 04-02-2007
To add, I replaced the valve anyway, although the culprit was the splitter/shut-off valve under my sink.It was chrome/steel that had slowly rusted like a clotted artery. I replaced it with brass. I also replaced the copper flex-line with plastic, as the copper had some kinks in it that may impede flow as well.
Repair Clinic has a diagnostic website tool, and they ship fast. A big plus it that they will refund if you buy a part(s) you end up not needing, that way you can make sure you get the right parts all at once, and install/test.
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - rgG - 04-02-2007
Maybe you just forgot the password. (see thread below)
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - Mike Johnson - 04-02-2007
What he said.
Also, there's usually no pump -- the inlet valve is typically a couple of solenoids. Apply power and the valves open up and the water moves because of the water pressure in your lines. It's pretty common for a solenoid to fail within three or four years, but sometimes it'll fail because of a problem with the switch -- if you apply constant power the solenoid might overheat & stop working. If you have a multimeter, you can check the solenoids' resistance.
You don't say what model fridge you have, but you'd need to see how the inlet valve is designed. If yours has more than one solenoid, it's unlikely they both failed unless there was some other problem.
It could be a clogged filter on the inlet valve. On some models, you can disassemble the valve and clean the little filter screen; on others you just replace the entire inlet valve. If you find the filter screen is clogged with hard water deposits or sand or whatever, you'd want to install an inline filter between your water supply and the fridge, to save you this hassle in 2011. Or maybe a new or better whole-house filtration system.
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - shanedar - 04-02-2007
Here's a thought: On our fridge, the door water is cooled inside the fridge, toward the bottom and back. Sometimes, if someone wants really cold milk, they'll turn the temperature down (father-in-law, about a week ago.), and inadvertently freeze the door water cooling resevoir. It might be worth a look. The repair is simply turning the temp. up a bit.
Let us know what happens.
Cheers,
Shane
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - spacescape - 04-02-2007
Thanks for the tips... After I'm done figuring out everyone's passwords I'll be sure to try these out. I just called my wife and asked her to set it to "WARMER" by 1 for both the freezer and the refrigerator. She said "hey, I just pulled out a frozen egg"... So, maybe shanedar has something there.
When I get home I'm going to attempt to pull it out, while it's out I'll vacuum back there, shut off the water, disconnect it and make sure water is coming through the water supply. From there, I'll check the solenoids' which just talked to my friend and he knows how to check them. If those check out good I'll order a new filter and inlet valve. As far as inlet valve's and solenoids', is this easy to replace?
It's a kitchenaid Model Number: KTRC22ELSS01...
Thanks for everyones help.
Bill
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - spacescape - 04-02-2007
Oh, and here is a list of parts for my refrigerator.
http://www.repairclinic.com/0080.asp
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - Michael - 04-02-2007
I vote for Shanedar.
We had a similar situation several years ago and it turned out to be frozen water in the plastic tube entering the ice maker. We had water coming from under the refrig because the solenoid was releasing the water and it hit the frozen clog, went to the drain tray and then the tray overflowed. I took out the ice maker with a couple of screws and pulled out the tube, defrosted it in the sink and then reinstalled. I turned up the temp and it's been fine ever since.
Only weird thing is that the temp had not been turned down in the first place. Probably gremlins...
Re: Refrigerator Problems - Stopped making ice and Water Dispenser isn't working. - spacescape - 04-02-2007
Here is a nice parts list. Looks like after I check my water supply I can rehook it up and push it back into place and shut the water on/off from the work room (there is a shut off down there).
http://www.partselect.com/AdvancedModelSearch.aspx?ModelNum=KTRC22ELSS01&mfgModelNum=&fkMfgID=3
Michael, I'm not sure what kind of refrigerator you own but were you able to pull out the plastic tubing from within the inside? Or did you have to remove it from the back?
Bill