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GE Cafe refrigerator water dispenser not working
Common reasons your GE Cafe refrigerator water dispenser is not working
The most common reasons your GE Cafe refrigerator water dispenser is not working are a bad door switch, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.
44% of the time it's the Door Switch
31% of the time it's the Water Filter
9% of the time it's the Dispenser
16% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a GE Cafe refrigerator
Door Switch Replacement
The dispenser control for the door that houses the water and ice dispenser must sense that the door is shut before the water dispenser will work on most refrigerators. When the door switch is broken, the interior light won't turn off when the door is closed. Test the door switch by pressing in on the switch plunger or lever with the door open to see whether the interior light turns off. If the light doesn't shut off when you press in on the switch, you'll likely need to replace the door switch to fix the water dispenser problem.
Water Filter Replacement
Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the ice maker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.
Dispenser Replacement
When a refrigerator dispenser malfunctions, it can lead to various issues including the dispenser's failure to dispense water or ice, regardless of user input. This malfunction may stem from problems with the dispenser water supply, dispenser controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. There may be slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or even complete non-functionality. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to pool around the dispenser area or even inside the refrigerator. For a thorough diagnosis and resolution of these issues, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional address the situation.
Why is the water dispenser not working on my GE Café refrigerator?
Start by following the troubleshooting tips in your GE Cafe refrigerator owner’s manual to find the cause of the water dispenser not working.
Doors not closed completely
Make sure refrigerator or freezer doors are closed so the dispenser will operate. A side-by-side GE Cafe refrigerator only requires the freezer door to be closed to operate the water dispenser. On a GE Cafe French door refrigerator, the door with the dispenser and sometimes the other refrigerator door must be closed for the dispenser to operate.
Dispenser Control Panel is Locked
Unlock the dispenser as shown in this video:
That video shows additional troubleshooting tips to help resolve a problem with water not dispensing.
Check the Water Filter
If you haven’t replaced the refrigerator water filter in the last 6 months, it may be time to do that now. A clogged water filter can keep the water dispenser from getting water.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace a common type of GE Cafe refrigerator water filter:
Check the refrigerator water supply
Check to see if the ice maker is getting water. If the ice maker mold is empty and not filling during the harvest cycle, then check the refrigerator water supply by following these steps:
- Check the water supply shut-off valve to see if it is fully open. Open that valve if you find it closed.
- If the water supply going to your fridge uses a saddle valve, deposits and debris can clog the small opening that the saddle valve uses. Shut the saddle valve and then open it back up to clear debris or deposits from the small water supply opening of the saddle valve. This may restore the water supply to your refrigerator.
- Verify that you have water going to the refrigerator through the water supply line. Shut the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water line from the back of the fridge. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve. If water doesn’t flow from the end of the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.
If these tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your GE Cafe refrigerator water dispenser not working, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
What to expect when you experience a GE Cafe refrigerator water dispenser not working issue
How is the water dispenser not working problem fixed?
Correcting most water dispenser not working problems usually involves replacing the door switch, water filter or dispenser. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator water dispenser that is not working
When the refrigerator water dispenser is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator water dispenser not working diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.