When ice and water stop flowing on demand due to a breakdown, the convenience of refrigerator dispensers sometimes goes unnoticed. Why is the dispenser on my Jenn-Air refrigerator not working? The water supply to the dispenser can be hampered by water supply problems, such as low pressure or plumbing damage. To get that kitchen convenience back, learn about the most common reasons for JennAir refrigerators not producing water or ice.
Note: If these recommendations still haven’t worked to fix your JennAir refrigerator dispenser, it may be time to contact a reputable refrigerator repair company. Schedule a professional repair at your local fridge repair service.
Five Common JennAir Problems
Most dispenser problems can be due to a limited water supply or component failure. We’ll look at the most common causes of JennAir refrigerator dispenser breakdowns and offer solutions.
Control Lock Active
Before looking for water supply problems or faulty components, check to see if the control lock function is activated. This function locks the dispenser to prevent unintentional activation. If the Control Lock function is activated, the lock icon is displayed on the control panel. Until the Control Lock is disabled, your JennAir refrigerator will not deliver water or ice.
Depending on the type of refrigerator you have, the procedure for disabling the Control Lock function varies. You can disable the lock and turn the dispenser back on by pressing the TO LOCK button for three seconds. Generally, the unlock indicator means that the function has been disabled.
Refrigerator Water Filter Issue
When the JennAir refrigerator dispenser fails, it can be due to a number of different problems with the water filter. Before water from the water supply goes into the dispenser, it passes through a filter to clean it.
The following JennAir refrigerator water filter problems can limit the flow of water into the dispenser:
- Water filters gradually become clogged with the impurities they screen out, reducing water flow into the dispenser. To avoid clogging, a typical water filter replacement plan advises changing the filter every six months.
- The filter is broken. The water flow may be obstructed or caused by leaks due to cracks in the filter head or housing. Look for damage to the filter and replace it if necessary.
- Filter installation error: Limited water flow and leakage can also result from improper installation. Refer to the owner’s manual for installation instructions unique to your refrigerator model. For best fit and performance, always use the OEM brand filter recommended in the manual.
No water entering the refrigerator
If the water and ice dispenser of your JennAir refrigerator is not working properly, there may be a problem with your home water supply. You must have enough water pressure and a working water line to ensure access to water from your home water supply.
The water flow to the dispenser may be restricted by the following water supply issues:
- The water pipe that connects your refrigerator to your home’s plumbing can become kinked or frozen. A blockage, whether kinked or frozen, prevents water from flowing into the dispenser. To inspect the piping, move the refrigerator away from the wall. Straighten any kinks with light pressure or use a hair dryer to thaw frozen piping slowly.
- Reduced water pressure. To regulate the water supply, the inlet valve on the water line opens and closes. The valve requires a pressure of at least 20 psi to open; otherwise, it will remain closed, limiting the water flow. If the water flow in your kitchen sink is poor, a plumber should check your home’s water pressure and make any necessary adjustments.
- Water inlet valve malfunction: A water inlet valve might fail and restrict water flow even with proper water pressure if it becomes jammed closed. The water inlet valve must be replaced if it seems to be broken or fails multimeter testing due to a loss of continuity.
Ineffective Dispenser Switch
The lever on the dispenser panel is pressed by your glass, turning on the dispenser switch. At the signal of this switch, the water valve opens, delivering water to the dispenser. If the switch malfunctions, this signal will not come on, and the dispenser will not have access to water.
The dispenser switch must be replaced if a multimeter check reveals a loss of continuity.
A faulty door switch
The door switch automatically shuts off the dispenser when the door is open to stop leaks. The dispenser, however, might not turn on even when the door is closed. When tested with a multimeter, a switch is likely damaged and has to be replaced if there is no continuity.
