“Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working” is a phrase I’ve heard more times than I can count. Trust me, I’ve been elbow-deep in fridges for years, sorting out this exact issue for frustrated homeowners.
Here’s the deal:
You’re standing there, holding a glass under your water dispenser, and nothing’s coming out. It’s not just annoying—it’s a puzzle you didn’t ask for.
The good news?
I’ve cracked this puzzle more times than you’ve refilled that glass. And now, I’m spilling all my trade secrets so you can get that water flowing again.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get that dispenser back in action.
Table of Contents
Why Is Your Frigidaire Refrigerator’s Water Dispenser Not Working?
If the water dispenser on your Frigidaire refrigerator isn’t working, it could mean the water filter is clogged, or the water line is frozen. This problem will also arise when there are issues with the door switch, dispenser switch, water inlet valve, dispenser control board, or main control board.
Nevertheless:
I’ve got a lot of experience dealing with all the issues I mentioned.
I also contacted my old friend, Jeff Williams, a distinguished appliance technician from Honolulu, for his input.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through fantastic DIY remedies guaranteed to fix your refrigerator’s water dispenser.
Sit tight and keep scrolling!
7 Typical Culprits and Easy Fixes
| Commonly Affected Parts | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Water filter | $18 – $50 |
| Water line | $20 – $60 |
| Door switch | $10 – $45 |
| Dispenser switch | $10 – $25 |
| Water inlet valve | $40 – $50 |
| Dispenser control board | $170 – $300 |
| Main control board | $200 – $400 |
1. Clogged Water Filter
| Part | Water filter |
| Location | It is located at the top of the fresh food compartment, inside the refrigerator |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Easy |
| Cost | $18 – $50 |
| Repairable | No – a clogged water filter must be replaced |
Problem:
Although the water filter ensures your fridge’s water dispenser works effectively, it can be the reason you’re not getting any water out of the dispenser.
Here’s why:
The water filter removes contaminants from the water supplied to your fridge. After a while, impurities will clog the water filter. This can also cause your Frigidaire refrigerator to leak.
Jeff adds:
“The impurities will accumulate and clog the filter. This prevents water from flowing through the filter and makes it impossible for the dispenser to produce water.”
Identification:
Last summer:
Veronica, a member of our Facebook community, reached out to me when her Frigidaire FGHS2631PF Gallery refrigerator refused to dispense water.
The previous night, she noticed that the water from the dispenser tasted strange but didn’t think much of it.
Of course:
When I heard this, I asked her if she’d changed her water filter recently. Sure enough, she realized she hadn’t changed the water filter for over eight months.
As a result, the filter was filled with impurities, which prevented water from flowing through it.
Solution:
Luckily:
This problem is very easy to fix. All you need to do is replace the clogged water filter with a new one, and the rest is history.
To do this:
You’ll need to turn off the fridge. Afterwards, you can proceed to replace the water filter using the steps I’ve listed below:
- Step 1: Locate the water filter at the top of the fresh food compartment.
- Step 2: Remove the water filter. You can do this by pushing the top of the filter in until it clicks and pops out.
- Step 3: Locate the nozzles and ridge on the new filter.
- Step 4: Locate the groove on the filter housing.
- Step 5: Fit the ridge of the new filter into the groove of the housing.
- Step 6: Continue pushing the filter in until it snaps into place.
Once you’re done:
Plug the fridge back in and try to dispense water. With the new filter, your dispenser should be back on track.
However, I recommend changing the filter every six months to prevent this issue from happening again.
2. Frozen Water Line
| Part | Water line |
| Location | It is located inside the lower grille, at the bottom of the refrigerator |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Easy |
| Cost | $20 – $60 |
| Repairable | Yes – if the water line is frozen |
Problem:
If your water filter is still relatively new, the next thing you should check is your Frigidaire’s water line.
You see:
The water line is responsible for delivering water in your home to your refrigerator. Consequently, if the water line gets frozen, it cannot deliver water to your dispenser.
Identification:
The quickest way to determine if the dispenser’s water line is frozen is to check your Frigidaire’s ice maker.
If the ice maker can produce ice, even though the dispenser isn’t working, it means the water line is frozen.
For instance:
This Reddit user returned to his home after a week and discovered his Frigidaire was no longer dispensing water. When I read his comment on how the ice maker was still functioning, I knew the dispenser’s water line was frozen.
Additionally:
Jeff has recommended another great way to test the water line in your Frigidaire. Remember to unplug the fridge before carrying out the steps below:
- Step 1: Remove the lower grille on your refrigerator and locate the dispenser water line.
- Step 2: Press the ring connecting the two water lines and pull them apart.
- Step 3: Place a bowl under the water lines.
- Step 4: Try to dispense water from the refrigerator.
If water comes out of one end of the water line, it means the dispenser water line is frozen.
Solution:
Once you discover the water line is frozen, you’re halfway close to fixing the dispenser. All you need to do now is thaw the ice clogging the water line.
First:
You’ll need to purchase a water line buddy and get some dry towels before proceeding to the next step:
- Step 5: Heat a cup of water in your microwave for a few minutes.
- Step 6: Place a dry towel under the dispenser and on the floor to catch any water that will escape
- Step 7: Place the edge of the water line buddy into the cup and pull the syringe back until the water line buddy is filled with warm water.
- Step 8: Insert the water line buddy into the water dispenser.
- Step 9: Press the syringe to inject warm water into the dispenser.
Of course:
You need to keep injecting warm water into the dispenser until you can remove the ice clogging the water line.
After achieving this, reconnect the water lines and replace the lower grille.
3. Defective Door Switch
| Part | Door switch |
| Location | It is typically found on the walls inside the refrigerator |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Easy |
| Cost | $10 – $45 |
| Repairable | No – a defective door switch must be replaced |
Problem:
The door switch is another major factor that will prevent your Frigidaire refrigerator from dispensing water.
Here’s why:
The door switch on your refrigerator automatically disables the ice maker and water dispenser once you open your refrigerator.
Hence, a defective door switch will prevent your dispenser from working even when the fridge is closed.
Identification:
A member of our Facebook community reached out to me when his Frigidaire FFEX2315Q Refrigerator stopped dispensing water and making ice.
After trying out the two DIY hacks above, I tested the door switch and discovered it was faulty.
Thus:
To confirm if the door switch is malfunctioning, you’ll need to test the switch for continuity using a multimeter.
If the multimeter records zero ohms of resistance, the switch will need to be replaced.
After unplugging your fridge, follow the steps below to test the door switch:
- Step 1: Open the refrigerator’s door and remove the items on the top shelf.
- Step 2: Locate the door switch on the right-hand side of the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Place a tape below the door switch and another above the door switch.
- Step 4: Gently pry out the door switch using a putty knife.
- Step 5: Detach the connectors on the door switch.
- Step 6: Rotate the dial on your multimeter to the lowest setting of ohms of resistance and test for continuity on the door switch using a multimeter.
If there is no continuity, the door switch will need to be replaced.
Solution:
Once you discover that the door switch is defective, you can replace it by proceeding to the next step:
- Step 7: Attach the connectors to the new door switch.
- Step 8: Gently ease the wire connectors into the fridge.
- Step 9: Pivot the door switch into place.
- Step 10: Remove the tape around the door switch.
Jeff adds:
“The new door switch will prevent your fridge from inaccurately disenabling the water dispenser when the fridge is closed.”
4. Malfunctioning Dispenser Switch
| Part | Dispenser switch |
| Location | It is located inside the dispenser assembly, next to the ice maker switch |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Difficult |
| Cost | $10 – $25 |
| Repairable | No – a faulty dispenser switch must be replaced |
Problem:
If you were able to measure continuity on the door switch, the next thing you’ll need to inspect is the dispenser switch.
Typically:
Whenever you try to dispense water, the dispenser switch activates a valve that allows water to flow and fill your cup.
Once the switch fails, it cannot actuate the valve that releases water.
Identification:
I recently came across a Reddit user’s post about how his new Frigidaire FPRU19F8WF refrigerator’s water dispenser wasn’t working.
After reading his comments about the issue, I suspected the dispenser switch caused the problem, and Jeff agreed.
Now:
To confirm if the dispenser switch is in good shape, you’ll need to test it for continuity using a multimeter.
Begin by unplugging the fridge before proceeding to remove and test the dispenser switch using these steps:
- Step 1: Remove the dispenser’s drip tray.
- Step 2: Remove the screws on the dispenser frame.
- Step 3: Gently remove the frame and disconnect the wire harness attached to it.
- Step 4: Use a 3/16-inch nut driver to push the water line through the opening.
- Step 5: Remove the screws around the dispenser assembly.
- Step 6: Remove the wire harness attached to the dispenser control board.
- Step 7: Remove the dispenser assembly and locate the light bulb.
- Step 8: Remove the light bulb and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the wires connected to the light shield.
- Step 9: Remove the locking tabs on the assembly to release the light shield.
- Step 10: Remove the screws securing the dispenser switch to the dispenser assembly.
- Step 11: Take note of the wire connections attached to the dispenser switch before removing them.
- Step 12: After rotating the dial on the multimeter to the lowest setting of ohms of resistance, test the terminals on the dispenser switch for continuity.
Solution:
If there is no continuity, the dispenser switch is faulty and must be replaced. To replace the dispenser switch, proceed to the steps below.
- Step 13: Bend the terminals on the new dispenser switch until it resembles the old switch.
- Step 14: Attach the wires to the new switch.
- Step 15: Secure the new switch to the dispenser assembly using the mounting screws.
- Step 16: Put the light socket shield back into the assembly and secure it with locking tabs.
- Step 17: Attach the wire connectors to the light socket shield.
- Step 18: Put the light bulb back in its place.
- Step 19: Place the water line into the opening of the dispenser assembly.
- Step 20: Connect the wire harness to the dispenser assembly.
- Step 21: Secure the dispenser assembly using the mounting screws.
- Step 22: Reattach the wire harness to the dispenser’s frame.
- Step 23: Secure the frame using the mounting screws.
Finally:
Return the drip trap to its position and plug the fridge. The new dispenser switch will allow the fridge to dispense water properly.
5. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
| Part | Water inlet valve |
| Location | It is located inside the access panel at the back of the refrigerator |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Diificult |
| Cost | $40 – $50 |
| Repairable | No – once the inlet valve fails, it must be replaced |
Problem:
In most cases, a refrigerator’s inability to dispense water is caused by a faulty water inlet valve. This is because the water inlet valve controls the water flow into the refrigerator.
As such:
Once the inlet valve experiences a mechanical or electrical failure, water will not be supplied to the dispenser. This is a common reason some Frigidaire refrigerators encounter issues making ice.
Identification:
I recently read a Reddit user’s post on how his Frigidaire DGUS2645LF6A refrigerator was not dispensing water even after he’d changed the filter.
Not long after, he made a follow-up comment about how he’d later discovered the issue with the dispenser was caused by a faulty water inlet valve.
Typically:
A water inlet valve can fail mechanically and electrically. The inlet valve will fail mechanically when minerals accumulate in the valve.
Consequently:
If the water supply in your home mostly comprises hard water with mineral deposits, there’s a high chance that the water inlet valve will fail mechanically.
Also:
The inlet valve will fail electrically when the solenoids coils on the valve are faulty. You’ll need to test the coils for continuity to determine if the water inlet valve has failed.
After unplugging the fridge and turning off its water supply, proceed to take out the water inlet valve and test it using the steps below:
- Step 1: Remove the screws securing your Frigidaire’s access panel.
- Step 2: After locating the water inlet valve, remove the screw securing it to the fridge.
- Step 3: Remove the connectors attached to the water inlet valve.
- Step 4: Test for continuity along the coils.
If there is no continuity along the coils, the water inlet valve has failed electrically.
Solution:
Once you realize the water inlet valve is faulty, you can fix your refrigerator’s water dispenser issue by replacing the valve.
Concerning this, Jeff chips in:
“Regardless of whether the valve failed electrically, mechanically, or both, the only solution is to replace the water inlet valve. Unfortunately, you can’t repair a faulty water inlet valve.”
To replace the inlet valve:
- Step 5: Place a towel and bowl under the water inlet valve.
- Step 6: Remove the water lines connected to the old inlet valve.
- Step 7: Attach the water lines to the new water inlet valve.
- Step 8: Reconnect the wire harnesses to the new water inlet valve.
- Step 9: Secure the new valve to the fridge using the mounting screws.
- Step 10: Secure the access panel to the fridge.
With the new inlet valve installed, the water dispenser’s problem will be history.
6. Defective Dispenser Control Board
| Part | Dsipenser control board |
| Location | It is located inside the dispenser control board assembly, under the dispenser frame |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Difficult |
| Cost | $170 – $300 |
| Repairable | No – once there are signs of burning, the board must be replaced |
Problem:
As the name implies:
The dispenser control board controls and oversees the water dispensing system in your Frigidaire refrigerator.
Thus, once the dispenser control board is faulty, it will impede your fridge’s ability to dispense water.
Identification:
Paula, a member of our Facebook community, reached out to Jeff when her Frigidaire FRS26RBBWO refrigerator stopped dispensing water.
Now:
After Jeff checked the dispenser control board, he found burn marks on the board. This indicated that the board was the culprit.
Hence:
I recommend inspecting your dispenser control board if the other troubleshooting procedures haven’t worked.
To do so, you’ll need to turn off your refrigerator before proceeding to carry out the steps below:
- Step 1: Remove the dispenser’s drip tray.
- Step 2: Remove the dispenser frame.
- Step 3: Remove the mounting screws on the dispenser’s control panel assembly.
- Step 4: Remove the wires attached to the dispenser’s control board.
- Step 5: Remove the dispenser control panel assembly and inspect the control board for burns.
Solution:
If you find burn marks on the dispenser control board, it will need to be replaced.
You can replace the control board by moving on to the next step:
- Step 6: Gently disconnect the two plugs on the control board by prying them out with a small flat-blade screwdriver.
- Step 7: Carefully bend the four clips securing the old dispenser control board.
- Step 8: Remove the old board.
- Step 9: Connect the two plugs to the new board and push them into place.
- Step 10: Secure the new board to the assembly using the four clips.
- Step 11: Reconnect the wire harnesses to the control board assembly.
- Step 12: Secure the control board assembly using the mounting screws.
- Step 13: Reattach the dispenser’s frame to the control board assembly.
- Step 14: Return the drip tray to its original position.
In Jeff’s opinion:
“With the new dispenser control board in place, the dispenser system on your Frigidaire will be good as new.”
7. Faulty Main Control Board
| Part | Main control board |
| Location | It is located inside the lower grille, at the base of the refrigerator |
| Ease of troubleshooting | Difficult |
| Cost | $200 – $400 |
| Repairable | No – once the main control board is damaged, it must be replaced |
Problem:
Finally:
The main control board is the last thing you should check when your Frigidaire’s water dispenser stops working.
Typically:
After conducting the other troubleshooting steps, your Frigidaire should begin to dispense water as expected. However, if this is not the case, it’s time to inspect and replace the main control board.
Identification:
Similar to the dispenser control board, the quickest way to know if the main control board is faulty is to inspect it for burn marks.
If there are burn marks on the board, it’s a sign that a component in the fridge has gone bad.
For instance:
Tyler, a member of our Facebook community, recently reached out when his Frigidaire FFS2615TSO refrigerator stopped dispensing water. After he explained everything he’d tried out to no avail, I inspected the main control board.
Unsurprisingly:
There were signs of burning on the main control board. After I replaced the main control board, he could dispense water again.
Solution:
If the main control board in your Frigidaire is faulty and preventing it from dispensing water, the only way out is to replace it.
Thankfully:
Jeff developed an easy template to help you replace the main control board. First, you must unplug your refrigerator cord from the power outlet.
Afterwards:
- Step 1: Remove the lower grille at the base of the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Use a large flathead screwdriver to pry out the control board housing.
- Step 3: Take a picture of the wire connections on the main control board.
- Step 4: Remove the wire connections on the control board.
- Step 5: Pry out the test port plug.
- Step 6: Release the old board by depressing the retaining tab.
- Step 7: Install the new board in the housing and snap it into place.
- Step 8: Reconnect the wires to the appropriate terminals.
- Step 9: Replace the test port plug.
- Step 10: Push the housing back into place.
Once this is done:
Return the lower grille back to the refrigerator. After completing these steps, your refrigerator will be able to dispense water.
Models Most Affected
It’s quite common for refrigerators to develop problems and refuse to dispense water.
However, the water dispensing system in the following models fail more frequently than others:
| Model Number | Model Name | Model-specific Reason |
|---|---|---|
| FGHS2631PF | Frigidaire Gallery 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator | Although this model has its perks, some users have complained about the fragility of the control board. This flaw affects the model’s ability to dispense water and ice. |
| FGHC2331PFAA | Frigidaire Gallery 22.2 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Side-by Side Refrigerator | This model’s control unit is relatively fragile. As such, the ice and water dispensing system typically experiences issues. |
| GLHS66EJSB | Frigidaire 26.0 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator | Defective door switch. |
| FFEX2315Q | Frigidaire 22.1 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator | Clogged water filter. |
| FRS26RBBWO | Frigidaire 26 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator | Faulty water inlet valve. |
| LGHB2867PF7 | Frigidaire Gallery 27.8 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator | The water line in this model tends to develop issues, which affects the ice and water dispensing system. |
| FPUS2686LF | Frigidaire 26 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator | The dispensing control system on this model is flawed. As such, most users often experience issues dispensing water and ice. |
| FFSS2615TS0 | Frigidaire 25.5 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator | The dispensing control system and assembly on this model are relatively fragile. This often prevents the model from dispensing water and ice. |
In Essence…
Your Frigidaire refrigerator’s inability to dispense water can be caused by several factors. This problem arises when the water filter is clogged, the water line is frozen, or the door switch is defective.
Additionally:
You’ll experience this problem when the dispenser switch, water inlet valve, dispenser control board, and main control board are faulty.
Nevertheless:
You can quickly rectify this issue and get your fridge to dispense water by:
- Changing the water filter
- Defrosting the water line
- Changing the door switch
- Replacing the dispenser switch
- Changing the water inlet valve
- Replacing the dispenser control board
- Replacing the main control board
All the same:
If you still need further clarification on troubleshooting your Frigidaire refrigerator’s water dispenser, we’re happy to help. You can easily reach our team of experienced appliance technicians using our “Ask the Expert” forum.
Finally:
Do you know other troubleshooting tips or hacks? Share your handyman’s secrets with us in the comment section below!