Why is my refrigerator water dispenser not working?

Question

I have a 2 year old Whirlpool Gold side by side refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser. The water dispenser is not working. The lever that you push to get water feels loose, has no resistance when I push it and the motor does not run. The ice dispenser is working fine. Does anyone know where I should start to look to fix this problem? Thank you in advance for your time.

Answer 1

If your lever has no resistance then the lever is broken or a spring is broken.  If you look up and can't see anything you will have to remove the face plate of the dispenser.  Most whirlpools are fairly standard in how to remove the dispenser front.  First, unplug the refrigerator.  Then look at the very bottom of the dispenser front.  You should see 2 slots, one on the left and one on the right.  Take a flat blade s***w driver and insert in the the slot on the left and gently pry it forward.  It will be very tight and difficult.  I usually pry it out then stick my fingers underneath and pull.  It will come off.  Then do the same with the left.  Once the right pops off, just lift out and up and the whole front cover should come off.  The front cover will have several wires attached to it.  Just leave those alone and let the cover dangle to the side.  Now you can access the levers.  Look for anything broken, spring, lever, support rod.  If you need to you can remove the cover over the levers.  To do this, there are two plastic clips holding this in.  One on the right and one on the left.  Just gently push one clip back and pull out that side.  Repeat on the other side.  If you went this far you should be able to determine what is going on.  Just remember how you took it apart so that you can reassemble it.  I have seen the ice levers break, have never come across a water, but anything is possible.  FYI-you only have a 1yr parts and labor warranty unless you purchased an extended warranty.  If so, call your warranty company

Answer 2

your lever is probably broken or out of place you can take apart looking for problems, your warranty should cover this problem go to that next.

Answer 3

The lever could be defective from your description but many times it's the little water valve/solenoid in the lower back of your refrig.

To fix it,study it,and see if there is a way to get to the lever.Might not cost you a dime.Just some time.The valve is around 30$ but I would be inclined to say that the problem is the lever.I have never had to replace one though.Good luck.