Thread: Whirpool side by side water and ice dispensers not working

OK, from other threads I believe that I have determined that is is a bad inlet water valve which, of course, is $104 w/ shipping - ouch. The part that puzzles me is that the solenoid still seems to make a clidking noise when pushing the water dispenser actuator even though no water comes out. I hope I'm not ordering a $104 part only to find out it was something else. We'll see...

Michael

At first, I was going to tell you that is probably wasn't the water valve because the possibility of both solenoids going bad at the same time was remote at best. Then I looked it up and noticed your model uses the new "Smart" valve (Dumb as a box of rocks) and that sounds like that could be the problem. So far I've only heard of them and haven't had the pleasure yet so let me see if I can find out how to test it and I'll get back to you.
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Thanks Rick. I will likely order the part today, but may wait to see if you figure anything out. Thanks for looking in to this and I will, of course, order the part from you guys. Thanks again.

Michael

OK Michael, let's focus on just the dispenser for now. The user interface has 5 digits (000 0/0) with 0/0 being the step number. Press and hold the CUBED and LIGHT buttons for 3 seconds until the unit beeps then release both buttons. Use the LOCKOUT button to advance to step 12. This is the door switch test. It should show "0" for closed and "1" for open. If the door switch reads correct, press the light button to exit the test and remove the grill filter and see if water is dispensed. If not, check the smart valve for 14 VDC across the RD/YL and BK/YL wires. If the voltage is correct then replace the dumb valve. If not check the wires between the smart valve and the core control board for continuity. If they check good you may need a new core control board.

Rick,

I ran through the door switch test and it tested OK. On the "remove the grill filter" part you just mean the filter down at the bottom right? I tried that and still nothing. Will check voltage tomorrow when I can figure out where I put my meter. I think I'm following you on the rest, but I may need to ask more questions tomorrow. Lord, how much is a new core control board - no let me guess - about 1/2 what I paid for the unit? I knew things were headed in a weird direction when I started seeing refrigerators advertised with LCD screens & internet. I've seen these control boards go bad on a bunch of these newer age washer and dryers, as well as refrigerators and I'm not even a tech just a homebuilder. Frustrating.

Thanks again for your continued help. Once I figure out WHAT I need to buy I'll buy it from you.

Michael

Michael, don't worry about control boards yet I think it's the dumb valve or even a connector with a little corrosion on it. Besides, the control board is only twice the amount of the smart valve. Now,You knew when you bought an expensive refrigerator it was going to have expensive parts, didn't you?