
Full Answer
How does the ice dispenser work on a GE side by side?
Your GE side-by-side refrigerator model GHS25JSTSS is conveniently equipped with an ice and water dispenser. The water flowing to the dispensers is controlled by a solenoid, meaning the solenoid transmits a message to the refrigerator’s water inlet valve, telling the part when it’s time to open.
What happens when a water dispenser solenoid goes bad?
When a solenoid is faulty, it will no longer communicate with the appliance’s water inlet valve. Unfortunately, this means your dispensers won’t deliver water or ice with a push of a button. Replacing a damaged solenoid is the only way to fix this type of malfunction.
How does an icemaker work on a refrigerator?
Related Articles. Your home's refrigerator may be equipped with a convenient icemaker. This optional refrigerator accessory automatically generates ice by using an electrical switch circuit. The electrical component that activates a valve to allow water to flow into the ice making area is called the solenoid.
What are the different types of refrigerator solenoid valves?
There are two basic types of solenoid valves and that would be one for an upright or bottom refrigerator freezer, and another for the side by side with water and ice service. In both cases the valve for all refrigerator ice maker systems is activated on command by the ice maker motor.

What does a solenoid do in an ice maker?
The electrical component that activates a valve to allow water to flow into the ice making area is called the solenoid. Coils that form the solenoid can become damaged over time, causing the icemaker to act erratically or produce no ice at all.
How do you test a refrigerator ice maker solenoid?
1:012:46Refrigerator Not Making Ice? Inlet Valve Test, TroubleshootingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a probe to touch one terminal of the coil you're testing and the second probe to touch the otherMoreUse a probe to touch one terminal of the coil you're testing and the second probe to touch the other terminal if the meter reading shows a result between 500. And 1500 ohms of resistance.
What does the water dispenser solenoid do?
The water flowing to the dispensers is controlled by a solenoid, meaning the solenoid transmits a message to the refrigerator's water inlet valve, telling the part when it's time to open. Over time, the coils in a solenoid can become worn or damaged, which can cause the part to malfunction.
Why is my ice maker dispenser not working?
0:027:50Refrigerator Won't Dispense Ice - Top 6 Reasons & Fixes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're usually made out of plastic. And most have a metal plate that locks it onto the auger shaft.MoreThey're usually made out of plastic. And most have a metal plate that locks it onto the auger shaft. If the refrigerator won't dispense ice it could be that the auger drum is damaged.
How do you replace a ice maker solenoid?
1:113:46Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Solenoid #W10309866 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDisconnect the wire connector. And use a quarter inch socket or nut driver to remove the screwsMoreDisconnect the wire connector. And use a quarter inch socket or nut driver to remove the screws securing the grounding wire. Pull the retaining tab back and remove the old solenoid from the housing.
Why won't my Frigidaire ice maker make ice?
This usually is due to the water filter being clogged or a restricted water supply. It is recommended to change the water filter first but if the condition still occurs then you want to check for a saddle valve, a water valve not turned on all the way or a kinked water supply line.
How does an ice maker know when to dump the ice?
A signal is sent to halt that process when an internal thermostat indicates the cubes have reached 5-9 degrees Fahrenheit. After the cubes have been created, a heating coil is activated to loosen them from the molds.
What does an ice maker water valve do?
When the icemaker calls for ice, its switch closes an electrical circuit and energizes the solenoid-operated water valve. This allows water to flow through the valve and into the ice cube tray. The water is frozen into cubes, and the cubes are dumped into the ice bin.
Why is my fridge water dispenser not stopping?
One of the most common causes of this water dispensing problem is a stuck water dispenser button. If it is pressed too hard, it can get stuck in the on position. To release it, try pressing it again. If this does not work, you can try unplugging your fridge for 5 to 10 minutes.
How do you test an ice dispenser switch?
Locate the test button. It's a rectangular button near the front of the ice maker, on the side or bottom. There may be writing that says TEST or an arrow pointing at it. Press and hold the button until you hear a chime indicating that the test is starting.
How do I force my ice maker to cycle?
If your gear has a small notch in it, then you may need a flat-head screwdriver. Use it to turn your gear counterclockwise until you hear the mentioned click. In both situations, the click that is heard will force the ice maker to cycle.
Where is the reset button on my ice maker?
You can find the reset button at the bottom of the ice maker. Remove the ice tray to locate it. Remove the ice tray. The red button you see is the reset button.
How Do Ice Dispensers Operate?
An ice maker has the same end result as an ice tray, but the process is quite different. With an ice dispenser, you no longer have to deal with pouring water in the tray and extract cubes once the water freezes.
7-Step Cycle On How An Ice Maker Work
Below, we will discuss the cycle to make ice cubes with ice dispensers:
Advantages of Ice Dispensers
When it comes to technological items, most ice makers have become a necessity in daily routine. On the other hand, some don’t have as much of an impact on your life. The remaining items are those that you do not need until you try them.
Conclusion
The traditional method of making ice is a great responsibility. Every time you want some ice, you have to fill the ice tray with water and store them in the refrigerator for hours. Also, you need plenty of space in your refrigerator to store more than one tray.
What is the difference between ice maker and solenoid?
The only difference between the side by side with added chilled water service, is that the valve is an added 'half' that actuates on command via the chilled water dispenser.
What is solenoid valve?
There are two basic types of solenoid valves and that would be one for an upright or bottom refrigerator freezer, and another for the side by side with water and ice service. In both cases the valve for all refrigerator ice maker systems is activated on command by the ice maker motor. When the ice maker is cycling as designed and the rotation ...
Why is my ice maker making smaller cubes?
A normal crescent shaped cube will be about the size of ones thumb. If cubes are smaller they can get stuck between the rotating blades and the stripper arm and this in turn can cause the motor to break.
What size fill tube for ice maker?
Ice Blockage in the fill tube - The fill tube is not the 1/4" tube that goes up the back of the freezer but it is the approx 1" in diameter tube that goes through the freezer and feeds water directly into the ice maker.
Why does my inlet fill tube freeze up?
If a inlet fill tube is blocked up with ice it could only be caused by a few reasons. The most common would be a defective solenoid valve. When this happens the valve will send up improper amounts of water and that will cause a freeze up in the fill tube. Another reason would be if plumbing was done in the house.
Why are my ice cubes hollow?
HOLLOW CUBES. In most cases hollow cubes are NOT CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE ICE MAKER. In most if not all cases they are a result of insufficient water supply. There is a small white flat head screw on the shut off arm side of the motor module and this can adjust the water intake some.
Do water inlet solenoid valves need replacement?
The water inlet solenoid valve is its own working part and may need replacement even if the ice maker is working just fine. The basic solenoid valve has seen minor changes in shape, and color over the years and different refrigerator makes and model will obviously take different valves.
