If your GE refrigerator dispenser isn’t working, don’t worry! In this blog post, we will describe the most common causes of GE refrigerator dispenser problems and how to diagnose them. We will cover frozen water lines, clogged water filters, broken door switches, defective dispenser switches, and controller board failures. So if your GE fridge isn’t dispensing water or ice correctly, read on for help!
GE Refrigerator Dispenser Not Working
GE refrigerators are a popular choice for homeowners due to their quality and durability. However, even the best refrigerators can experience problems from time to time.
One of the most common repair problems with refrigerators is the refrigerator water and ice dispenser not working correctly – either it doesn’t dispense water or ice at all, or it dispenses too much or too little. If you’re experiencing this problem, keep reading to discover the most common causes of GE refrigerator dispenser problems.
Frozen Refrigerator Water Line
One of the most common causes of GE refrigerator dispenser problems is a frozen water line. This can occur when the freezer gets too cold, causing the water line to freeze up. If your GE refrigerator water line is frozen, you’ll likely see ice buildup on the inside of your freezer and/or on the dispenser itself.
If the line is frozen, take these steps to thaw the refrigerator waterline:
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Use a hairdryer to melt the ice on the waterline. Make sure you don’t get the hairdryer too close to the plastic tubing, as it could melt and cause water damage. Alternatively, you can unplug the refrigerator and allow it to thaw over several hours.
- Once the ice is melted, plug in your refrigerator and wait for it to cool down before testing.
If the water dispenser still doesn’t work, then there may be a more serious problem with your dispenser and you should call a GE refrigerator repair technician.
Clogged Water Filter
Another common cause of GE refrigerator dispenser problems is a clogged water filter. This can occur when the filter becomes dirty or clogged with debris, preventing water from flowing through properly. If this happens, you’ll likely see poor water flow or no water at all coming out of the dispenser, or could even find your refrigerator is leaking water. Another sign that a clogged filter is the culprit is when the refrigerator water dispenser works intermittently.
To diagnose this problem, make sure that the water filter is installed correctly and that it’s not blocked by any debris. If it has been more than six months since you replaced the filter, then replace it.
Once the filter is clean, try to dispense water or ice again. If it still doesn’t work, then there may be a more serious problem with your dispenser and you should call a GE refrigerator repair technician.

Broken Door Switch
If you notice that the GE refrigerator water dispenser isn’t working, the problem may be the door switch. The water dispenser will not operate if the door switch has failed since the dispenser won’t activate because it thinks the door is opened.
To test the door switch, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch is functioning properly, the multimeter will beep or light up when it touches two points of metal contact.
If you don’t detect continuity, the switch is broken and you’ll need to replace it.
Defective Dispenser Switch
A defective dispenser switch can also cause GE refrigerator dispenser problems. This dispenser switch controls dispensing of ice or water when you press the dispenser lever. If this switch is defective, it will not allow the dispenser to operate. To test for a defective dispenser switch, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the switch. No continuity indicates that the switch is bad and needs to be replaced.
Dispenser Control Board Failure
The dispenser control board can fail and cause dispenser problems. The dispenser control board controls all the functions of the dispenser, including ice production, water delivery, and lighting. If this board fails, it will not allow the dispenser to operate. We recommend contacting an appliance technician for help when it comes to failed control boards.
If you’re experiencing any problems that we haven’t listed here, or if you don’t feel comfortable trying to fix the issue yourself, be sure to contact Aviv Service Today! We can provide an accurate diagnosis and fast repair for a GE refrigerator dispenser not working properly. We have years of experience diagnosing and fixing all types of GE appliance problems including refrigerator cooling issues, and we want to help get your fridge back up and running as quickly as possible.