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HomeRepair HelpTappan Refrigerator RepairTappan Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up Repair
Tappan Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up
If the ice maker compartment in your refrigerator is frosting up, warm, moist air is getting in and freezing on the ice maker and dispenser area. The most likely cause is a damaged or twisted door gasket that lets cold air escape and warm air leak in, so check the seal first and look for tears or gaps; next, a defective dispenser solenoid often keeps the dispenser door from opening and closing properly, and a bad dispenser door motor can produce the same symptom; a blocked or broken dispenser funnel guide or a cracked dispenser door can also let air in or trap moisture and cause frost buildup; less commonly the dispenser door is stuck open because something is obstructing it. You can test solenoids and motors with a multimeter to confirm continuity, or visually inspect the funnel guide and dispenser door for damage. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator and get back to a frost-free ice maker.
01 - Tappan Refrigerator Door Gasket
A door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, which can result in frost building up on the ice maker compartment. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
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Highly Likely
02 - Tappan Refrigerator Dispenser Solenoid
The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.
Common
03 - Tappan Refrigerator Dispenser Door Motor
The dispenser door motor opens and closes the dispenser door to prevent cold air from escaping the refrigerator. If the dispenser door motor is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. As a result, the dispenser will not dispense ice. To determine if the motor is defective, first determine if the motor is getting power. If the motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the dispenser door motor does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
04 - Tappan Refrigerator Dispenser Funnel Guide
The dispenser funnel guide is the component that allows the ice from the ice maker to be properly dispensed. If the guide is obstructed or broken, the ice may not dispense as expected. Inspect the funnel guide or any obstruction or damage and replace if necessary.
Common
05 - Tappan Refrigerator Dispenser Door
The dispenser door is opened by a motor, solenoid or actuator arm to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.
Common
06 - Dispenser door stuck open
If the dispenser door is stuck open, warm air can enter the ice maker compartment causing frost buildup and potentially stopping the ice maker. Remove any items that may be keeping the dispenser door from closing.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my ice maker frosting up inside the refrigerator compartment?
Ice maker not making ice and the compartment is frosting up. What parts should I check?
How do I test the dispenser solenoid or dispenser door motor with a multimeter?
My dispenser door is stuck open and frost is building. How do I fix it?
How do I enter my model number or part number to find the right replacement on RepairClinic.com?
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