Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpUniversal Refrigerator RepairUniversal Refrigerator ice dispenser not working Repair

Universal Refrigerator ice dispenser not working

If your refrigerator ice dispenser not working, start with the simplest and most likely causes: inspect the dispenser door for broken or misaligned parts that keep it from opening and releasing cubes. If the whole dispenser system is dead, a faulty dispenser control board or the refrigerator main control board can stop power to the system, but if only the dispenser is affected it is more likely a single component failure such as a bad dispenser switch — test switches with a multimeter for continuity. Listen when you change from cubed to crushed; no clunk often points to a bad crushed/cubed ice solenoid. Also check the ice chute for jams caused by clumped cubes and run warm water to clear obstructions. These checks cover the most common reasons a refrigerator not dispensing ice or ice dispenser not dispensing ice. If you find a failed part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement part and repair instructions for your refrigerator.

01 - Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Door

The dispenser door is opened by a motor or a solenoid 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Door Parts
Top Solution

02 - Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board

The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If the control board is faulty, it may stop supplying power to the entire dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. It is more likely that a single part has failed. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the control board is more likely to be at fault.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board Parts
Highly Likely

03 - Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Switch

The dispenser switches send voltage to the dispenser. If one of the dispenser switches is defective, the dispenser will not work. To determine if a dispenser switch is defective, use a multimeter to test each switch for continuity. If a dispenser switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Switch Parts
Highly Likely

04 - Universal Refrigerator Crushed/Cubed Ice Solenoid

The crushed/cubed ice solenoid is the component that opens and closes a door in the ice bucket auger housing to allow the fully formed ice cubes to pass through or to divert the cubes through a crushing blade system to crush the ice when that option is chosen. If you don't hear a "clunk" sound when switching between the "Crushed" and "Cubed" ice options, it's likely the crushed/cubed ice solenoid is defective. You can use a multimeter to test the solenoid for continuity, a continuous electrical path present in the component. If the solenoid has no continuity, the component is faulty and will need to be replaced.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Crushed/Cubed Ice Solenoid Parts
Common

05 - Universal Refrigerator Main Control Board

A refrigerator's main control board governs most of the functions of the appliance including the dispenser system. If the control board is faulty, it may stop supplying power to the entire dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. It is more likely that a single part has failed. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the main control board is more likely to be at fault.
Shop all Universal Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
Common

06 - Ice chute jammed

The ice chute may be jammed by clumps of cubes frozen together. You can run warm water through the chute to help remove the obstruction.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my refrigerator ice dispenser dispense ice?
How can I test the dispenser switch, solenoid, or control board?
How do I clear a jammed ice chute?
No 'clunk' when switching between crushed and cubed ice. Is the crushed/cubed solenoid bad?
How do I find the right replacement part for my refrigerator on RepairClinic.com?

Shop by Universal Refrigerator Parts

Universal Refrigerator Adhesive Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Axle, Roller, Shaft, Wheel Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Bearing Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Blower Wheel & Fan Blade Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Bracket & Flange Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Cap, Lid & Cover Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Capacitor Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Circuit Board & Timer Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Compressor & Sealed System Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Dispenser Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Door Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Drawer Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Drip Bowl & Drip Pan Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Duct & Venting Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Fastener Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Filter Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Fuse, Thermal Fuse & Breaker Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Gasket & Seal Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Grille & Kickplate Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Handle Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Heating Element Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Hinge Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Hose, Tube & Fitting Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Ice Maker Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Insulation Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Knob, Dial & Button Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Leg, Foot & Caster Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Lighting & Light Bulb Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Miscellaneous Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Motor Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Paint Replacement Parts
Universal Refrigerator Panel Replacement Parts

Shop by Popular Universal Refrigerator Models

Universal MRT13CRBW2 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CNBW1 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CNEW0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CNEW3 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CRAW0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CSEWN Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT15CSEWP Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT18DNGW1 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT19PNBW0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT19PNBY0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT19PNBZ2 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT21GNBW0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT21GNBY0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT21PNAW0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT21PNBY0 Refrigerator Parts
Universal MRT21PNBZ0 Refrigerator Parts
View more
Repair Clinic
Join Repair Clinic's VIP email list for 10% off, plus other discounts and tips!
Our Story

Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.

About Repair Clinic
Customer StoriesRepair Parts BrandsDIY Repair BlogIn the News
Click for the BBB Business Review of this Appliances - Major - Parts & Supplies in Canton MI
Quick Links
Shipping Information365 Day Return PolicyRetail Location & HoursContact UsTrack OrderReviewsRepair Clinic Pro
Social Media
Privacy PolicyDo Not Sell/Share My Personal InformationTerms & ConditionsSitemapGet 10% Off
© 2026 RepairClinic.com