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Tappan Refrigerator ice and water dispenser not working

If your Tappan refrigerator ice and water dispenser is not working, start with the most likely fixes: inspect the dispenser actuator first — it physically trips the switch and often fails — then check the dispenser switches and door switch by testing them for continuity with a multimeter. If every individual part tests good but the whole dispenser system is dead, the dispenser control board is the next suspect. Also make sure drawers and ice buckets are fully seated and the doors are closing tightly, since a door not closing properly will prevent the dispenser from operating. On models with a water filter, a damaged or improperly seated water filter housing can block flow and keep the refrigerator dispenser from dispensing water. These steps cover the common causes of a fridge water dispenser not working and a refrigerator ice dispenser not working, and they match what a pro would check first. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get the right part the first time.

01 - Tappan Refrigerator Dispenser Actuator

The dispenser actuator is the component that activates the switch or switches to send voltage to the dispenser. If the dispenser actuator is damaged, it may be unable to activate the switch. Inspect the dispenser actuator for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
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02 - Tappan Refrigerator Dispenser Control Board

The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, it is probable that an individual part has failed. In this case, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the control board is more likely to be at fault.
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03 - Tappan 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.
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04 - Tappan Refrigerator Door Switch

The door switch turns off the ice and water dispenser when the refrigerator door is open. If the door switch fails, the dispenser will not turn on. To determine if the door switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the door switch does not have continuity when activated, replace it.
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05 - Doors not closing properly

Check to make sure all drawers and ice buckets are pushed in properly. Be sure the refrigerator doors are completely closed. There should be no visible gap around the door gasket.
Highly Likely

06 - Tappan Refrigerator Water Filter Housing

On many refrigerators, the incoming water will pass through a water filter before reaching the dispenser or the ice maker fill tube. If the water filter housing is damaged, water may not flow through the housing when the filter is installed. Inspect the water filter housing for damage and confirm it is properly seated. If necessary replace the damaged housing with a new one.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigerator water dispenser not working — what should I check first?
Ice maker not making ice — could the dispenser or filter be the problem?
How do I test the dispenser switch or door switch?
My whole dispenser system is dead — when should I replace the dispenser control board?
How do I find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?

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