I have a GE side-by-side refridgerator with a ice maker and water dispenser. In the last 3-4 months the water dispenser shuts off intermittently, but comes back to life on its own. I have changed the water filter as well as cleaned the water line, but haven't been able to identify the problem. The ice maker works fine.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

chem-prof

While recent posts have noted an official "GE fix" - a $200 part to fix their product defect, like McGyver's notes above, I like a cheaper fix that doesn't involve putting any more $$ into GE's hands. I have a 3 year old GE GSL25 refrigerator with the water/ice dispenser on the freezer door and the water dispenser line would freeze every few weeks. I used the hair dryer recommendation to unfreeze the line by heating the flat area of the freezer door directly behind the water dispenser area (~10 min did it). The trick to keep it from freezing up again involved buying a cheap foam sleeping bag mattress (~1/3 inch or 1 cm thick) made of a polyurethane foam (pretty dense). I cut it to match the flat area of the freezer door behind the water dispenser and taped it to the door with packing tape. For the past 3 weeks (even with freezer at #4 setting), my water is flowing freely. Personally, I think this solves a product defect with insufficient insulation in the freezer door near the dispenser water line.

davette59

I have the same problem. The GE refrigerator, model # GSH25SGPC SS, is about 2 years old and I have had no problems until the last three months. The water supply in the door stopped working. Someone told me to take a hair dryer and heat the plastic tubing behind the crisper (not too hot so as to melt the tubing). I did this and also blew warm air around the back of the freezer door where the water is dispensed. Nothing happened until about 15 minutes later when it started working. It worked for a few days and stopped again. I have tried turning the air off that flows to the crisper area, tried turning the temperature up in both the refrigerator and freezer to no avail. I then heated all the same areas again and within an hour it stared dispensing water again. The third time I just went in and pushed and pulled on the tubing and about 20 minutes later it started working again. This time it worked for about four days. I have even tried moving food around in both sides with no results. I have household appliance insurance American Home Shield and they said that the water supply is not covered. I am extremely disgusted and unless something changes, this will be my last GE appliance!

ballengerb1

Folks, I would suggest that if you have similar problem you should strat you own question and not tag along on someone elses post. You are entitled to your own and you'll get better answers with a new post. You are tagging on a post was was done 2.5 years ago, its dead. AMHD is more of a real time help desk rather than a blog.

hkstroud

Mallard

I am understanding you problem to be that the water line to you icemaker is becoming blocked with ice. I have just experienced the same problem and have deternined that the water valve is defective and is allowing a small amount of water probably only a few drops a minute, to pass when closed. This water then freezes in the input line, builds up an blocks th eline. Solution replace water valve.

davette59

Thanks, then just forget my question!

cbowles0507

Thanks to the gentleman who recommended putting the weed-eater line in the water spout! What a great and inexpensive fix! My fridge has only frozen up 2 times since I have done that about 4 months ago. It was freezing every two days. So now when it freezes all I do is use some needlenose plyers to pull the weed-eater line out, run the water, and stick the line back in. The whole process takes about 20 seconds. The first time I had someone come out and look at it, it cost me $100 bucks. That was just to look at it! They told me it would be hundreds of dollars to fix it. I promptly sent them on their way. I knew there had to be a better way. Then sure enough, I found this site and saw the weed-eater line suggestion. Brilliant! You have virtually eliminated the problem for $2.99 (the cost for a spoll of weed-eater line). You can't even see it slightly sticking out, so nobody has to know the difference! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

davette59

I agree, the weed eater line was a brilliant fix. Mine still freezes up about once a week but a little tug on the line and I'm good for another week. One other thing I have noticed is that the water freezes up much more frequently if frozen food is occupying the space directly behind the dispenser. I cleared out the space and it helped a lot. As for the appliance, I called GE and they said they never heard of the problem but would gladly send out a technician at my expense to look at it. Thanks GE! They are simply sticking their head in the sand because it might cost them some money to fix their inferior product. Where is consumer protection. I for one have purchased my very last GE product.

sbaughman

The water line is freezing up about 4" inside the dispenser. GE has recognized the problem and offered a solution. It is a small 12v heater that mounts behind the dispenser face but outside the freezer door. They do not offer it free however. It is part number GHPWR49X10173 "DISPENSOR WATER TUBE HEATER. It is available for appliance parts dealer. Mine charges 41.65. I have ordered it but have not received it yet. I assume it will work. It comes with instructions. Must splice into two wires at behind the dispenser face. I have found nothing else that lasts. Hairdryers, etc.

GE SUKS

Welcome to the club. I had the GE repair service "fix" my frozen water dispenser problem to the tune of $ 216.00. $79 for a house call, $63.00 for the part and $105 for "labor".

It took him 20 minutes to install the part. It is a heat tape that attaches to the inner edge of the dispenser just under the spout. It has a plug that goes into the switch card for water/cubes/crushed. Part #WR49X101173 - you'll find it on-line for $42 at any appliance repair site.

Remove the square plastic cover ( pops off with a screw driver), undo the four screws on the inner panel and swing out the switchplate. The part has sticky stuff on it so just press it into the U shape under the nozzle. Pug it into the circuit board and reassemble. Your done.

I've called and written to GE and their response has been "we have no recalls on that model, have a nice day". If anyone has any other places that I can "bad mouth" GE just let me know.

davette59

I have had several bad experiences with companies such as GE and Home Depot that think a few dissatisfied customers can never really hurt their business. Many fallen businesses have thought the same thing. We, the consumer, are much more powerful than they think. One upset customer tells ten people, those ten each tell ten etc. GE liars told me the same thing, we have had no reports of trouble with that model but we will be glad to send a service man at your cost (to fix their junk). I have had excellent success by reporting bad experiences like this one to the Better Business Bureau which you can access on line. They are very helpful, they get all over the company and keep track of the complaints. From no on I plan to check with them regarding how many complaints they have had about a company before I use them. I am tired of being taken advantage of by big companies!