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Testing a Solenoid Valve on a Refrigerator

Refrigerators equipped with an automatic ice maker send water to the unit through a supply hose connected to a valve inside the appliance, typically near the bottom. The valve is controlled by an electronic part known as a solenoid, which receives electrical pulses from the ice maker when the ice cubes drop below a specific level. The solenoid then opens the valve to let in water through the supply hose. If your ice maker isn't getting water, test the solenoid with a multimeter to check the circuit.

Things You'll Need

  • Nut driver
  • Multimeter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disconnect the refrigerator's electrical cord from the socket.

    • 2

      Recruit a friend to help move the appliance into the kitchen so you can reach the water supply hose in the back.

    • 3

      Turn the knob in the hose clockwise until it's tight. This cuts off the water supply while you test the solenoid.

    • 4

      Unscrew the bolts in the access cover on the back of the refrigerator where the hose connects with a nut driver. Pull off the cover and move it up the hose and out of your way. The hose connects to the water valve. The solenoid is on top of the water valve with two wires connected to a pair of electrical posts.

    • 5

      Remove the wires from the two posts. Each wire terminates in a metal connector that pulls straight off the post.

    • 6

      Turn the multimeter control setting to "Ohms" and place the two testing rods on each of the solenoid posts. A normal reading for the solenoid falls in the range of 200 to 500 ohms. If the multimeter does not register a reading or the display numbers scroll nonstop, the solenoid is defective and must be replaced. These parts cannot be repaired.

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Appliance Repair
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