Testing an Icemaker Water Inlet Valve

The Water Inlet Valve is an electro-mechanical valve that opens to supply water to either the icemaker or water dispenser. If one of the solenoids inside the water valve is defective, it might not allow water to flow to the icemaker unit. It can also be always open, allowing water to continually flow, leading to frozen water lines and leaks. 

You can test the water inlet valve for continuity using a multi-meter. 

Turn the multi-meter to the lowest setting for Ohms of resistance. If you have an analog meter, you will need to calibrate it by holding the metal tips of the probes together and adjusting the needle to read zero. 

Remove the water inlet valve from the back of the refrigerator. Disconnect the supply lines to the valve. You may wish to have a bucket handy to remove any residual water inside the water supply line. 

The part should be secured to the refrigerator by a bracket held by screws. Remove the screws securing the valve in place. You will need to remove the wire connections to the part’s terminals using pliers. Label the wire placement on the water inlet valve before disconnecting the wires. 

 

Check the part as the exact ohms of resistance you should be testing for may be marked on the part. Set the multimeter to R X 1 ohms to test for continuity. 

 

Touch one multimeter probe to one terminal and the other probe to the other terminal in order to test the part. Depending on your part, your readings can be from 200 and 500 ohms, or for refrigerators with both a water and ice dispenser, the ohms of resistance might be higher – 500 – 1500 ohms of resistance.

If these readings or no readings are achieved, replace the part. 

Also, inspect the screen of the water inlet valve for mineral and sediment build-up. If the screen looks clogged, replace the water inlet valve.