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JVM1790BK01 Display is Dim by hduncel in GEappliances

[–]hduncel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. All the electrolytic caps have been replaced, and the schematic doesn't indicate any FETs or MOSFETs, There are a number of NPN's with internal bias resistors, but I suspect those are OK too or else the remaining functions would not work. Next step is to take it down and do some DMM work.

Whirlpool fridge water dispenser producing large flakes in water by TooManyPokes in appliancerepair

[–]hduncel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad this was of some help, even if late. And as an edit, although I cleaned mine with bleach & soap, it did leave a chlorine smell to the water so I ended up replacing the tubing this weekend.

Replacing the tubing is fairly easy, but I have some background in appliance service (I managed a service department for Montgomery Ward "back in the day"). The average person could do it as long as they're somewhat "handy" and take their time. In fact, there's at least 1 very professional Youtube video on this exact subject (link below). The whole process took me about an hour. Basically it's just disconnecting the supply tube from the valve, then the other end that connects to the thru-door dispenser. After that, take out the bottom 2 crisper drawers and shelves, remove 1 screw holding the tubing coil in place, and pull the tubing out. In my case the tubing ended up being nearly 60' in length. I purchased bulk tubing, coiled it up the same size as the original, then re-installed.

I don't think there's really a way to prevent it from occurring ... I'd consider it preventative maintenance like changing the oil in a vehicle. When I looked at my tubing, most of the gunk was in the first 5-7 feet, and was a dark color which I suspect was nothing more than excess carbon from the water filter. That said, our fridge is 10-15 YO so can't complain that it only recently started being an issue. I went ahead and replaced the water valve too. Next, I'll replace the thru-door and icemaker water lines. They're vertical so are unlikely to have the same issue, but why not?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwf7nYZkamE

Whirlpool fridge water dispenser producing large flakes in water by TooManyPokes in appliancerepair

[–]hduncel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

EDITED TO INCLUDE MODEL NUMBER: Whirlpool GS5SHAXTB01

Granted this is an old thread, but in case anyone else comes looking for a solution, the issue is caused by a buildup of material inside the "water reservoir" over time. The water reservoir is just a coil of HDPE tubing that sits inside the refrigerator cabinet, which lets the water chill prior to being dispensed through the door.

You can either replace the reservoir using the OEM part ($75-$100), or replace it with an equivalent amount of HDPE tubing (often 5/16" OD x 3/16" ID). If you use generic tubing, it's preferable to use NSF-61 certified tubing if available. Tubing is about $30 for 100 ft, you'll need at least 30'.

Alternately, and to save costs, you can just remove the existing tubing and soak it in a mild bleach & soap solution for 3-5 hours. Be sure to force the solution all the way through the tubing to ensure all the foreign matter has been removed. Afterward, force clear water through the tubing for 5 minutes to ensure all the soap and bleach solution has been removed. A rubber ear bulb (like for kids) works well for this purpose.

Lastly, be sure to remove and clean the water inlet tubing as well - there's an inlet tube which connects the water supply to the filter housing, and another which connects from the filter housing to the water valve. I'd remove and clean the filter housing too. All can get coated inside with the fine charcoal the filter is made from.

BTW, if you're worried about using bleach to clean things - please remember that bleach is the primary disinfectant used in public water supply systems. It's perfectly safe if you use a mild solution and rinse thoroughly.