How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Refrigerator Smart Valve

Twist the knob in the supply hose valve clockwise as far as it will turn to shut off the water to the Kenmore. The valve for this hose may be next to the cold water pipe below the sink or at the rear of the fridge.

Unplug the refrigerator's electric cord from the wall. Pull the appliance forward far enough to reach the back of the it comfortably with tools.

Unscrew the hex bolts on the cover plate at the bottom of the Kenmore, using the nut driver. The supply hose enters through this plate to hook to the smart valve. Remove the plate and push it back along the hose toward the wall where it won't be in the way. The smart valve is attached to the supply hose inside the fridge. Two pairs of wires connect to the solenoids on top of the valve.

Detach the first pair of wires by pulling the clips straight off the flat solenoid terminals.

Adjust the multi-meter selector control to the "RX1" continuity test.

Hold the multi-meter testing rods against the two flat solenoid terminals with the wires removed. A readout of 200 to 500 ohms means the smart valve for that solenoid is operating properly. This applies to either the water dispenser or icemaker, depending on which solenoid you test first.

Pull the pair of wires off the second solenoid and test with the multi-meter in the same manner. If either solenoid tests outside the normal range, the smart valve is defective and must be replaced. If only one solenoid tests good, the smart valve will only operate with that feature, either dispensing water or producing ice.