🚀 go-pugleaf

<deja_bhoot2000@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:1190060293.321484.3310@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com...
>I purchased a side-by-side Sears (Kemore?) fridge in March, 1998,
> which has worked fine all this time (I think it cost about $1200 back
> then). There is no problem with the insides of the fridge itself.
>
> As most modern fridges do, this also has a waterline hookup for cold
> water, and for ice box. Ice function is working fine. For the cold
> water, for the past 4-5 months, there was a short delay between
> pressing switch, and water coming through in the small spigot. This
> delay got from a few seconds to about 1 minute. But once the water
> started, it was working fine.
>
> Now the water function is not working. The water connection is fine,
> as ice is being made at the same rate as before. It seems something
> simple, a mechanical, or electrical switch in the water component, is
> not functioning. I am afraid to pull out the control box mounted
> outside, as it is not clear if it is just push fit, or some plastic
> clips in a tab, or what, so it might break if not pulled properly. If
> I could see someone take it out once, I could do it (I have fixed many
> things myself in the past, including a microwave, toaster, electrical
> circuits around the home, etc.)
>
> There is no other problem with the fridge (jn fact, not even any
> scratches), but I figure a nine year old fridge is probably no more
> than $300 worth, if that much. So, spending $100 to $200 on calling an
> appliance repairman seems silly. But I feel awfully guilty throwing
> away a perfectly functioning fridge.
>
> What's average life expectancy of a fridge? What's a reasonable price
> for an appliance repairman in the SF Bay area to fix this? Any
> referrals would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bhoot Nath>

I had a similar problem.  It was the solenoid operated valve as Rod Speed 
has suggested.  The replacement part cost about $50.  I had it installed for 
a total cost of about $150.  Seems like a service call would be worthwhile, 
or you might be up to replacing the valve yourself.  It's pretty accessible.

SJF