You can replace a Frigidaire ice maker yourself in about 30 minutes with basic tools

Most Frigidaire ice makers are held in place by two screws and one water line connector. You do not need a technician—the part slides out from underneath or from the side of the freezer, depending on your model. The hardest part is usually turning off the water supply and disconnecting the plastic tubing without spilling water on your floor.

The replacement ice maker itself costs between $150 and $400 depending on your Frigidaire model. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool, and a bucket or towel to catch water. The entire job—removing the old unit, installing the new one, and reconnecting water—takes most people 20 to 40 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water supply to your refrigerator before you disconnect anything, or water will leak into your freezer and onto your floor.
  • The ice maker is held by two screws and one push-fit water connector; write down which wire goes where before you unplug it.
  • Frigidaire ice makers vary by model—check your refrigerator's model number on the back wall or inside the freezer door frame to order the correct replacement.
  • After installation, the ice maker takes 24 hours to produce its first batch of ice and may dispense cloudy or odd-tasting cubes for the first few batches.

Find your Frigidaire model number and order the correct replacement

Your Frigidaire model number is printed on a sticker inside the freezer, usually on the back wall near the top or on the inside of the freezer door frame. It starts with "FFHT" or "FFSS" or similar letters followed by numbers. Write this down or take a photo.

Search for "[your model number] ice maker" on the Frigidaire website or on appliance parts retailers like PartSelect, Sears Parts Direct, or Amazon. Frigidaire ice makers are not interchangeable between models—ordering the wrong one means returning it and waiting for the correct part. The replacement will come with a new water inlet valve and fill tube.

Turn off the water supply before you start

Locate the water shut-off valve behind your refrigerator. It is usually a small knob or lever on the copper or plastic water line running into the back of the fridge. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever to the off position) until it stops. Do not force it.

Open the freezer and look for the ice maker. Press the ice dispenser button a few times to release any pressure in the water line. You should hear a slight hiss. Place a bucket or towel on the floor under the back of the refrigerator—there will be a small amount of water in the line.

Remove the old ice maker

The ice maker sits in the upper corner of the freezer, usually on the right side. You will see a plastic or metal housing with two Phillips screws holding it to the freezer wall. Remove both screws and set them aside in a small cup so you do not lose them.

Gently pull the ice maker toward you. You will see a plastic tube connected to the back—this is the water inlet line. It uses a push-fit connector, not a screw. Pinch the small plastic clip on the connector or push the connector itself to release it, then pull the tube free. A small amount of water may drip out.

If your ice maker has an electrical connector (a small plug), unplug it by gently pulling straight out. Take a photo of which wire colors go into which slots before you unplug it, in case you need to reconnect it to the old unit temporarily. Slide the ice maker out of the freezer and set it on a towel.

Install the new ice maker

Before you push the new ice maker into place, connect the water inlet tube to the back. The connector should push on firmly until you hear or feel a click. Tug on the tube gently to make sure it is seated—it should not pull free easily.

If your new ice maker has an electrical connector, plug it in now. Slide the ice maker into the freezer cavity, lining up the screw holes with the holes in the freezer wall. Insert both Phillips screws and tighten them by hand first, then use your screwdriver to snug them down. Do not overtighten—you will crack the plastic housing.

Turn the water back on and test for leaks

Go behind the refrigerator and turn the water shut-off valve counterclockwise (or flip the lever back to the on position). Listen for water flowing into the ice maker. You should hear a brief humming or clicking sound as the ice maker fills for the first time.

Wait 10 minutes, then open the freezer and look underneath and behind the ice maker for drips. Check the floor under the back of the refrigerator as well. If you see water pooling, turn the water off when ready, unplug the refrigerator, and check that the water inlet connector is fully seated. Push it on again firmly and repeat the test.

If there are no leaks after 10 minutes, close the freezer door and leave the refrigerator running. The ice maker will cycle on and off as it fills and freezes. You should see ice cubes in the bin within 24 hours. The first batch may be cloudy, small, or taste slightly odd—this is normal and clears up after a few cycles.

Common mistakes that cause leaks or poor ice production

The most common error is not fully seating the water inlet connector. It looks like it is connected but water leaks slowly into the freezer. Push it on until you feel resistance, then push a little harder. You should hear a small click.

The second mistake is forgetting to turn the water supply back on. If your ice maker is silent and no water is flowing, check that the shut-off valve is fully open. Some people also accidentally crimp the water line when they push the refrigerator back against the wall—make sure the line behind the fridge is not bent or pinched.

If the ice maker runs but produces very little ice or none at all, the water inlet valve may be stuck closed. This is rare in a new part, but if it happens, unplug the refrigerator, disconnect the water line, and blow gently into the connector to clear any debris. Reconnect and test again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the refrigerator to replace the ice maker?

You do not have to, but it is safer to unplug it before you work on the electrical connector. Turning off the water supply is mandatory—not doing so will flood your freezer. You can leave the fridge plugged in while you remove the old unit and install the new one, then unplug it only when you are ready to connect the electrical plug.

What if water leaks after I install the new ice maker?

Turn off the water supply when ready and check that the water inlet connector is fully pushed on. If it is, the connector itself may be defective. Disconnect it, inspect the plastic tube end for cracks, and if it looks damaged, contact the parts retailer about a replacement. If the tube looks fine, the new ice maker may have a faulty inlet valve—this is rare but does happen.

How long does it take for ice to start coming out?

The ice maker will cycle on within a few minutes of turning the water back on, but it takes 24 hours to produce a full bin of ice. The first cubes may appear within 6 to 12 hours. If you see no ice after 24 hours, check that the water line is connected and the water supply is on.

Can I use the old ice maker if the new one does not work?

Yes. If the new ice maker is defective, you can reconnect the old one temporarily while you wait for a replacement. Make sure you remember which wires go where before you unplug the new unit. Take a photo of the connector before you disconnect anything.

Do I need to flush the water line after installation?

No. Run the ice maker through a few cycles and discard the first batch of ice if you want to be cautious, but flushing is not necessary. The water line was sealed in the box and is clean.