The fastest way to reset a Frigidaire ice maker
Most Frigidaire ice makers reset by holding the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds. The reset button is usually a small red or black switch located on the ice maker itself—look on the front or side of the unit, or inside the freezer compartment near where the ice maker sits. Hold it until you hear a click or see a light blink, then release. The ice maker will drain any water in the lines and restart its cycle.
If you cannot find a physical reset button, your model may have a reset function through the freezer's control panel. Check the display on your refrigerator's front or inside the freezer door for an "Ice Maker" or "Reset" option in the menu. Press and hold it for a few seconds the same way. Some newer Frigidaire models require you to hold the button for up to 10 seconds before the reset takes effect.
After you reset, the ice maker will take 24 to 48 hours to produce its first batch of ice. During this time, it fills the water line, freezes the mold, and ejects the cubes. Do not expect ice when ready—this waiting period is normal and means the reset worked.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button on a Frigidaire ice maker is usually a small red or black switch on the unit itself or accessible through the freezer control panel.
- Hold the reset button for 3 to 10 seconds until you hear a click or see a light response, then release and wait for the cycle to restart.
- After resetting, allow 24 to 48 hours for the ice maker to produce its first batch of ice as it refills and recycles.
- If the ice maker does not respond to a reset, check that the water line is connected and the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below.
- A reset clears minor jams and restarts the cycle but does not fix problems like frozen water lines or a broken ejector arm.
Where to find the reset button on your model
The location of the reset button varies by Frigidaire model year and style. On older top-freezer and side-by-side models, the button is usually mounted directly on the ice maker housing inside the freezer. Look for a small red or black button near the front of the unit, sometimes labeled "Reset" or "Test." On some models, it sits behind a small plastic cover you may need to lift or slide to access.
French-door and bottom-freezer Frigidaire refrigerators often hide the reset button on the side of the ice maker or on the back wall of the freezer compartment. If you cannot locate it by looking, check your refrigerator's manual—the model number is usually on a sticker inside the fridge or freezer. You can also search "Frigidaire [your model number] reset button" online to see a photo of where it sits on your specific unit.
If your Frigidaire has a digital control panel on the door or inside the fridge, the reset may be a menu option instead of a physical button. Press the "Menu," "Settings," or "Options" button, then look for "Ice Maker" or "Reset Ice Maker." The exact wording depends on your model, but the function works the same way.
What happens when you reset the ice maker
When you hold the reset button, the ice maker stops its current cycle and drains any water sitting in the lines and mold. This clears out small ice blockages or water that has been sitting too long. The motor then restarts, and the ice maker begins filling the mold with fresh water from the supply line.
The reset does not change any settings on your refrigerator—it only restarts the ice-making cycle. Your freezer temperature, ice cube size (if your model has that option), and other preferences stay the same. A reset is safe to do as often as you need and will not damage the ice maker or refrigerator.
After a reset, listen for the ice maker to hum or click within a few minutes. This sound means the motor is running and the cycle has restarted. If you hear nothing after 10 minutes, the reset may not have taken, or there may be a deeper problem with the water supply or electrical connection.
Common reasons to reset your ice maker
Reset your ice maker if it stops producing ice but the freezer is cold and the water line is connected. A reset clears minor jams where ice cubes stick in the ejector or where the mold freezes slightly off-center. It also restarts the cycle if the ice maker has been idle for a long time or if you have just installed a new water filter.
If you notice the ice maker is running but not filling the mold, or if it is making very small cubes, a reset can sometimes fix the issue by restarting the water-fill sensor. However, a reset will not fix a frozen water line, a broken fill valve, or a cracked mold. Those problems require parts replacement or a service call.
You may also reset after moving your refrigerator or after a power outage. These events can interrupt the cycle, and a manual reset gets the ice maker back on schedule faster than waiting for it to restart on its own.
Steps to check before and after resetting
Before you reset, confirm that the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below. Open the freezer and look at the temperature dial or digital display. If it is warmer than 0°F, the ice maker cannot freeze water properly, and a reset will not help. Adjust the temperature down and wait 24 hours before resetting.
Also check that the water line is connected and not kinked or frozen. Look behind or under the refrigerator for the water inlet line—it should be straight and not pinched. If the line feels cold or has frost on it, the water supply may be frozen, and you will need to thaw it before resetting.
After you reset, wait at least 30 minutes before checking whether water is filling the mold. Open the freezer and look at the ice maker tray—you should see a small amount of water or a thin layer of ice forming. If the tray is still dry after an hour, the water line may be blocked or the fill valve may be broken.
If ice does form but the cubes are not ejecting, listen for the ejector motor to run. You should hear a buzzing or clicking sound every few hours as the ice maker tries to push the cubes out. If you hear nothing, the motor may have failed and will need replacement.
When a reset does not work
If the ice maker still does not produce ice after 48 hours, the problem is likely not a straightforward cycle jam. Check the water supply line first—make sure it is connected to both the refrigerator and your home's water line, and that the shut-off valve (usually under the sink) is turned on. If the line is connected and the valve is open, the blockage may be inside the line or in the fill valve.
A frozen water line is common in cold kitchens or if the refrigerator sits against an outside wall. You can thaw it by pouring warm (not boiling) water along the line, or by using a hair dryer on low heat. Wrap the line in a towel first to keep the heat focused. Once thawed, the ice maker should resume working within a few hours.
If the water line is clear and the freezer is cold, but the ice maker still will not fill, the fill valve may be stuck or broken. This part controls the flow of water into the mold and cannot be reset—it must be replaced. Contact Frigidaire support or a refrigerator repair technician for a replacement valve and installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset?
The first batch of ice usually appears 24 to 48 hours after a reset. The ice maker needs time to fill the mold, freeze the water solid, and eject the cubes. If you see ice within 24 hours, the reset worked well. If nothing appears after 48 hours, the water supply or fill valve may be the problem.
Will resetting my ice maker erase my refrigerator settings?
No. A reset only restarts the ice maker cycle. Your freezer temperature, any saved preferences, and all other refrigerator settings remain unchanged. You will not lose any data or have to reprogram anything.
Can I reset the ice maker while it is making ice?
Yes, it is safe to reset at any time. The reset will stop the current cycle and drain the mold, so any ice being made will be lost. Wait until the ice maker finishes its cycle if you want to keep the cubes, but resetting mid-cycle will not damage the machine.
What if my Frigidaire ice maker has no reset button?
Some older or compact Frigidaire models do not have a reset button. Instead, you can unplug the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in. This power reset restarts the ice maker the same way a button reset does. Make sure to wait the full 5 to 10 minutes before plugging back in.
Should I turn off the ice maker before resetting it?
No, you do not need to turn it off. straightforward hold the reset button while the ice maker is in its normal operating state. The reset will pause the cycle, drain the mold, and restart automatically. You only need to unplug the refrigerator if you cannot find a reset button.