The Basic Reset Steps for Most Frigidaire Models

The fastest way to reset a Frigidaire ice maker is to locate the reset button, which is usually a small red or black button on the ice maker itself or inside the freezer compartment near the unit. Press and hold it for three to five seconds, then release. The ice maker will beep or click to signal the reset has started, and it will begin a test cycle within a few minutes.

If you cannot find a physical reset button, your model may use a power reset instead. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the ice maker's memory and restarts its control board. The ice maker will run a test cycle automatically—you may hear water flowing into the ice tray and then hear the ejection mechanism turn on after about 10 to 15 minutes.

After either reset, the ice maker needs 24 hours to produce a full batch of ice. During this time, it will cycle several times as it fills, freezes, and ejects cubes. Do not be alarmed by sounds like clicking, humming, or water running—these are normal during the test cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Frigidaire ice makers have a red or black reset button located on the unit itself or inside the freezer near the ice maker.
  • If no reset button exists, unplug the refrigerator for 30 seconds and plug it back in to perform a power reset.
  • After a reset, the ice maker runs a test cycle that may take 10 to 15 minutes and produce sounds like clicking or water flow.
  • A full batch of ice takes about 24 hours to produce after a reset, even if the ice maker appears to be working when ready.
  • If the ice maker still does not produce ice after 24 hours, check the water supply line and the freezer temperature before calling for service.

Locating the Reset Button on Your Model

The location of the reset button varies depending on your Frigidaire model year and style. On top-freezer models, the button is usually mounted on the side of the ice maker unit inside the freezer, often near the back or on the front-facing edge. Look for a small colored button—red is most common, but some models use black or white.

On side-by-side refrigerators, the reset button is typically on the front of the ice maker housing, which sits inside the freezer door or on the interior wall. You may need to open the freezer door and look at the ice maker assembly directly. If the button is difficult to see, use a flashlight to check the edges and corners of the ice maker unit.

Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure—the manual will show a diagram of your specific model with the button location marked. If you no longer have the physical manual, search online for "Frigidaire [your model number] manual" to find a PDF version. The model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top.

What Happens During the Reset Cycle

Once you press the reset button or restore power, the ice maker enters a test cycle that lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, you will hear the water inlet valve open and close, the ice tray fill with water, and then the ejection motor turn on to push cubes into the bin. These sounds are normal and mean the reset is working.

The ice maker will not produce a full batch of ice during the test cycle—it is straightforward checking that all the parts move and respond to commands. After the test cycle ends, the ice maker returns to its normal operating mode and begins the freezing process. Freezing takes several hours per batch, so do not expect ice in the bin for at least 4 to 6 hours, and a full bin may take 24 hours or longer depending on your freezer temperature and how often the door opens.

Checking the Water Supply Before Resetting

Before you reset the ice maker, confirm that water is actually reaching it. A reset will not produce ice if the water line is frozen, kinked, or disconnected. Look behind the refrigerator for the water inlet line—it is a thin plastic or copper tube that runs from the wall or floor to the back of the refrigerator.

Check that the line is not bent sharply or pinched under the refrigerator's weight. If the line feels cold to the touch and has ice crystals on it, the water inside has frozen. This happens in very cold kitchens or when the refrigerator is set to an extremely low temperature. Thaw the line by wrapping it with a warm (not hot) towel for 10 to 15 minutes, or by adjusting the freezer temperature up by a few degrees for a day.

Also verify that the water shut-off valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator is fully open. Turn the valve counterclockwise until it stops—do not force it. If the valve is partially closed, water flow to the ice maker will be too slow or will not flow at all, and the reset cycle will fail silently.

Freezer Temperature and Ice Production

The ice maker will not freeze water properly if your freezer is warmer than 0°F (–18°C). If you have just reset the ice maker and it is not producing ice after 24 hours, check the freezer temperature with a thermometer. Place the thermometer on a shelf in the freezer, close the door, and wait 30 minutes before reading it.

If the temperature is above 0°F, adjust the freezer dial or digital control to a colder setting. Most Frigidaire models have a dial or buttons labeled 1 through 9, with 9 being the coldest. Start by moving the setting up one or two notches and wait 24 hours to see if ice production improves. If the freezer is already at 0°F or below and the ice maker still does not work, the problem is likely a mechanical failure or a blocked water line rather than a temperature issue.

When to Reset Again or Call for Service

If the ice maker produces a small amount of ice after the reset but then stops, try resetting it one more time. Sometimes a single reset does not fully clear a stuck sensor or valve. Wait 24 hours after the second reset before deciding whether it worked.

If the ice maker still produces no ice after two resets, 24 hours of operation, and confirmation that the water supply is on and the freezer is cold enough, the ice maker likely has a mechanical or electrical fault. At this point, contact a Frigidaire service center or a local appliance repair technician. Provide them with your model number and a description of what you have already checked—this will help them diagnose the problem faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?

The reset cycle itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but the ice maker will not produce a full batch of ice for 24 hours. You may see a few cubes in the bin after 4 to 6 hours if the freezer is cold enough and the water supply is working.

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

No. Pressing the reset button does not require you to turn off the refrigerator. A power reset (unplugging the unit) is only necessary if your model has no physical reset button. Most newer Frigidaire models have a button you can press while the refrigerator is running.

What if the reset button is stuck or does not click?

A stuck button usually means ice or mineral buildup is blocking it. Try pressing it gently but firmly several times. If it still does not move, do not force it—use the power reset method instead. Unplug the refrigerator for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

Can I reset the ice maker if the freezer is full of ice?

Yes, but you should remove as much ice as possible first so the new ice has room to fall into the bin. A full bin can prevent the ejection mechanism from working properly, which may cause the ice maker to stop cycling.

Will resetting the ice maker erase any settings on my refrigerator?

A reset button on the ice maker itself will not affect your refrigerator's temperature settings or other controls. A full power reset (unplugging the unit) may reset the display or temperature settings on some models, so check your freezer and refrigerator temperatures after a power reset to make sure they are still where you want them.