What a reset does and when you need one
A reset on a KitchenAid refrigerator restarts the control board and clears temporary error codes without erasing your saved settings like temperature preferences or ice maker status. Most resets take less than a minute and fix common problems: the ice maker stops working, the display freezes, the compressor won't start, or error codes appear on the screen.
You do not need a reset for every problem. If your fridge is straightforward not cold enough, the issue is usually temperature settings or a blocked vent, not the control board. But if the unit stops responding to button presses, shows a code like "Er" or "PF", or the ice maker suddenly quits, a reset is the first step before calling a technician.
KitchenAid refrigerators have two reset methods depending on your model: a soft reset (power cycle) and a hard reset (control board reset). The soft reset works for most issues and carries no risk. The hard reset is stronger but less common and varies by model year.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset means unplugging the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes, then plugging it back in—this fixes most display freezes and error codes.
- A hard reset involves holding a specific button combination on the control panel, but the button location and sequence differ by model, so check your manual first.
- Before you reset, write down your current temperature settings so you can restore them if the reset clears them.
- If an error code returns after a reset, the problem is likely a sensor or compressor failure that needs professional repair.
How to do a soft reset (power cycle)
A soft reset is the safest first step and works for most temporary glitches. Locate the power cord at the back of the refrigerator or the circuit breaker in your home that controls the outlet. If you use the cord, unplug it directly from the wall. If you use the breaker, switch it to the OFF position.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the control board time to fully discharge and clear any stuck commands. During this time, the fridge will warm slightly, but food stays safe for this short period.
Plug the cord back in or switch the breaker back to ON. The display should light up and the compressor should restart within a few seconds. Listen for the hum of the compressor and feel the back wall of the fridge to confirm it is cooling again. If the error code is gone and the unit responds to button presses, the reset worked.
How to do a hard reset (control board reset)
A hard reset clears the control board more thoroughly than a power cycle. The method varies by KitchenAid model year and style, so check your manual or the model number plate (usually on the back wall inside the fridge) before you start.
On many newer KitchenAid models, the hard reset involves holding the Reset button on the control panel for 3 to 5 seconds until the display flashes or goes blank. On some models, you hold the Reset button and the Power button together. On older models, you may need to hold a specific combination like Freezer and Refrigerator buttons at the same time.
If your manual does not list a hard reset procedure, or if you cannot find the manual, contact KitchenAid customer service with your model number. They can tell you the exact steps for your unit. Attempting a hard reset on the wrong buttons can lock the control panel or trigger a different error code.
What to do if the reset clears your settings
Some KitchenAid models reset temperature settings to factory defaults (usually 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer) when you do a hard reset. A soft reset rarely clears settings, but it can happen on older units.
Before you reset, write down your current temperature settings. Check the display or your manual to see what temperature you have been running. After the reset completes and the unit restarts, adjust the temperature back to your preference using the arrow buttons or dial on the control panel. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few hours for the fridge to reach the new temperature.
If you do not remember your previous settings, 37°F and 0°F are safe defaults that work for most households. You can adjust from there based on how cold your food feels.
Error codes that return after a reset
If the same error code appears again after you reset the fridge, the problem is not a temporary glitch—it is a sensor, compressor, or wiring issue that requires professional repair. Common codes that return include "Er" (general error), "PF" (power failure), "OF" (over-temperature), and "IF" (ice maker fault).
Write down the exact code and the time it appeared. If the code appears only when the ice maker runs, the problem is likely the ice maker sensor or water line. If it appears when the compressor starts, the issue is probably the compressor itself or the start relay. Do not attempt to repair these parts yourself—contact a KitchenAid-authorized technician or your local appliance repair service.
In the meantime, the fridge may still cool even with an error code showing. Keep the door closed as much as possible to maintain temperature, and avoid opening it unnecessarily while you wait for service.
When a reset does not fix the problem
If the fridge still does not cool, the ice maker still does not work, or the display still does not respond after a soft reset and a hard reset, the issue is a hardware failure, not a control board glitch. Common causes include a frozen water line (ice maker), a failed compressor, a broken door seal, or a blocked air vent between the fridge and freezer compartments.
Check the simplest things first: make sure the door closes fully and the rubber seal is not cracked or dirty. Look inside the fridge for ice buildup around the back wall or vents—this blocks cold air and is often fixable by defrosting the unit. Unplug the fridge, leave the doors open for a few hours, and let any ice melt and drain.
If the fridge still does not cool after defrosting, or if the compressor does not hum at all when you plug it in, contact a repair technician. These are not problems a reset can solve.
How to find your model number and manual
Your KitchenAid model number is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or on the side wall near the top. It starts with letters like "KBFN" or "KRFF" followed by numbers. Write this down.
Go to the KitchenAid website and use their product support page to search by model number. You can read the full manual as a PDF, which includes the exact reset procedure for your unit, temperature ranges, error code meanings, and troubleshooting steps. If the website does not have your manual, call KitchenAid customer service at the number on your warranty card or inside the manual cover.
Keeping a copy of your manual (digital or printed) saves time if you need to reset again or troubleshoot a different problem later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a reset erase my ice maker settings or water filter status?
A soft reset (power cycle) does not erase ice maker settings or filter status on most KitchenAid models. A hard reset may clear temperature settings but usually preserves ice maker and filter data. Check your manual to be sure, since this varies by model year.
How long should I wait between unplugging and plugging back in?
Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the capacitors on the control board time to fully discharge. Plugging back in after just 30 seconds may not clear the error because the board still has residual power.
Can I reset the fridge while food is inside?
Yes. A soft reset takes only 5 to 10 minutes, so food stays safe. The fridge will warm slightly but will not spoil food in that time. A hard reset does not require unplugging, so food is never at risk.
What if the display does not light up after I plug the fridge back in?
Check that the outlet has power by plugging in a lamp or phone charger. If the outlet works, the power cord may be damaged or the control board may have failed. Contact a technician. If the outlet is dead, check your home's circuit breaker or call an electrician.
Is it safe to reset a KitchenAid refrigerator myself?
Yes. A soft reset is completely safe—it is just a power cycle. A hard reset is also safe as long as you follow the button sequence in your manual. Neither method involves opening the fridge or touching internal parts.