Difficulty Level
Time Required
30 minutesTools Checklist
Why Should I Reset My Ice Maker?
Having an automatic ice maker is commonplace in most refrigerator models today. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. When one does stop working though, the problem can typically be traced back to either low water supply or an electrical malfunction. For electrical malfunctions, the issues can be resolved by resetting your ice maker. This is good news because this process is very straightforward and does not require any additional tools.
What Happens If I Don’t Reset My Ice Maker?
If your refrigerator’s ice maker does malfunction and you don’t want to go through the simple process of resetting it, then you essentially have two options. Your first option is to check the water supply to see if the issue is more plumbing related. If plumbing is the issue, then congratulations you solved it by correcting the water supply. However, if the plumbing is not the issue, then you have a bigger issue on your hands. Your final option is to either live without a functioning ice maker or to replace the entire unit. You should only replace the entire unit though when it is obvious that an internal component has failed and there is no other solution.
In the end, resetting your ice maker would save you time and possible money spent on an unnecessary replacement.
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Resetting Your Ice Maker:
Step-By-Step
- 1. Adjust the feeler arm.
Before resetting and possibly unplugging your entire refrigerator, you should check to make sure that a stuck feeler arm is not the reason your ice maker has stopped working. What is the feeler arm you may ask? Well, good question!
The feeler arm is the component of your ice maker that shuts off the ice maker whenever the ice tray is full. Typically, the feeler arm will fall whenever you empty out the ice tray. If it does not fall, it could be stuck by ice. If stuck, push the feeler arm down thereby releasing it and allowing water to flow into the ice maker again.
Next Step
- 2. Use the reset button.
Now that the feeler arm has been checked, it is time to use the reset button. First, remove the ice bucket and the covering from the front of the ice maker. Some models have a button you will need to push to remove the ice tray and cover. Others will just require you to pull it off. Once the ice tray and covering have been removed, locate and press the ice maker reset button for about 3 seconds. After 3 seconds you should hear a chime. This chime will be your cue to release the button.
It is important not to continuously press the reset button because it will cause water to overflow.
Next Step
- 3. If there’s no reset button.
Not all refrigerators will have reset buttons. If your refrigerator does not have a reset button or if it has an on/off switch instead then you can follow these instructions.
For models that have no buttons or switch, unplug the refrigerator for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Within seconds of restoring power, press the feeler arm at least 3 times in succession. This will force the ice maker to run water and begin the process of creating ice.
For models that have an on/off switch, you should turn the switch off and unplug the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator unplugged for 5 minutes. This will allow the ice system to reset. After 5 minutes, replug the refrigerator and turn the switch back on. This should cause the ice maker to start working again.
Next Step
- 4. Put the ice bucket back.
Now that you have successfully reset your ice maker, it is time to put the ice bucket and covering back into place and wait. Be patient because it will take another 3-4 hours before your ice maker is full of ice again.
If your ice maker still does not work after following these instructions, then it may have a mechanical problem. This will most likely require a new ice maker to be installed.
There you have it! You’re now ready to reset your ice maker and have all the ice that your heart desires!!