How to Reset your Ice Maker
Approaching a scorching summer, it is becoming increasingly important that your Ice Maker is performing optimally, keeping drinks cool and refreshing summer and reset your ice maker? This guide is going to outline exactly how to avoid any disappointments this summer in just 3 simple steps.
Before attempting to reset your Ice Maker it is important to consider that resetting your device may erase its memory of the underlying problem, causing it to reoccur, sometimes without the main symptoms.
Therefore, we recommend that before you attempt a reset of your own you should consult an ice machine technician on any visible (eg: error codes, leaks) or audible (eg: unusual sounds) symptoms.
- Ensure the feeler arm is in the desired position
- Use the reset button
- Turn the refrigerator off and then on
If this isn't enough, scroll down for a more in-depth review of these 3 steps to get you closer to those ice-cold drinks in the sun!
Step 1: Adjusting the feeler arm
If you're having troubles with your ice maker don't stress, problems with ice makers can often be overcome by quick and easy solutions. Maybe you just need to reset your ice maker?
The first thing to try is moving the feeler arm into the correct position. The feeler arm is usually a plastic or metal rod on the side of your machine which limits the amount of ice it outputs. Therefore, the 'correct' position depends on the quantity of ice you wish to produce.
By pushing the arm in the direction that produces more ice (usually down), check if there is still a problem.
It could be that arm is stuck, in which case if you cannot move it yourself you may need additional help from an ice machine technician.
If you find the arm is not stuck and it's still not producing the desired amount of ice you may want to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Press and hold the reset button
Although a simple and overlooked solution, issues with your ice maker can be accomplished by holding the reset button. This will reset your ice maker
Firstly you must locate the reset button, if you can not find it yourself, check the user manual of the machine. Those manuals often have a habit of getting lost so we have provided a mini guide on where to find the reset button popular models of ice machines to reset your ice maker down below.
Once you have found the reset button, push and hold it for around 10-15 seconds. This should reset your ice maker. If you have still found no success, don't worry and scroll down as there is still a final step!
Step 3: Restarting the refrigerator
If your ice maker is built into your refrigerator then restarting it can reset your ice maker for you.
Simply turn press the on/off button on your refrigerator and leave it for 15-20 minutes. The location of the on/off button of your refrigerator will depend on the model, take a look at the Restarting your Refrigerator section of this article to find the button on 5 popular fridge brands.
If your fridge does not have an on/off button you may have to pull out the plug at the mains. Similar to pressing the button, leave the refrigerator off for 15-20 minutes and then plug it back in.
Once you have done this, we recommend you try adjusting the feeler arm a few times to push water into the ice maker and kick it back into gear.
Resetting different ice maker models
The previously mentioned tips can be applied to lots of ice maker models. However, models can also be quite different. This next section provides specific information for resetting the following brands of ice makers:
- Samsung
- GE
- Manitowoc
- Frigidaire
- Whirlpool
Where to find the reset button
If you can't find the reset button yourself or your user manual has gone missing, then use this guide on how to find the reset button on the following 5 popular ice maker brands to reset your ice maker.
| Ice Maker Brand | Where to Find the Reset Button |
|---|---|
| Samsung | Find and remove the ice tray to reveal a red button, this is the reset button. |
| GE | Many GE ice makers don't have a reset button, so you may need to turn off or unplug it by its power source. |
| Manitowoc | Many Manitowoc ice makers don't have a reset button, so you may need to turn off or unplug it by its power source |
| Frigidaire | You will find the reset button on the front of this model, under the motor housing, past the front cover. |
| Whirlpool | Locate the ice tray at the bottom of this ice maker and remove it. You will then see the reset button. |
Restarting your refrigerator
If you can't find the reset button on your ice maker or it doesn't have one then you'll want to turn the refrigerator on and off to reset your ice maker.
You can do this by unplugging it by the mains, however, moving your refrigerator may be an exhausting, strenuous task. Save yourself the hassle and use the power button refrigerators often have. If you can't find it yourself or those pesky user manuals have run off again fear not! The guide below provides details of the power button's location for 3 popular models of fridges.
| Ice Maker Brand | Does It Have an On/Off Button? | How to Turn It On/Off |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Yes | Many Samsung refrigerators have a separate reset button to reset your ice maker. In this case, it is not necessary to turn the refrigerator off itself. However, if you cannot locate the reset button for the ice maker then you should turn the refrigerator off to reset it. You can find more details on how to reset a Samsung refrigerator here. |
| GE | Yes | Press the power button. This will also reset the ice maker as this model does not have a separate reset button for it. |
| Manitowoc | Yes | Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. This will reset the refrigerator and reset your ice maker as this model does not have a separate reset button for the ice maker. |
| Frigidaire | Yes | Many Frigidaire refrigerators have a separate reset button for the ice maker. In this case, it is not necessary to turn the refrigerator off itself. However, if you cannot locate the reset button for the ice maker then you should turn the refrigerator off to reset it. |
| Whirlpool | Yes | Also has a separate button to reset your ice maker which means you do not have to turn off the refrigerator. However, if you cannot locate the reset button, press the refrigerator's power button to restart it. |
Resetting a Samsung ice maker
Many Samsung ice makers come equipped with TEST buttons which make resetting them super easy! To use it simply:
- Take out the ice bucket
- Push and hold the "TEST" button until you hear a chime
- Then put the ice bucket back into the ice maker
This method prompts your ice maker to work properly if there are any technical issues and is a whole lot easier than unplugging your device!
If none of this helps then you can find a more detailed guide on Samsung ice makers here and here.
Resetting a GE ice maker
As the tables above show some GE ice makers do not have a reset button so following these 3 steps is a good way to reset your ice maker.
- Adjust the feeler arm to the desired position. If the reservoir does not start filling with water and there is no problem with the water supply (shown by a flashing "check water" light) then move to step 2
- Push the power button
- Keep the ice maker unplugged for 15 minutes Turn the ice maker back on
If none of this helps then you can find a more detailed guide on GE ice makers here.
Resetting a Manitowoc ice maker
Similar to a GE model and as the tables above show, some Manitowoc ice makers do not have a reset button so following these 3 steps is a good way to reset your ice maker.
- Adjust the feeler arm to the desired position. If the reservoir does not start filling with water then move to step 2
- Push and hold the power button for 3 seconds
- Unplug the ice maker for 15-20 minutes
- Turn the machine back on. If you have successfully reset your ice maker a blue light will appear
If you still require assistance there is more detail on Manitowoc ice makers here.
Resetting a Frigidaire ice maker
Resetting this model tends to be quite straightforward as they normally have a power button specifically for the ice maker compartment. In which case you should:
- Push and hold the LED power button until it glows red then wait 15-20 minutes.
- Finally, push and hold the same LED power button until it is green
If these steps were not helpful enough then you click the following link for a more in-depth guide on Frigidaire ice makers here.
Resetting a Whirlpool ice maker
A Whirlpool ice maker's power button can be located either:
- Under the ice tray and cover plate
- Under the ice tray
If you are still in need of help then you can find a more detailed guide on Whirlpool ice makers here and here.
Final thoughts
If you have reset your ice maker, but it isn't working as well as it usually does don't panic! It's a time-consuming and costly procedure to have a technician look at and replace your ice maker and a simple reset can often do the trick. So, give this step-by-step guide a try to save yourself some money and avoid any hassle!
However, if you find none of these tips and tricks effective or useful then you should consider getting an ice maker technician to have a look at it.
