If your ice maker suddenly stops producing ice or begins acting unpredictably, learning how to reset your ice maker may help restore normal operation.
Below, you’ll find reset instructions for several popular manufacturers, followed by troubleshooting tips if resetting doesn’t solve the problem.
How to Reset Your Ice Maker by Brand
Many modern ice makers include a reset feature that helps clear minor electronic glitches after a power interruption, filter replacement, or temporary malfunction.
Since the correct method can vary by brand and model, always check your refrigerator’s owner’s manual before getting started.
In general, an ice maker reset may:
- Restart the ice maker’s operating cycle
- Trigger a brief test or harvest cycle
- Help determine whether the issue is temporary
- Show when the problem may need professional diagnosis
Use the brand sections below as a general guide to match your refrigerator with the how to reset your ice maker process most commonly used by that manufacturer.
How to Reset a GE Ice Maker
Many GE refrigerators include a reset or test button located on the ice maker assembly. Depending on your model, you may need to remove the ice bucket to access it.
- Locate the reset or test button.
- Press and hold the button for about 10 seconds, or until you hear a chime or see the ice maker begin a cycle.
- Replace the ice bucket if it was removed.
- Allow several hours for the first batch of ice to be produced.
Some GE models automatically complete a harvest cycle after being reset. This is normal and indicates the reset was successful.
How to Reset a Whirlpool or KitchenAid Ice Maker
Whirlpool and KitchenAid ice makers often use a similar reset process because the brands share many appliance designs. On many models, the reset or test button is located near the ice maker assembly or behind the front cover.
- Press and hold the reset or test button until the ice maker begins a harvest cycle.
- Wait for the cycle to finish before checking for new ice production.
- Allow several hours for the first batch of ice to form.
If the ice maker does not respond or stops working again, the issue may involve the ice maker assembly, water inlet valve, temperature sensor, or control system. A professional technician can diagnose the problem and determine the best repair.
How to Reset an LG Ice Maker
Many LG refrigerators include a small TEST or RESET button on the bottom or side of the ice maker assembly.
- Press and hold the TEST button for three to five seconds.
- The ice tray should rotate through a harvest cycle.
- Wait for the cycle to finish completely.
- Allow up to 24 hours for normal ice production to resume after the reset.
If the tray doesn’t move during the test cycle, the issue may involve the ice maker assembly, wiring, control board, or another electrical component.
If your LG refrigerator is producing ice that has an unusual odor or flavor after it resumes operation, our guide on why an LG refrigerator ice tastes bad explains several common causes and what they may indicate.
How to Reset a Samsung or Frigidaire Ice Maker
Samsung and Frigidaire ice makers commonly include a TEST or RESET button located on or underneath the ice maker assembly. While the exact location varies by model, the reset process is very similar.
- Press and hold the TEST or RESET button until the harvest cycle begins.
- Allow the cycle to finish without interruption.
- Wait several hours for the ice maker to resume normal production.
If the ice maker doesn’t respond after resetting, the issue may involve another component that requires professional diagnosis.
How to Reset a Sub-Zero and Other Luxury Ice Makers
Luxury refrigerator brands, including Sub-Zero, Viking, Thermador, Monogram, JennAir, and Dacor, often use different reset procedures than standard refrigerators.
Depending on the model, how to reset your ice maker may involve using a dedicated test button, the refrigerator’s control panel, or a settings menu.
- Refer to your owner’s manual for the reset procedure recommended for your specific model.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to initiate the reset or test cycle.
- Allow the ice maker to complete its cycle before checking for new ice production.
- Give the appliance several hours to resume normal ice making after the reset.
If your luxury refrigerator’s ice maker doesn’t respond after a reset or continues to produce little or no ice, the issue may involve the ice maker assembly, water supply components, or electronic controls. A qualified appliance technician can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
Helpful Troubleshooting Tips After Resetting Your Ice Maker
A reset can resolve temporary electronic issues, but it won’t correct every problem. If your ice maker still isn’t working, consider these common factors.
- Verify the freezer temperature is between 0°F and 5°F. Ice makers rely on proper freezer temperatures to complete each production cycle.
- Make sure the ice bin is installed correctly if your refrigerator uses a bin sensor.
- Confirm the water filter isn’t overdue for replacement, as restricted water flow can reduce or stop ice production.
- Check that the household water supply to the refrigerator is turned on and delivering adequate water pressure.
- Look for any visible ice blocking the ice mold or ejector arm that could prevent normal movement.
- Give the refrigerator enough time after resetting. Many models require several hours before producing the first batch of ice.
If your refrigerator still isn’t making ice after these troubleshooting tips, the problem may involve issues that require specialized testing and replacement by a qualified appliance technician.
Final Thoughts: How to Reset Your Ice Maker
Knowing how to reset your ice maker is a useful first step when your refrigerator suddenly stops making ice. If the reset works, your ice maker should resume normal production after several hours.
If the ice maker reset doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s often a sign that another component is preventing the system from operating properly. A professional diagnosis from the ice maker repair experts at Solar Appliance can quickly determine why your appliance isn’t producing ice and recommend the most effective solution.
