As ice makers go, the Frigidaire ice makers are great for making a large amount of ice in a short time. However, they tend to malfunction if not closed properly, when components of the freezer become faulty, or if other parts of the freezer stop working.
This guide seeks to educate you on Frigidaire ice maker problems and how to fix them.
How to clean a Frigidaire ice maker
While the ice maker is located on the freezer part of your refrigerator and is bound to freeze harmful bacteria in the water, it is still necessary to clean it unless you want to get ice cubes with pathogens and dirt.
Items needed;
- Vinegar
- Some Pieces of Lemon/ Lemon juice
- Warm Water
- Clean Dry Clothes
- Sponges
- Gloves
- Detergent Powder/ Mild cleaning solution
Follow these steps to clean your ice maker;
- Unplug your Frigidaire ice maker or fridge before starting the process to avoid getting electrocuted should you tamper with some wires.
- Then remove your ice bin from the ice maker. Ensure you put on hand gloves to avoid contaminating the ice and to keep your hands from freezing.
- Then use warm water with a mild detergent to clean the interior and exterior of your Frigidaire ice maker.
- Rinse off the soapy water to remove any soap as this can contaminate your ice cubes and make them taste soapy.
- Alternatively, you can use a mixture of lemon and vinegar and warm water to clean your ice bin and the interior of the ice maker. This will ensure you do not get soap-tasting ice cubes.
- Then use a soft cloth to dry off the Ice Bin’s interior part and the exterior part of your Frigidaire.
- Make sure the Ice Bin is completely dried off before gently putting it back inside the Frigidaire.
- Then plug your ice maker or refrigerator back in for it to resume ice making.
How to defrost a Frigidaire ice maker
Follow these steps to defrost your ice maker;
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove any ice from the ice maker and the ice tray.
- Move any food near the ice maker to another spot in the freezer or refrigerator.
- Locate the water refill tube that runs to the ice maker.
- If there’s a small metal clip that holds the tube in place, pull it down and remove it.
- Turn a hairdryer on low speed and point it at the refill tube to defrost.
- Dry any water with a towel as the frost melts, and be careful not to melt any plastic parts in the ice maker or freezer.
- If you don’t want to use a hairdryer, place the ice tray under the tube to catch the water, and pour small amounts of hot water over the tube with a small cup or baster.
- Replace the metal clip and the ice tray before plugging in the refrigerator.
How to reset a Frigidaire ice maker
You can reset your ice maker using the control panel. First, hold the on/off button until the LED is red. Wait a couple of minutes and then hold the same button until it’s green.
Frigidaire ice maker not turning on
This could be a result of a malfunction in the refrigerator or an issue in the ice maker. Here are some main reasons why your ice maker is not working;
The Ice Maker Switch is Turned Off
If the refrigerator ice maker is not working, check the icemaker switch. This switch frequently gets turned off by accident. If the switch is turned on, but the ice maker still doesn’t work, check the switch for continuity with an Ohm meter. Replace as needed.
The Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12 C)
Whenever your ice maker stops working, check the temperature of the freezer. If the freezer temperature exceeds 10 degrees F (-12 C), the ice maker will not work correctly. It functions best when the freezer temperature is set between 0 and 5 degrees F (-18 to -15 C).
If the freezer temperature is too high, ensure the condenser coil is clean, and the condenser fan is working to cool the condenser and compressor. Next, check the evaporator coil for frost. Too much ice builds up, the air can’t circulate through the coil, and you will need to check the defrost components for a failure.
Faulty Door Seal
Another reason why the temperature may be unstable is due to a faulty door seal. Without a good seal, temperatures become inconsistent, with warm air seeping into the fresh food door.
When the temperature sensor detects the warmer air, the controller keeps the compressor running over time to maintain the correct 37-degree temperature for fresh food. Unfortunately, this excessive cooling causes the freezer temperature to fall well below zero, which will freeze the tip of the water tube that provides the ice maker with water.
Faulty Door Switch
If the refrigerator ice maker is not working, the door switch might be defective. When the freezer door is opened, the switch does two things: it turns on the light in the freezer and turns off the ice maker and dispenser.
If the door switch fails, the dispenser will not turn on. The switch can be checked for continuity with an Ohm meter. If it doesn’t have continuity, it should be replaced.
Faulty Ice Maker Assembly
If the ice maker is not working, it could be that the ice maker assembly itself is defective. There are several components in the control module of the ice maker that can fail, and most are not sold separately. Also, ice makers have a relatively short lifespan and may not always be worth fixing.
Damaged Ice Level Control Board
If the ice maker is not working, the ice level control board might be defective. The refrigerator is equipped with an infrared light beam to detect the level of ice in the ice bucket. As the ice level reaches the top, the beam is interrupted, and the ice maker shuts off.
Once the ice is used up and the ice level drops below the beam, the ice maker starts again. If the ice level control board fails, the ice maker will stop making ice.
Faulty Icemaker Mold Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the temperature of the ice mold (ice tray). Once the ice mold reaches the proper temperature, the ice maker starts a harvest cycle by ejecting the ice cubes and refilling them with water.
If the mold thermostat is defective, the ice maker doesn’t advance. The thermostat can be checked for continuity. Replace the thermostat if it is not working. The freezer temp should be between 0-5 degrees for optimum performance.
How do I force my Frigidaire ice maker to cycle?
Forcing your ice maker to run through a cycle is a common troubleshooting technique if you have ice production problems. Ice makers are equipped with a shut-off mechanism that halts ice production when the storage bin reaches capacity.
To force a cycle;
- Open the freezer door to remove the ice bin from below the ice maker.
- Empty the ice from the bin.
- Replace the bin in the freezer by sliding it back into position against the back of the freezer.
- Many ice makers include a cut-off mechanism that halts ice production if the bin is not correctly placed. This also prevents ice from spilling out inside the freezer.
- Press the ice maker toggle switch to the “On” setting if it is not already activated.
- Pop off the front cover of the ice maker with the tip of a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Rotate the gear on the front of the ice maker clockwise until you hear a click, then replace the cover.
- Push the rectangular wire arm on the side of the ice maker into the downward position.
- This sensor arm alerts the ice maker to shut off ice production when the storage bin is full. When the wire is in the upright position, the unit will not make ice.
Why is my Frigidaire ice maker not making ice?
Not getting ice cubes when you need them, especially on a hot summer day, can be very disappointing. Here are some main reasons why your ice maker is not making ice;
Ice Maker Control Arm Off
Check the control arm to see if it is off. It is easy to knock the control arm on or off if you’re moving food around in your freezer. A sure sign that it’s the arm causing the issue is if you find your Frigidaire ice maker is not cycling.
Move the arm to the ON position and wait to see if this fixes your ice maker problems. You can reset your ice maker after turning it on to ensure that the arm was the cause of the issue.
Refrigerator Water Line Frozen
Check to see if there is frozen water clogging the supply line. Icy water will restrict or completely block water from going to your fridge. Unplug the unit and turn off the water supply. You can defrost the line in a few ways.
Ice Maker Error Code
Check the control panel to see if an error code is the cause of your ice maker not making ice is to. Then look up the error code in your owner’s manual or online. It will tell you if a part has failed and may indicate one of the above problems.
Refrigerator Water Filter Clogged
If your ice maker isn’t producing enough ice or the cubes are small, a clogged water filter could be the culprit. Before water goes to the ice maker or water dispenser, it flows through the filter to eliminate any impurities. However, the filter will reach its capacity over time and clog up, restricting water flow.
Luckily, you can quickly fix this by replacing the water filter. To find out where the filter is located on your specific model, look in the owner’s manual or look up your Frigidaire model online.
Tip: Replace the water filter in your refrigerator every six months to know your water is always clean and fresh. A good indication it needs to be replaced is if your ice tastes terrible!
Why did my Frigidaire ice maker stop working?
Start by making sure your ice maker is not off. Then follow the troubleshooting steps below to find the problem and fix it.
- Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to the waterline and the water valve is open.
- Check to see that the water supply line is not kinked. This can happen if the refrigerator is pushed too far against the wall.
- Then check to see if the water filter is sealed correctly. Finally, remove and re-install the water filter to double-check. The water filter may be clogged or overdue for replacement.
- If the water filter is older than six months, it’s time to replace it.
- Then check the ice maker in the freezer to ensure the wire signal arm can go in the up or down position.
Frigidaire ice maker not dropping ice
If your refrigerator is not dispensing ice, here are a few reasons why;
- The refrigerator display is locked.
Solution: Press and hold the lock key on your display for 3 seconds to unlock.
- There is no ice in the ice bin
Solution: Make sure there is ice in the ice bin.
- The refrigerator door is open
Solution: Make sure the refrigerator doors are completely closed when trying to dispense.
- The dispenser paddle may have been pressed too long.
The dispenser has a built-in device that shuts off after 3 minutes of continuous use to prevent the motor from overheating.
Solution: Release the dispenser paddle and then resume if needed.
- The ice may be jammed.
Ice could have melted and frozen around the auger due to infrequent use, temperature fluctuations, and power outages.
Solution: Remove the ice bin, thaw, and empty contents. Clean the ice bin (wipe/dry) and replace it in the proper position. When new ice is produced, the dispenser should operate.
- Ice may be jammed between the ice maker and the ice bin.
Solution: Take out the ice bin entirely and remove the ice cubes. Replace the ice bin, and the dispenser should operate.
- The auger is rotated
If the auger is not aligned correctly, the refrigerator will not dispense ice, and the door may not close properly.
Solution: Avoid rotating the auger in the ice bin when removing or replacing the ice bin. If the auger is accidentally rotated, you must realign the auger by turning it in 45 degree turns until the ice bin fits into place.
If this does not work, contact the Frigidaire contact center.
Frigidaire ice maker not getting water
This could be a result of multiple issues. These include;
Clogged Water Filter
If the refrigerator ice maker is not working, the water filter might be clogged. Try changing the water filter.
Check the refrigerator’s filter. When there is no filter or it is clogged, the ice maker does not get water. Make sure that the filter is in place, and if it has not been changed in more than six months, replace it with a new one.
Low Water Pressure
If the ice maker still doesn’t work, the water pressure in the house might be too low. This is because the water inlet valve which supplies water to the ice maker is designed to work with a minimum of 20 psi of water pressure.
The water inlet valve requires at least 20 psi to function properly. Make sure that the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, use a multimeter to check for power (continuity) to the water inlet valve.
If the water inlet valve has enough pressure and gets power, but the ice maker won’t fill with water to make ice, replace the water inlet valve.
Faulty Door Switch
If the refrigerator ice maker is not working, the door switch might be defective. When the freezer door is opened, the switch does two things: it turns on the light in the freezer and turns off the ice maker and dispenser.
If the door switch fails, the dispenser will not turn on. The switch can be checked for continuity with an Ohm meter. If it doesn’t have continuity, it should be replaced.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
If the temperature is correct, but the ice maker won’t work, the water inlet valve might be defective. The water inlet valve is an electrically controlled mechanical valve that opens to supply water to the dispenser and ice maker.
If the water inlet valve is defective or has insufficient pressure, it won’t allow water to flow through. As a result, the ice maker won’t make ice.
Leaking water supply line
The valve is usually located under your kitchen sink, or there may be one behind the refrigerator. If there is no moisture on or around the valve, then there are no leaks.
Next, check your refrigerator’s water supply valve for leaks. There is usually one narrow-diameter copper line running to the fridge. This is the water supply line.
Closed/Blocked water inlet valve
The panel can be removed with a screwdriver. First, straighten any visible kinks and look for blockages such as ice inside the lines. Next, check the plastic water lines running from the water valve. There may be one or two typically located behind the access panel at the back of the refrigerator.
Turn the water supply valve, so it is fully open and wait for about an hour. If the ice maker produces ice, then the problem was that the valve wasn’t open.
Frozen water in the water line
Disconnect the refrigerator’s power cord if you see ice in the water lines, and open the freezer door to defrost the fridge and freezer. Remove all frozen foods from the freezer and wipe the bottom of the freezer cavity with a towel.
Apply heat to the ice maker water supply tube to melt any ice that might be frozen inside. Use a hairdryer on its lowest heat setting to do this or a warm, damp cloth. Move the hairdryer back and forth along the tube constantly as you warm it.
Continue to apply heat until you can see no more water coming from the tube, and then plug your refrigerator back in, move it back against the wall, and replace the frozen items in the freezer.
How to replace the filter in your Frigidaire ice maker
A refrigerator water filter is mandatory if you want to get higher quality drinking water. Regular replacement of the filter is necessary if you want the filter to perform optimally.
The filter replacement steps below are for three different filters for different model refrigerators.
PureSource Ultra Water Filter
This filter is a push design for use on French door models. It’s typically located in the top right corner of the refrigerator’s interior.
- Push the old filter in to release
- Remove the new filter from its package and take off protective caps
- Slide the new filter into the compartment and push it to lock in place
- Dispose of the first 1.5 gallons of dispensed water to prime the filter
PureSource 2 Ultra Water Filter
This is a slide-and-click cassette filter located in the front right top of the refrigerator’s interior.
- Push the release button on the filter compartment to discharge the old filter
- Remove protective caps from the new filter
- Slide the filter into the compartment until it clicks in place
- Prime the filter by discarding the first 1.5 gallons of dispensed water
Check this too: How to Clean Mold from an Ice Maker Dispenser
PureSource Plus Water Filter
This is a cup filter typically located in the rear of the refrigerator, in the top right corner.
- Twist off the filter cover and detach the old filter by pulling downward
- Remove the new filter from its package
- Push it into the filter compartment, nozzle end first
- Replace the filter cover by twisting it into place
- Discard the first 1.5 gallons of dispensed water to prime the filter.
- Then change your Frigidaire water filter
Frigidaire ice maker not working after replacing the filter
Check to see if the filter compartment has been closed properly, as this may affect the water supply into the ice maker. Then force a cycle to get the ice maker to start making ice. If this does not work, reset the ice maker, wait, and see if the ice maker will begin working.
Follow the ice maker troubleshooting discussed above to see if you may have messed up other ice maker parts while replacing the filter. If this does not work, contact the Frigidaire contact center or a licensed refrigerator maintenance specialist.