Why did my ice maker stop working

Is trouble with your ice maker giving you a brain freeze?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. You wouldn’t believe how many people own ice makers that have an attitude. Thankfully, resetting your ice maker can quickly solve most problems.

To reset any ice maker, first make sure the feeler arm isn’t stuck. If it is, push it down so it knows to keep working. Otherwise, check for a reset button on the ice maker and hold it down for 10 seconds. If that doesn’t work, turn off and unplug the ice maker for up to 15 minutes for a hard reset.

That’s the quick answer, though. Read on to cover resetting an ice maker in more detail – and get yours working properly again today!

1.  Adjust the Feeler Arm

The first step to resetting your ice maker is for you to adjust the feeler arm. Now, I know what you’re thinking, the feeler what? What is that?

The feeler arm is the metal or plastic rod on the side of the ice maker. This rod moves up and down according to the level of ice in your ice maker. It stops it from making too much ice. If this rod is all the way up, that means that the ice maker will not make any more ice.

What can you do if your ice maker’s feeler arm is stopping it from working? Here are some simple instructions.

  1. If the feeler arm is stuck, push it down
  2. Once you push the arm down, water should start flowing to the ice maker’s water reservoir. If it does, you can stop here. If it doesn’t or if the feeler arm isn’t stuck, continue to the next section.

2.  Press the Reset Button

Have you tried adjusting your ice maker’s feeler arm but had no success? Then you should press the reset button.

Holding the reset button down for 10 seconds is sufficient. Your ice maker should then reset. If it doesn’t, move on to the next section.

3.  Restart the Refrigerator

When it comes to restarting your refrigerator, you have two easy options. They are the following.

  • Turning the refrigerator off at the on/off button then turning it back on again
  • Unplugging the refrigerator at the mains and then plugging it back in

Does your refrigerator have an on/off button? Then press the button to turn the fridge off. Leave it off for 15 minutes. The refrigerator should reset the ice maker during this time.

What if your refrigerator doesn’t have an on/off button? Then you should plug it out at the mains. Keep it plugged out for 15 minutes before plugging it back in. The refrigerator should reset the ice maker during this time.

But what if you don’t hear your ice maker immediately kick into gear? Then try pushing the feeler arm down a couple of times. This should force water into the ice maker and make it start working normally again.

Tips for Resetting Different Ice Maker Brands

Every ice maker is different. So you might need some more detailed instructions for resetting yours. Here are some tips for resetting the following ice maker brands:

  • Manitowoc
  • Whirlpool
  • Samsung
  • Frigidaire
  • GE

Where to Find the Reset Button

If you want to reset your ice maker, it’s best to start with the reset button! But hang on, where is that located again? Of course, you could consult your manual to help you find the reset button. But…where on earth did you put the manual? Now, we’re just going around in circles.

Here’s the easiest way. The following is a mini-guide that will help you find the reset button for your particular ice maker. Once you’ve located it, make sure you follow the reset instructions that are included in this article.

Ice Maker BrandWhere to Find the Reset Button
Manitowoc Some Manitowoc ice makers do not have a reset button. To reset one, try turning the ice maker off at the power source.
Whirlpool You can find the reset button at the bottom of the ice maker. Remove the ice tray to locate it.
Samsung Remove the ice tray. The red button you see is the reset button.
Frigidaire The reset button is on the front of the ice maker, under the motor housing, past the front cover
GE Some GE ice makers do not have a reset button. To reset one, try turning the ice maker off at the power source.

How to Restart the Refrigerator

Do you have a kitchen with a built-in refrigerator? If so, then getting behind your refrigerator and pulling it out to unplug it may be more hassle than it’s worth. Refrigerators are bulky, and heavy, – especially ones with an ice maker. So, what can you do to save yourself (and your back) from pulling the refrigerator out of place to unplug it?

Most modern refrigerators come with an on/off button. Pressing this button makes it easier for you to restart your refrigerator. But how can you be sure if your refrigerator and ice maker come with an on/off button? Take a look at the following power button guide.

Ice Maker BrandDoes It Have an On/Off Button?How to Turn It On/Off
Manitowoc Yes Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn it off.  WhirlpoolYesPress the button to operateSamsungYesSome Samsung refrigerators have a separate on/off button for the ice maker. This will allow you to turn the ice maker off without powering the refrigerator off.
Frigidaire Yes Some Frigidaire refrigerators have an on/off button for the ice maker alone. You can find it on the front control panel. Press to operate.
GE Yes Press the power button

Tips for Resetting a Manitowoc Ice Maker

A Manitowoc ice maker doesn’t typically have a reset button. So, what can you do to reset yours? Here are some simple steps that are specific to these types of ice makers.

  1. Adjust the feeler arm. If water doesn’t immediately start filling in the reservoir, go to step 2.
  2. Press and hold the off button for 3 seconds.
  3. Keep the ice maker unplugged for 15 minutes
  4. Turn the machine back on. If a blue light appears, you have successfully reset it.

Tips for Resetting a Whirlpool Ice Maker

Some Whirlpool ice makers come with a reset button. This could be located in one of the following places

  • Under the ice tray
  • Under the ice tray and cover plate

Tips for Resetting a Samsung Ice Maker

Most Samsung ice makers have handy TEST buttons. These buttons allow you to make sure that your ice maker is working properly, and will prompt it to do so if it isn’t. You might find using this button easier than unplugging your Samsung refrigerator.

Are you keen to try out this method? Then here’s what you’ll need to do.

  1. Remove the ice bucket
  2. Press the “TEST” button. It might say “TEST” on it or have an arrow pointing at it.
  3. Press and hold the “TEST” button until you hear a chime
  4. Put the ice bucket back in the ice maker

Tips for Resetting a Frigidaire Ice Maker

Most Frigidaire ice makers have an on/off button for the ice maker compartment. Here are all the instructions you need to reset yours.

  1. Press the on/off switch until the LED light turns red
  2. Wait 15 minutes
  3. Press and hold the on/off button again until the LED light turns green

Tips for Resetting a GE Ice Maker

Some GE ice makers do not have a reset button. So, what can you do to reset yours? Take a look at the following steps.

  1. Adjust the feeler arm. If water doesn’t immediately start filling in the reservoir, go to step 2.
  2. Press the on/off button
  3. Keep the ice maker unplugged for 15 minutes
  4. Turn the ice maker back on

TIP! Is the red “Check Water” light flashing? Then that might indicate that there is a problem with the water supply, not the ice maker.

Have None Of These Tips Worked?

Unfortunately, sometimes internet guides just can’t solve an issue with a major appliance.

If you’re still stuck, we recommend getting in touch with an appliance repair professional. A small repair fee might save you the cost of a breakdown, or even a new ice maker. Fill in the form below to get a free repair quote from our partnered appliance repair experts.

Conclusion

If your ice maker stops making ice, you may wonder whether you’ll need to call a technician to come and look at it for you. But the truth is, simply resetting your ice maker might solve the problem! I’m sure this article has provided you with easy step-by-step instructions for you to reset yours.

Has this article been useful to you? Then make sure you check out some of our other free guides and articles on our website!

Have a great day!

-Craig

How do I reset my ice maker?

Unplug the machine and wait 10 seconds. Plug the machine back in and press the ON button. You should see a blue light appear, letting you know that the machine has been reset.

What to check if ice maker stops working?

Ice Maker Not Making Enough Ice.
Check your refrigerator and make sure it's perfectly level..
Check your ice maker unit and make sure it's level..
Check the water supply line for damage, pinching, or kinks..
Check the fill cup; make sure it's aligned correctly with the water funnel..

What do you do when your ice maker stops making ice?

The control arm is out of position..
Check the water fill tubes. If your ice maker isn't making ice or if the ice cubes are small or misshapen, the water fill tubes may be the problem. ... .
Inspect your water inlet valve. ... .
Clean the water filter. ... .
Check the ice maker heating element. ... .
Adjust the thermostat. ... .
Check the control arm..