Informational Guide

Frigidaire Ice Maker Not Working?

by Ian Haynes

Having ready access to ice in your home is something you can never take for granted, and that’s why more homeowners are investing in ice makers. Frigidaire is a well-recognized brand on the ice maker market and has operated since 1918. They’re known for their quality, but even Frigidaire ice makers can break down.  

In this guide, we'll help explain why your Frigidaire ice maker isn't working and some steps you can take to get it working.  

Integrated refrigerator ice makers are the most common in the home and typically offer a few different ways to give you ice

The Frigidaire Gallery ice maker and the Frigidaire Electrolux range of refrigerators are some of the most reliable models on the market. Still, there are times that even they can stop working.  

It can cost over $500 to replace an ice maker, so it can save you a lot of money if you know how to fix it yourself. We’ve created a list of issues to help you with Frigidaire ice maker troubleshooting and some tips on how to solve the issue.  

Freezer Temperature Is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)

Your fridge and freezer have an internal thermostat that regulates the temperature of your machine. If your freezer isn’t cold enough, then it won't be able to make ice cubes, so you should start by checking the settings. [1]

Your thermostat is usually found just within the fridge compartment and will have a display screen showing the temperature. If it's above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, then you won't be able to make ice, so you'll need to turn it down.

Give it a few hours and try again, and you should be able to make ice cubes. 

Defective Water Inlet Valve 

Ice is made from water, so naturally, if there's any disruption in the water supply, it will mean you can't make ice.

Your inlet valve controls the water flow into your ice maker and can become clogged with debris or frozen. If you notice that no ice cubes are coming out or they're smaller in size, then you may have any issue with your inlet valve.  

If there is an issue, then you'll need to turn off your water supply, disconnect the inlet valve, and then replace it. You'll need a wrench for this, and if you've not got a lot of plumbing experience, then you may need professional help.  

Defective Ice Maker Assembly 

When activated, your Frigidaire ice maker goes through a full cycle to create the ice cubes. If you have a defective module, it will impact the ice maker and mean you won't get ice as you need it.

There are two main issues: firstly, your module itself is defective and needs to be replaced, or secondly, it's not assembled correctly. If your module is defective, you’ll need to open up your fridge, remove the access panel, and replace it.

If your assembly is incorrect, you’ll need to check all the connections and make sure it’s attached securely. Remember, if your device is under warranty, you’ll be able to get Frigidaire to help you with this.  

frigidaire gallery ice maker not working

Defective Ice Maker Mold Thermostat 

Your Frigidaire ice maker uses molds to create appropriately sized and proportioned ice cubes. Once the water has frozen in these molds, it warms up slightly so that it can be dislodged and emptied from the device so you can use it.

This relies on a thermostat within the ice maker, which will control the increase in temperature. If there's an issue with this internal thermostat, then it might stop the ice from coming out of your Frigidaire refrigerator.  

This is quite a technical issue and involves parts of the machine that aren’t readily accessible, so you’ll probably need to seek professional help. However, start by taking out the ice maker module and letting it all defrost.

This can help clear any blockages and allow your thermostat to work correctly again.  

Defective Ice Maker Switch 

Your ice maker will have an on or off switch, and it isn't always obvious if it's been deactivated. Most Frigidaire models will be turned on using a switch that triggers the fill bar on the front of the unit, which connects into a metal activation mechanism within the 'ice bin.'

Check that this isn't stuck in the upright position, as this will block the ice bin from creating new ice cubes. If it's defective, then you can find it getting stuck in the off position, and it's preventing new ice from forming.  

Related Article - How To Turn Off Ice Maker

Low Water Pressure From House Supply 

You’ll need a decent amount of water pressure in your home to make new ice cubes. If you suffer from low water pressure, then you'll probably get smaller or inconsistent levels of ice. [2]

You can purchase some special inlets to help increase water flow around your home, but you should try and get some professional advice first.  

Door Switch Failure 

Your fridge door has a switch that prevents active cooling while it's open. This stops energy from being wasted when it's not needed but means your ice maker won't work while the door is open because it relies on the internal cooling mechanism.

If your door switch has failed, you will need to have it replaced, and you'll need to engage a professional to help with the electrics unless you're very experienced.  

Ice Level Control Board Not Getting Enough Power

Your control board is the brain of the ice maker. It controls all the active components which regulate the water flow and temperature within the Frigidaire ice maker, and it needs the correct level of power to function.

You need to open up the machine and check all the connections to the control board. If it is getting adequate power, then you’ll need to replace the control board to fix the problem.  

Clogged Water Filter 

Before water is used to make ice, it's passed through a water filter within your machine. This helps to filter out impurities and ensure the ice is safe for consumption.

Over time, your water filter can become clogged and restrict the flow of water into the ice maker. This can lead to small ice cubes or no ice at all.  

Thankfully, this is a fairly easy problem to fix, and you can just replace the water filter. You'll need to consult your user manual to help you find it, but it's usually simple, and you won't need any tools.

If you don't have the user manual, you can generally find it on the Frigidaire manufacturer's website. Ideally, you should replace your water filter every 6 months to keep it running properly. [3]

This list isn’t extensive but covers most of the common issues that will impact your refrigerator. Hopefully, this will solve the issue if your Frigidaire Gallery ice maker isn't working or any other type you might have. 

Remember, Frigidaire offers a warranty on their products and will pay for repair work if there’s a faulty component. [4]

Read Also - How To Clean Ice Machines

frigidaire ice maker not working

Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker Not Working (Reasons & Troubleshooting Tips) 

Countertop ice makers are great for those who need a lot of ice and prefer to have it freestanding away from the fridge. It gives you more control over where you place your ice maker and can make it easier for everyone to access.  

Unfortunately, Frigidaire countertop ice makers can also encounter problems, so we've created a list of the most common issues and what you can do about them. 

Related Article - How Do Portable Countertop Ice Makers Work?

Power Cord May Not Be Securely Plugged

If your ice maker doesn’t have access to enough power, then it can't produce ice. You should start by checking the power cord in the back of the device and that it's securely connected to an outlet. 

This might sound like an obvious one, but it's worth checking before you move on to the complicated steps.  

Tripped Circuit Breaker 

Home appliances will trip your circuits every now and again. When this happens, you’ll need to go to your fuse box in your home and make sure they are all flipped up.

If the circuit keeps breaking, then you’ll need to replace the fuse and plug it in again.  

Lack Of Water Supply 

Your ice maker needs to have access to water to create the ice cubes. A countertop ice maker will typically require more water supply than a fridge ice maker because it will produce a greater ice volume.

You'll typically just need to pour the water in, and Frigidaire has instructions on the exact water level needed. If you're running low, then top up the level, and this should let you create more ice.  

Clogged Water Filters 

Countertop ice makers use filters to help purify the ice before it forms. Over time these can become blocked and need to be replaced, or they can restrict the amount of water flowing internally.

You should be able to fix this by replacing your water filters, and you should look to replace your water filters every 6 months. Using distilled or bottled water can also make life easier for your filters and preserve them for longer.  

frigidaire countertop ice machine not working

Water Supply Line Blocked With Ice 

The supply line within your ice maker can become frozen and blocked with ice over time. 

This will restrict the water flow and prevent new ice cubes from being created. Defrosting the icemaker will help to clear up this issue and get things moving again.

Full Ice Storage Bin 

Your ice storage bin is where formed ice is held so you can use it. Frigidaire countertop ice makers will have a maximum capacity which determines how much ice can be stored within them.

If you've reached capacity, you won't be able to make more, so you'll need to empty some ice out of the storage bin.  

Ice Maker Leaking 

If your ice maker is leaking, it can stop ice from being formed because there isn't enough liquid. It can also be a sign that the refrigerant in your coils is leaking out, so it won't be able to cool the water enough to make ice.

Check for any leaks, cracks, or other damage which could cause a leak, and make sure you check the bottom of the icemaker too.

If you can't find or fix the problem yourself, you can ask a professional, but it's sometimes cheaper to just replace the whole machine.  

Learn More - How To Fix Ice Maker Water Leak


People Also Ask (FAQs)

Where is the reset button on the Frigidaire ice maker? 

The reset button is found on the front of the ice maker underneath the front cover, and just under the motor housing.  

See Also - How To Reset Ice Machines

How do you reset a Frigidaire ice maker? 

To fully reset your ice maker, press and hold the switch until it turns red. Wait 15 minutes and then press the button again until it turns green.  

How do you unfreeze a Frigidaire ice maker?  

Start by turning off your refrigerator and removing the device. Break off any visible ice from the machine and locate the water refill tube which runs water into the ice maker.

Use a hairdryer to warm this tube and completely defrost it, and this will allow water to flow through your entire ice maker and defrost it all.  

Related Article - Ice Maker Freezing Up? (Here's How To Fix It)

How do I force my Frigidaire ice maker to cycle? 

Make sure your ice maker is turned on, and open up the front cover with a screwdriver. Next, rotate the gear on the front of the ice maker until you hear a click.

This should force the icemaker to cycle; just make sure that the wire arm is in the downward position, so nothing is blocking the ice production.  


Conclusion

Frigidaire ice makers are some of the best on the market, but they can be a bit temperamental. Whether you have a refrigerator unit or a countertop unit, it's important to know the issues and why you might not be getting the ice you want.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand some of the most common problems and what you can do to solve them.  

Ian Haynes is an expert writer who has successfully deployed over 500 plumbing pages and other related content. He has an excellent understanding of home plumbing issues and translates his experiences via Plumbing Lab so readers can have a better understanding of common household problems. Outside of his work, Ian likes exploring Brooklyn with his Labrador.

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