GE refrigerators have impressive designs and even better innovative features. One feature that consistently stands out is the ice maker, which can also make small ice cubes that are perfect for everyday cocktails and drinks.
Unfortunately, GE ice makers can occasionally require a reset due to a fault. Don’t worry, this is a common fault with an easy fix.
Resetting your ice maker is good practice whenever you notice any concerns with its functionality.
Often, it is not necessary to over-diagnose or overanalyze the problem – you can often get your ice maker functioning as good as new by merely flipping the switch off and then back on.
There are four general reasons for resetting your GE ice maker:
- Cancel existing errors
- Resolve any internal issues
- To delete conflicting commands
- Restore your ice maker’s default settings
In this post, I’ll share in-depth details on resetting your GE ice maker and getting it working properly again in no time.
How to Reset a GE Ice Maker
I’ll list below some quick fixes before running you through some more complex common problems – you should run through the list one by one until your issue is resolved.
GE Ice Maker Soft Reset
- Find the reset button – this is usually on the left side of the control, right below the freezer setting. Note – If you cannot find the button, refer to your manual for more specific instructions on where to find it
- Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds
GE Ice Maker Hard Reset
You can try a hard reset if a quick reset doesn’t work. If you have modified the ice maker settings recently, it’s likely this will help.
- Switch off your refrigerator from the power button inside
- Unplug it from the mains power for 20-30 minutes
Note – You should make sure your refrigerator and freezer doors are kept closed for the duration to maintain the inner temperature.
- Reconnect to mains power
- Switch the refrigerator on from the inside power button
A hard reset will likely erase modified settings. It is necessary to check all parameters and customize your ice maker settings again, if necessary. Wait for another half an hour for your appliance to get cold again, then test the ice maker.
Resetting a GE refrigerator is often key to fixing issues with an ice maker.
However, if this does not solve the issue, you can continue troubleshooting by running through the common problems below.
Other Common Problems With Ge Ice Maker (and How to Fix Them)
The Feeler Arm May Be Stuck
Your ice maker will have a metal or plastic rod arm that lifts to eject ice and then drops down to push out the ice. If the arm is stuck and cannot settle back to the neutral position, your ice maker will not make the next ice harvest cycle.
You can check the feeler arm is free by pushing it down gently – if you feel this becoming unstuck, the ice maker should start working again.
If your ice maker is still not working, it’s time to move to the next step.
Water May Not Be Flowing Into the Ice Maker
If your ice maker is not receiving an adequate water supply, it will not dispense ice even after a reset.
- You should check the water pressure using a pressure gauge – making sure it’s at least 20 PSI
- Next, you should inspect your water filter for clogs or damage. This can restrict the proper flow of water into your ice maker, and it’s good practice to replace them twice each year
- If that’s all operational, check your water inlet valve at the back of your GE refrigerator for leaks or clogs. These can reduce the pressure of water getting to your ice maker. If you note any concerns with the water inlet valve, the best solution is to replace it
- Lastly, follow the water line from the mains to the ice maker and ensure that it’s not kinked, damaged or frozen
If you’ve resolved an issue at any of these stages, reset your refrigerator, and you can then test the ice maker again.
The Ice Tray Thermostat May Not Be Working Properly
The ice tray thermostat or temperature sensor activates the dispensing of ice based on your temperature settings.
A faulty ice tray thermostat will not send the signal to trigger your ice maker to dispense ice. You should also check your ice tray for cracks and replace it if required.
Your Freezer Temperature May Be Too High or Low
For your ice maker to work optimally, your freezer temperature should be 0°F / -18C. Setting the temperature too high or too low can cause your ice maker to malfunction.
When the settings are too high, ice can melt and jam in the ice bin – preventing new ice production. You can use a soft plastic or silicone utensil to gently remove any build-up.
Once you adjust the freezer temperature, wait an hour for the temperatures to reach the desired settings.
While you wait – you should ensure your freezer is not too full, as this prevents proper air circulation and can also cause issues with the ice maker.
Mechanical Failure
GE ice makers have intricate designs and numerous parts that work together to ensure efficient ice harvest cycles.
One faulty component can hinder the entire ice maker from functioning, so run through this quick list to make sure all is in order.
- Checking whether the freezer door switch is working correctly. Its job is to stop ice production whenever the freezer door is open. You can test whether the switch is working using a multimeter. If you don’t have one, open your freezer door and press the switch with your finger. A functional one will produce a click when pressed. You’ll need to replace the switch if you don’t hear it click
- Next, check whether your ice maker is receiving power. A tripped circuit breaker or a blown switch/fuse can stop your ice maker from functioning. If you have a blown fuse, you’ll need to replace it, or if there’s a tripped breaker, flip it back to the “ON” position
When to Contact a Professional
If everything listed above is functional, but you’re still having issues with your GE ice maker, or you can’t solve the problem you have uncovered, consider seeking the help of a qualified technician.
Related: How to Reset Whirlpool Ice Maker
