If the ice maker in your Bosch refrigerator isn’t working as it used to, you might be tempted to unplug it or press the reset button.
But before you do, read on to find out when it’s OK to reset your Bosch refrigerator ice maker, how to do it, and when it might not be such a good idea.
Quick Fixes – Try This First!
Before resetting your Bosch ice maker, try these quick troubleshooting ideas first since a reset should only really be a last resort.
- If you’ve recently installed or relocated your fridge – give it 24 hours to settle in and a further 2-4 to start making fresh ice
- Check the freezer temperature is at or below -20°C / -4°F
- Follow the water line from the fridge to the mains connection – make sure it’s not leaking and there aren’t any kinks in the line
- Check the ice maker is turned on
Where is the Reset Button on My Bosch Ice Maker?
There isn’t one on most models – you can turn the ice maker off using the control panel, leave it for 5 minutes, then turn it back on, or do a hard reset.
When to Reset Your Bosch Refrigerator Ice Maker
Resetting your Bosch ice maker should only be a last resort – when there’s no ice being produced and you’ve already tried the quick troubleshooting above.
You also need to be careful not to reset more than once a day, as it can cause water to overflow, jammed ice, or, worst case – permanently damage your ice maker and leave you with an enormous repair bill.
How to Reset Bosch Refrigerator Ice Maker
Turn the ice maker off using the control panel, leave it for 5 minutes, then turn it back on, or do a hard reset by turning the refrigerator off at the mains power for 5-10 minutes.
How To Do A Hard Reset
The easiest way to reset your Bosch refrigerator (and fix most problems) is through a hard reset. This is done by turning off the appliance at the mains power for 30 minutes, then turning it back on.
Tip: Remember to keep your refrigerator doors closed for the duration to keep your contents fresh!
If this hasn’t resolved the issue, don’t worry – just run through the troubleshooting below.
Bosch Ice Maker Reset Not Working – 8 Reasons Why & How to Fix
If you’ve tried to reset your Bosch ice maker with the instructions above, run through the basic troubleshooting, and completed a hard reset, but there’s still no ice, it could be for several reasons.
We’ll go into these below with some suggestions on how to fix it or advise where it may be better to call an appliance technician.
Your Refrigerator is New or Has Just Been Turned on
Your new Bosch refrigerator will need some time to bring itself back to life after being off for a period or if it’s recently been moved.
If your refrigerator is new, it might just need a while longer to settle in.
How to Fix
Your ice maker will need 24 hours to start generating ice. This will give it time to pull in the water and cool itself down enough to freeze the ice.
You should throw away the first 3 batches/30 cubes as this will ensure the ice cubes are made from clean and freshly filtered water.
The Refrigerator Doors Aren’t Closed Properly
If the doors to the refrigerator aren’t closed properly, the ice maker may not make or dispense ice.
How to Fix
It might not be obvious that the doors aren’t shut right, so double-check these things:
- Make sure there’s nothing resting against the side walls of the refrigerator at the front that may be preventing the doors from closing fully
- Check the door seal is closing properly all the way around – you can do this just by running your finger along the seam, or try trapping a bit of paper in the seal to make sure it has a good level of resistance, indicating a tight closure
The Fridge is Overfilled
If your fridge or freezer compartments are filled to maximum capacity, this can restrict airflow within the appliance and have a few undesirable consequences.
For example, it will be harder for the refrigerator to stay at the set temperature, and this can cause slow ice production.
How to Fix
Make sure there’s space between items in your refrigerator and freezer, that it isn’t full to the brim, and that there’s no obvious ice or frost build-up.
This will not only help your ice maker to produce more ice, but it will also lower your energy bills as well as improve the lifespan of your refrigerator.
The Fridge Isn’t Level
This may seem pedantic, but if your fridge isn’t leveled, it can cause all sorts of problems – including lack of or deformed ice. This is one of the top reasons for Bosch ice makers playing up.
How to Fix
You’ll need to look out your spirit level and a screwdriver for this one, but it’s not too technical. Your fridge will have leveling feet at the front, potentially tucked behind a cover that will need to be unscrewed and removed.
There will be one foot on each side, which is adjusted using a flat-head screwdriver. It doesn’t matter which side you start with but turn clockwise to lower or anticlockwise to raise that corner of your fridge.
Then check back in with your spirit level and adjust until the fridge is level side-to-side and front-to-back.
The Control Lock is on
The control lock can prevent any buttons (including ice maker settings) from working. You can check if it’s turned on by looking for a padlock symbol on the display screen – it’s usually on the bottom right, under the fridge temperature.
How to Fix
To deactivate the ‘Panel Lock’, you can press the ‘Alarm/Lock’ button (usually the right-most button under the display screen) for 3-5 seconds until the padlock symbol goes dark.
Some models require the button to be pressed 3 times within 5 seconds instead, so try this next if the press-and-hold method doesn’t deactivate the padlock symbol.
If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to check your model-specific user manual. If you’ve lost it, take note of the model number and search for it on the Bosch website.
The Child Lock/Dispenser Lock is on
If the child lock is on, it can entirely deactivate the water and ice dispenser. When this lock is active, it’s symbolized by a padlock on the main control display.
How to Fix
To deactivate the ‘Child Lock’, you can press the ‘Alarm/Lock/Unlock 3s’ button for 3-5 seconds until the padlock symbol goes dark.
Some models require the button to be pressed 3 times within 5 seconds instead, so try this next if the press-and-hold method doesn’t deactivate the padlock symbol.
The Water Filter Has Expired and Needs to Be Replaced
To identify whether the water filter is the main culprit for your problems, you can first remove it – and test whether the ice maker works without the filter in place.
If ice is made without the filter, then this is most definitely the problem – and you’ll need to replace the filter.
How to Fix
If the water filter is faulty, you’ll need to source a new one and look to have it replaced. You’ll have to repeat this task every 6 months to keep your Bosch refrigerator from developing error codes.
You’ll need to source the part, and it’s recommended that you use a genuine one – these can be purchased directly from Bosch.
There are many types of filters available designed for different models, so check what’s currently installed or in your owner’s manual to make sure you get the right one.
If you know your model number, you can easily search for the appropriate filter.
The Freezer Temperature is Set Too Low
If your freezer temperature is too low (or too high), it can affect the production of ice and cause problems with the functioning of your Bosch ice maker.
How to Fix
If your freezer temperature is set lower than -20°C / -4°F, you should change the settings.
It can take 2-3 hours for the new settings to take effect, or longer if you have an older Bosch model. Once your refrigerator and freezer report the new temperatures, you can test your water dispenser to see if this has fixed the problem.
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve tried all the above and everything is in order, but your Bosch refrigerator ice maker won’t reset, you may have a deeper, routed electrical or mechanical problem that needs expert assistance from an appliance technician.
If your refrigerator is still under warranty, then you can contact your retailer or Bosch directly and arrange the repair through them.
FAQs
How do I manually reset my Bosch refrigerator ice maker?
Turn the refrigerator off at the mains power for at least 30 seconds (preferably closer to 10 minutes), then turn it back on.
Why is my Bosch ice maker not making ice?
There are numerous reasons, from an expired filter to jammed ice or a leak in the water line.
How do you reset the freezer on a Bosch refrigerator?
Turn the refrigerator off at the mains power for at least 30 seconds (preferably closer to 10 minutes), then turn it back on.
