How to Reset a Refrigerator

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Sometimes you may need to reset your refrigerator.
Image Credit: gerenme/iStock/GettyImages

The refrigerator is one of the hardest working appliances in the entire house. It gets used daily and almost hourly in busy households with many hungry residents. A refrigerator doesn't require much maintenance, but when it beeps or flashes warnings on its display, it can need some attention. Changing out the water filter, cleaning coils or checking door statuses can fix issues with these appliances. There are a few ways to reset a refrigerator to ensure it continues to work properly.

Advertisement

Reset a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Video of the Day

Changing out the water filter keeps the ice cubes tasting fresh and the ice maker in good working order. A KitchenAid refrigerator water filter change can also create an issue with the appliance. Each time that the water filter is removed and replaced with a fresh one, you need to reset the KitchenAid refrigerator.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

According to KitchenAid, the filter status light can be reset by pressing the filter reset button on the display and holding it until the light turns off. This will reset the refrigerator's system.

You can also press the water filter button for three seconds. Hold the water filter button on the KitchenAid refrigerator until the icon on the display turns blue. The "replace filter" warning should then disappear from the refrigerator's display.

Advertisement

Reset an LG Refrigerator

Most refrigerators, including the LG line of appliances, can be reset the same way. Consult the owner's manual if it's not clear on the refrigerator's display what button to push. More than likely, the appliance needs to be reset after changing out the water filter or if the doors have been left open for too long and the fridge's interior has heated up.

Advertisement

The LG refrigerator needs to have its water filter changed regularly. The small item does a big job in the appliance. To reset an LG refrigerator after removing and replacing the water filter, simply press and hold the flashing button for a minimum of three seconds.

Refrigerator Doesn’t Cool Properly

Limp vegetables, curdled milk or tepid deli meat can not only be unappetizing but hazardous to your health. When the contents of the refrigerator are suffering from a less-than-ideal environment inside the refrigerator, more than likely the fridge is not able to reach the correct temperature. If the refrigerator isn't cooling properly after a reset, Repair Clinic suggests trying a few troubleshooting efforts.

Advertisement

Clean the condenser coils. The condenser coils are typically located under the main frame of the appliance. When they become caked with dirt, dust and grease that can build up quickly in a year, then the refrigerator may not function properly. Clean them with a damp cloth dipped in a mix of 1 tablespoon of mild dishwashing liquid and 1 quart of hot water.

Check the temperature control thermostat. This little hardworking part of the appliance directs voltage to the evaporator fan motor and compressor. When it isn't working well, it can cause the refrigerant system to cease working. Move the thermostat from highest to lowest and listen for a click to ensure it is in good working order. If there is no clicking sound, then call a professional to fix the fridge.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...