How to Reset Your Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator

What a Reset Does and When You Need One

A reset on a Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator restores the control panel and internal systems to their factory settings. This clears any error codes, stops alarm sounds, and returns temperature settings to the defaults the manufacturer programmed in. You do not lose your food or damage the refrigerator by resetting it.

Reset when the display shows an error code you cannot clear, when the ice maker or water dispenser stops working without obvious cause, when the alarm sounds continuously, or when you have changed settings and want to start fresh. A reset is also the first troubleshooting step Frigidaire recommends before calling for service.

The reset process takes less than five minutes and requires no tools. You will use either the control panel buttons or the circuit breaker, depending on your model year and which reset method works best for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Most Frigidaire side-by-side models reset through a dedicated reset button on the control panel, usually labeled "Reset" or "Ice Off/Reset."
• If your model has no reset button, turn off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator for five minutes, then turn it back on.
• After a reset, the display may show a startup sequence or brief error codes—this is normal and clears within seconds.
• Temperature settings return to 37°F for the refrigerator section and 0°F for the freezer after a reset, so adjust them back to your preference.
• If an error code returns immediately after reset, the refrigerator may have a sensor or component failure that requires service.

Locating and Using the Reset Button

Open the refrigerator door and look at the control panel on the inside of the door or on the wall above the shelves. Frigidaire labels the reset button clearly on most models made in the last ten years. The button is usually called "Reset," "Ice Off/Reset," or "Reset All." On some models it appears as a small recessed button you press with a pen or straightened paperclip; on others it is a standard push button.

Press and hold the reset button for three to five seconds. You will hear a beep or see the display blink. Release the button and wait ten seconds. The control panel may cycle through a startup sequence, showing numbers or brief error codes—this is the refrigerator reinitializing and is not a problem. Within thirty seconds, the display should return to normal and show the current temperature or time.

If you cannot find a reset button after checking both the refrigerator and freezer doors, your model may use the circuit breaker method instead. Check your owner's manual by searching "Frigidaire [your model number] manual" online—most manufacturers post PDFs for free on their website.

Using the Circuit Breaker to Reset

If your Frigidaire has no reset button, or if pressing the reset button does not clear the error, turn off power using the circuit breaker. Locate your home's electrical panel and find the breaker labeled for the kitchen or refrigerator circuit. Flip the switch to the OFF position.

Leave the breaker off for five minutes. This allows the refrigerator's internal systems to fully discharge and reset. After five minutes, flip the breaker back to ON. The refrigerator will restart, and you may hear the compressor hum as it powers up. The display will cycle through its startup sequence, which may take ten to twenty seconds.

Do not unplug the refrigerator instead of using the breaker unless the outlet is damaged or inaccessible. Using the breaker is safer and more reliable because it cuts power cleanly without the risk of a loose plug connection.

What Happens to Your Settings After Reset

A reset returns the refrigerator and freezer to their factory default temperatures: 37°F for the refrigerator section and 0°F for the freezer. If you had adjusted these temperatures before the reset, you will need to set them again. Use the temperature buttons on the control panel to raise or lower the settings to your preference—most households keep the refrigerator between 35°F and 38°F and the freezer at 0°F or below.

Any custom settings you made, such as ice maker on or off, water dispenser mode, or door alarm volume, will also return to the factory defaults. If you had turned off the ice maker to save energy or because of a problem, it will turn back on after the reset. Check these settings and adjust them again if needed.

The reset does not erase any stored information like your preferred temperature history or usage data on newer models with smart features. It only resets the active control settings and clears error codes from the display.

Clearing Error Codes and Understanding What They Mean

Error codes appear as letters or numbers on the display—common ones include "Er," "E1," "E2," "dE," or "FF." These codes tell you which part of the refrigerator is having a problem. A reset clears the code from the display, but if the underlying problem still exists, the code will return within minutes or hours.

If an error code comes back after you reset, write down the exact code and check your owner's manual or search Frigidaire's support website for that specific code. Common codes point to sensor failures, door switch problems, or ice maker issues. Some of these can be fixed by checking that the door closes fully or that nothing is blocking the ice maker. Others require a technician to replace a part.

If the code does not return, the reset solved the problem—often a temporary glitch in the control board. If it returns within a few hours, the refrigerator likely has a component that needs service.

Troubleshooting When Reset Does Not Work

If the display does not respond after you press the reset button, make sure you are pressing the correct button and holding it long enough. Some models require a ten-second hold. If the button feels stuck or does not click, do not force it—use the circuit breaker method instead.

If the circuit breaker method does not work, check that you turned off the correct breaker. The refrigerator should stop humming and the display should go dark when you flip the breaker off. If it stays on, you have the wrong breaker. Check the panel label or test by flipping breakers one at a time until the refrigerator powers down.

After the reset, if the display remains blank or shows only a dim light, the control panel itself may be faulty. If an error code returns within seconds of a successful reset, a sensor or component is likely failing. In either case, contact a Frigidaire service center or a local refrigerator repair technician. Provide them with your model number (found on a sticker inside the refrigerator, usually on the back wall or under a shelf) and the error code if one appears.

Preventing the Need for Future Resets

Most resets are triggered by temporary power glitches, accidental button presses, or a door left open too long. To reduce how often you need to reset, keep the refrigerator door closed except when taking food in or out. A door left open for more than a few minutes can trigger temperature alarms and confuse the control board.

If your home has frequent power outages or voltage fluctuations, consider plugging the refrigerator into a surge protector designed for appliances. This protects the control board from electrical spikes that can cause error codes. Do not use a standard power strip—use a heavy-duty surge protector rated for refrigerators.

Check the owner's manual once a year to remind yourself where the reset button is and how to use it. Keeping the manual in a kitchen drawer means you can reference it quickly if a problem comes up, rather than searching online in a moment of frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my refrigerator erase the ice maker settings?

Yes. A reset returns the ice maker to its factory default state, which is usually ON. If you had turned it off, you will need to turn it off again after the reset. Check your control panel for an "Ice Off" or "Ice Maker" button and press it to disable the ice maker if you prefer.

How long does it take for the refrigerator to cool back down after a reset?

The compressor starts immediately after power returns, and the refrigerator should reach its set temperature within two to four hours. During this time, the display may show the current temperature climbing or dropping as the system stabilizes. Do not open the door more than necessary during this period.

Can I reset the refrigerator while food is inside?

Yes. A reset does not affect the food or cause it to thaw. The compressor keeps running, and the temperature stays cold throughout the reset process. You can reset at any time without removing groceries.

What if the same error code appears after I reset twice?

If the code returns after two resets, the problem is likely a faulty sensor or component, not a temporary glitch. Write down the error code and contact Frigidaire customer service or a local repair technician. Provide your model number and the code so they can diagnose the issue before you schedule a service visit.

Does a reset use a lot of electricity?

No. A reset uses no more electricity than normal operation. The refrigerator does not run longer or work harder after a reset. If anything, clearing an error code that was causing the compressor to cycle abnormally may slightly reduce energy use.