Finding and Using the Reset Button on Your Frigidaire Refrigerator

Where the Reset Button Actually Is

The reset button on a Frigidaire refrigerator is almost always inside the fridge, not on the back or side. Look on the upper right wall of the refrigerator compartment, near the ceiling. It is a small red or black button, often recessed slightly into the plastic so you do not accidentally press it while reaching for food. On some models it sits behind the top shelf or in a corner where the wall meets the ceiling.

If you cannot find it in the upper right, check the upper left corner — placement varies by model year and cabinet style. A few Frigidaire models place the reset button on the control panel at the top front of the fridge, but this is less common. Your model number (found on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back wall) will tell you exactly where yours is; you can search that number plus "reset button" to see a photo of your specific unit.

Do not confuse the reset button with the ice maker shut-off arm — that is a metal lever on the side of the ice maker bucket, and pushing it stops ice production but does not reset anything. The true reset button is smaller, usually plastic, and recessed into the wall.

Key Takeaways

• The reset button on most Frigidaire refrigerators is located on the upper right interior wall of the fridge compartment, near the ceiling.
• You may need to remove the top shelf or reach behind it to access the button, depending on your model.
• Pressing the reset button stops the compressor and clears error codes, but it does not erase your temperature settings or food.
• A reset takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete; the compressor will restart on its own once the timer finishes.
• If your fridge still does not cool after a reset, the problem is likely mechanical and requires a service call.

Why You Might Need to Press the Reset Button

A reset clears error codes that appear on the display panel and stops the compressor temporarily. This is useful when your fridge has been without power (after an outage or unplugging), when the control board has frozen up, or when you see an error message like "H" or "E" on the screen. Pressing reset does not erase your temperature settings, ice maker status, or any food — it simply restarts the cooling cycle.

Many people reset their Frigidaire when the fridge is running but not cooling properly, or when the ice maker has stopped working. A reset can fix temporary glitches caused by power surges or brief outages. However, if the fridge still does not cool after a reset, the problem is likely a failed compressor, thermostat, or refrigerant leak — something that requires a technician.

How to Press the Reset Button Safely

First, unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it. Wait 5 minutes. This clears any residual power from the control board and gives the compressor time to depressurize. Plugging it back in immediately after unplugging can damage the compressor.

Next, locate the reset button using the steps above. You may need to remove the top shelf to reach it comfortably. Press and hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds, then release. You should hear a click or feel the button engage. Do not force it — if it does not move easily, you may have the wrong button.

Plug the fridge back in or turn the breaker back on. The compressor will not start immediately; it will wait 5 to 10 minutes before running again. This delay is normal and protects the compressor. During this time, the display may show a blank screen or a code. Once the timer expires, the compressor will start and the fridge will begin cooling again.

What Happens After You Reset

After a reset, your temperature dial settings remain exactly where you left them. The fridge will not suddenly switch to a different temperature. Your ice maker will resume making ice if it was on before the reset. Any food inside stays fresh — a reset does not defrost anything or change the internal environment.

The compressor will run normally once the 5 to 10 minute delay ends. You may hear it kick on with a hum or a slight vibration. If you see water dripping inside the fridge during the first hour after reset, that is condensation from the restart cycle and is not a problem. Wipe it up if it bothers you, but it will evaporate on its own.

When a Reset Does Not Fix the Problem

If your Frigidaire still does not cool after a reset, or if it cools for a few hours and then stops, the issue is not a simple glitch. Common causes include a failed compressor (the motor that pumps refrigerant), a broken thermostat (the sensor that tells the fridge when to run), or a refrigerant leak (which means the cooling fluid has escaped and cannot be replaced without professional help).

Another possibility is a frozen evaporator coil — the part inside the fridge that absorbs heat. If ice builds up on this coil, airflow stops and the fridge warms up. A reset will not unfreeze it. You would need to unplug the fridge for 24 hours to let it thaw, or call a technician to clear the blockage.

If the reset button does not click or does not seem to do anything, the control board itself may be damaged. In that case, you will need a service visit to replace the board or the button assembly.

Resetting Without Finding the Button

If you cannot locate the reset button after checking both upper corners and behind the top shelf, you can perform a power reset instead. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then plug it back in. Wait another 5 to 10 minutes for the compressor to restart. This achieves the same result as pressing the button — it clears error codes and restarts the cooling cycle.

A power reset is also the safest option if you are uncomfortable reaching into the fridge or if the button is in an awkward spot. It takes longer than pressing the button, but it works just as well for most common problems.

Finding Your Model Number for Exact Instructions

Your Frigidaire model number is printed on a white or silver sticker inside the refrigerator compartment, usually on the upper right wall or on the back wall near the top. It looks like "FFTR1814TW" or similar — a mix of letters and numbers. Write this number down or take a photo.

Search online for "[your model number] reset button" or "[your model number] manual" to see a diagram or photo of your exact fridge. The manual will show you where the button is and what error codes mean. You can also call Frigidaire customer service with your model number; they can walk you through the reset process over the phone if you are stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pressing the reset button erase my temperature settings?

No. The reset button restarts the compressor and clears error codes, but it does not change your temperature dial or any other settings. Your fridge will return to the same temperature you set it to before the reset.

How long does it take for the fridge to cool again after a reset?

The compressor will wait 5 to 10 minutes before starting, then it takes another 30 minutes to an hour for the fridge to return to its normal temperature. If it is still warm after 2 hours, the reset did not fix the problem.

Can I reset my Frigidaire while it is plugged in?

You can press the button while plugged in, but it is safer to unplug first and wait 5 minutes. This protects the compressor from damage caused by sudden power changes. Always unplug before a reset if your fridge has been without power or if you see an error code.

What if the reset button is stuck or will not click?

Do not force it. A stuck button usually means the control board is damaged or the button assembly needs replacement. Perform a power reset instead — unplug for 10 minutes, then plug back in. If that does not work, contact a technician.

Is there a reset button on the ice maker?

No. The ice maker has an on/off arm (a metal lever on the side of the bucket), but no separate reset button. If your ice maker is not working, reset the whole fridge using the button in the upper right corner of the compartment.