How to reset KitchenAid side by side ice maker?
To reset the ice maker on your KitchenAid KSSC42FKS00 side-by-side refrigerator, cycle the ice maker off and back on, then let it run a full harvest cycle. When the reset takes, the ejector returns to its home position and the water valve refills the mold.
Quick reset steps (most common)
- Turn the ice maker OFF using the ice maker switch or arm.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn the ice maker ON.
- Close the freezer door and wait for the ice maker to complete a cycle.
- Listen for a brief water fill at the end of the cycle.
What you should see after a successful reset
A normal reset ends with the ice maker returning to “home,” then refilling. Use this checklist:
- Ejector/fingers rotate and stop in the home position
- Water fills the ice mold briefly (you may hear it)
- No grinding or repeated clicking
- Ice production resumes within the next few hours
If it still will not make ice
These are the most common causes on built-in side-by-side units like the KSSC42FKS00:
- Freezer temperature too warm (target about 0°F)
- Ice maker is jammed with cubes or frost
- Water supply is restricted (kinked line, low pressure, clogged filter)
- Ice maker module is failing
Parts that commonly affect ice production
| Symptom | What to check | Related part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| No ice, no cycling | Ice maker assembly | Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 |
| Small cubes or slow fill | Water filter restriction | Refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1 |
Why it matters
Resetting clears a stalled harvest cycle and confirms the ice maker can return to home and call for water. If it cycles but never refills, focus on the water supply and filtration first.
For model-specific access, shutoff, and water connection details, follow the installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my KitchenAid side by side refrigerator not making ice?
If your KitchenAid KSSC42FKS00 side-by-side refrigerator is not making ice, the most common causes are a kinked water supply line, a shutoff valve that is not fully open, or an ice maker that is not getting proper water flow. Start by restoring steady water pressure and confirming the ice maker is turned on.
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Make sure the ice maker switch or arm is in the ON position.
- Check the household shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect the water supply line behind the refrigerator for kinks or pinches; straighten it and avoid pushing the unit too far back.
- Replace an overdue water filter; a restricted filter can reduce flow to the ice maker.
- If the freezer is warm, ice production will stop; confirm the freezer is holding typical ice-making temps.
Parts that commonly affect ice production
If water flow is weak or intermittent, these model-compatible parts are common suspects:
- Refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1
- Refrigerator water tube W10823511
- Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943
- Refrigerator ice maker thermostat WP627985
What to expect after each fix
| What you changed | What should happen next | Typical wait time |
|---|---|---|
| Straightened water line, opened valve | Ice maker refills normally | Within a few hours |
| Replaced water filter | Stronger fill and better cube size | 12 to 24 hours |
| Replaced ice maker parts | Harvest and refill cycles resume | 12 to 24 hours |
Why it matters
Ice makers are very sensitive to water pressure and fill volume. Even a partially kinked line or a clogged filter can reduce flow enough that the mold never fills correctly, so you get no ice or very small cubes.
Model-specific guidance
For built-in units like the KSSC42FKS00, the water line can get pinched during installation or when the refrigerator is pushed back into the cabinet opening. Use the clearances and routing guidance in the installation guide to prevent repeat kinks and leaks.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace water filter on KitchenAid side by side refrigerator?
To replace the water filter in your KitchenAid KSSC42FKS00 side-by-side refrigerator, remove the old filter, insert the new one fully, then push in and twist clockwise until it stops. After installation, run water to clear air and carbon fines.
Before you start
- Use the correct replacement filter for KSSC42FKS00: refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1
- Have a towel ready for a few drips
- If your model has a filter door or grille, open it fully for access
- Plan to flush the dispenser after the swap
Step-by-step: replace the filter
- Dispense a little water (if available) to relieve pressure.
- Open the filter compartment.
- Turn the old filter counterclockwise (left) and pull it straight out.
- Remove any protective caps from the new filter.
- Insert the new filter, push it in, then twist clockwise (right) until it stops and feels locked.
- Close the filter door/cover.
After installation: flush and check
Run water through the dispenser to purge air and improve taste.
- Dispense and discard 2 to 4 gallons of water (or about 5 minutes of total dispensing)
- If water sputters, keep dispensing until the flow is steady
- Check the filter area for leaks for the next few hours
- If you see dripping, remove the filter and reinstall it firmly (it must be fully seated and locked)
Quick troubleshooting table
| Symptom after replacement | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water sputters | Air in the line | Keep dispensing until steady |
| Slow water flow | New filter not fully seated or filter is restricted | Reinstall filter; flush longer |
| Leaking at filter | O-ring not sealing or filter not locked | Remove and reinstall until it stops |
| Ice maker slow to refill | Air in line after filter change | Flush water; allow several hours |
Why it matters
A properly installed, fully seated filter helps protect the water system, improves water taste and odor, and supports normal ice maker fill and dispenser flow.
For model-specific access details (filter location and cover removal), use the installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with KitchenAid refrigerators?
Temperature inconsistency is the most common KitchenAid refrigerator problem we see, and on a built-in model like KitchenAid KSSC42FKS00 it is often tied to airflow, frost buildup, or a failing cooling fan. Ice maker issues and water leaks are also frequent and usually trace back to the water system.
Most common issues and what they usually point to
- Warm fridge or freezer, or temps swing up and down: restricted airflow, dirty condenser area, evaporator fan problem, or defrost system trouble
- No ice or slow ice production: ice maker assembly issue, water supply restriction, or temperature too warm for ice making
- Water leaking inside or under the unit: clogged defrost drain, cracked water tube, or loose connections
- Loud humming, rattling, or clicking: condenser fan or evaporator fan components contacting ice or debris
- Lights not working or door alarm behavior: door switch not closing consistently
Quick checks we recommend first (KSSC42FKS00)
- Confirm settings: freezer near 0°F and fresh food near 37°F.
- Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean dust from the condenser area (built-in units still need airflow).
- Look for frost buildup on the freezer back panel (a defrost issue can choke airflow).
- If you have a dispenser, purge air after filter changes and confirm strong water flow.
Parts that commonly solve these symptoms
If troubleshooting points to a specific failure, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
| Symptom | Common part to check/replace | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Temps warm or uneven | Defrost heater or defrost thermostat | Refrigerator heater WP2006750, refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 |
| Poor airflow, noise from freezer | Evaporator fan blade (and motor if needed) | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 |
| Bad taste, slow water, dispenser issues after time | Water filter and related housing/cap | Refrigerator water filter EDR5RXD1, refrigerator water filter cap (black) WP2186494B |
| No ice | Ice maker assembly | Ice maker assembly - refrigerator ice maker by whirlpool 4317943 |
Why it matters
When temperature control or airflow is off, food quality drops quickly and the compressor can run longer than normal. Catching a fan, defrost, or water-supply problem early helps protect the sealed system and keeps ice and water working reliably.
Helpful DIY guidance
Last updated: February 2026





