Most people are not aware that after you change your refrigerator water filter, there are two additional steps that should be taken to properly complete the water filter change.
Step 1: Reset your refrigerator water filter change light
Most new refrigerators now come equipped with an indicator light that notifies you when it is time to change your water filter. This light does not automatically reset when you change your water filter and the light must be manually reset.
Here is a list of refrigerator manufacturers and how to reset the filter change indicator light:
Amana– Press and hold the Auto and Dispenser Lock buttons until the water filter status indicator light flashes.
Frigidaire– Press and Hold the Reset Button Until the Indicator Light Flashes.
GE General Electric– Press and Hold the Reset Button for around 8 Seconds.
HotPoint– Press and Hold the Reset Button for around 8 Seconds.
Jenn-Air– Press and Hold The Water and Lock Buttons until the Water Filter light flashes.
Kitchen Aid– Press and Release the Light Button 5 times Quickly.
Maytag– Press and Hold The Light and Lock Buttons until the Water Filter light flashes.
Samsung– Press and Hold the Ice Type and Child Lock Buttons at the same time for 3 seconds.
Whirlpool– Press and Release the Light Button 5 times Quickly.
Step 2: Flush a couple of gallons of water through your new filter
Since refrigerator water filters are made of carbon, some carbon residue is present in the first gallon or two of water. This will not harm you but may leave a bitter taste and residue in your water. If you continue to have these problems after flushing a couple of gallons through the filter, it is possible that you have a defective water filter.
Once these two steps are completed, you are all set to enjoy great tasting ice and water through your refrigerator. If you don’t see your manufacturer listed or the instructions don’t work for your model please post a comment with your make and model number so that we can provide exact instructions for your model.
Katie says
Hi Bonnie,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Filters typically do not affect the refrigerator’s on/off cycles. That function is mostly a response to the temperature the refrigerator is set to. Perhaps the temperature was accidentally lowered during installation. For additional assistance, we would recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer.
Katie says
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Water that goes through the filter is typically routed to both the dispenser and ice maker. We would recommend removing the filter and reinstalling it using the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have the old filter you may install it to see if the problem persists. If so, the issue may be with the water sending unit also known as the water valve. We would recommend reaching out to the manufacturer for technical support.
Katie says
Hi Bridget,
The filter change indicator light is normally on a timer. These have to be manually reset. The reset instructions for GE are “Press and Hold the Reset Button for around 8 Seconds.” If this does not apply to your model we would recommend reviewing the owner’s manual to confirm the reset instructions.
Katie says
Hi Michelle,
If your model is equipped with a water filter indicator on the display, press and hold the FILTER button or RESET button for approximately 5 seconds to reset the filter indicator. If this does not apply to your model we would recommend reviewing the owner’s manual to confirm the reset instructions.
Katie says
Hi Billie,
The instructions for Frigidaire are to “Press and Hold the Reset Button Until the Indicator Light Flashes”. If this does not work we would recommend reviewing the owner’s manual for your model. The reset instructions may be different for your particular unit.
Katie says
Graham,
We recommend consulting your owners manual or the manufacturer’s website to find the location of the filter reset button.