how do i get the stupid 'clean' light to turn off on my frigidaire ice machine? i already ran vinegar through it.

Diagnosis

The "Clean" indicator on the Frigidaire EFIC189 is not triggered by a sensor that detects mineral buildup or dirty water; rather, it is a programmable timer based on a cycle of approximately 30 days of operation. Because the machine cannot "see" that you have already run a vinegar solution through the system, the light will remain illuminated until the internal logic board receives a specific manual reset command. This is a common point of frustration for users who assume the light functions like a "check engine" light on a car. In reality, it is a simple countdown clock. If you have already performed the cleaning cycle but the light persists, it is simply because the timer hasn't been told that the maintenance is complete. You can confirm this by noticing that the light stays on regardless of how clear the water is or how many times you drain the reservoir.

How to Fix It

To clear the "Clean" alert and reset the 30-day maintenance timer on the EFIC189, follow these exact steps:

1. Ensure the machine is plugged into a grounded outlet and powered on. The unit must be in its standard standby state—it should not be in the middle of an active "Self-Cleaning" cycle.
2. Locate the "Clean" button on the top control panel.
3. Press and hold the "Clean" button firmly for exactly 5 to 8 seconds. Do not just tap the button; a sustained hold is required to trigger the reset.
4. Watch the LED indicator. The "Clean" light will typically flash three times or blink rapidly to acknowledge the command.
5. Release the button once the light disappears completely.
6. Verify that the machine returns to its normal "Ice" production mode. The timer is now reset to zero and will not reappear for another month of usage.

If That Didn't Work

If the light refuses to turn off after the manual reset, try these alternative troubleshooting steps:

• Hard Power Cycle: Unplug the EFIC189 from the wall outlet for at least 10 full minutes. This drains the capacitors on the control board and forces the firmware to reboot. Plug it back in and immediately attempt the "Clean" button hold (5-8 seconds) before the machine enters its first cooling cycle.
• Sequence Reset: Some firmware versions of the EFIC189 require the machine to be empty before resetting. Drain all water from the reservoir, remove the ice basket, and then hold the "Clean" button. If the sensors detect water in the tray, some units block the reset command to prevent accidental resets during a cycle.
• The 'Clean Cycle' Completion: If you ran vinegar through the machine manually (pouring it in) rather than using the "Self-Cleaning" function, the machine may still be waiting for the automated cycle to finish. Press the "Clean" button once to start the official automated cleaning mode. Let the entire 15-20 minute cycle run to completion. The light often will not reset unless the board registers that the automated pump sequence was fully executed.
• Button Contact Issue: Check the bezel around the "Clean" button. If ice frost or mineral scale has built up around the edge of the button, it may not be depressing fully enough to trigger the 5-second hold. Use a damp cloth to clean the panel and ensure the button clicks firmly.

Heads Up

• Vinegar Ratio: When cleaning, use a mixture of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts water. Using straight vinegar can degrade the internal seals and silicone tubing over time.
• Rinse Cycle: Always run two full cycles of plain filtered water after a vinegar clean. If you don't, the nugget ice will have a lingering acidic taste that is difficult to remove.
• Water Quality: To extend the time between deep cleans and prevent scale buildup on the evaporator pin, use bottled or filtered water rather than hard tap water.
• Avoid Soap: Never use dish soap or detergents inside the reservoir. This will cause the machine to over-foam, which can leak into the electronics and permanently kill the control board.