Question 1

the ice tastes kinda plasticky or funny even after multiple cleanings. how do i get rid of that?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: That's usually a combination of new machine "smell" and sanitizer residue from manufacturing, clinging to the internal food-grade tubing and plastic parts. FIX: Run several clean cycles, but don't use just vinegar. For taste, you need to use a citric acid-based cleaner made for ice machines and coffee makers (like Dezcal or similar). Mix it the package directions, fill the reservoir, and run a clean cycle. Then, run 2-3 cycles with just fresh water to flush it all through. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The charcoal filter in the water reservoir might be the source of the taste if it's sat dry for a long time or is defective. Remove the filter (it's in the lid of the reservoir) and run the machine without it temporarily to see if the taste changes. HEADS UP: Avoid using baking soda or strong-smelling cleaners. The plastic and silicone inside can absorb those odors and make the problem worse. Stick with citric acid or approved ice machine cleaners.

Question 2

water is leaking from the bottom of my nugget ice maker, not a lot but a constant small puddle.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: Water is escaping from the internal circulation system. The most common culprit is a cracked or misaligned drain tube connection. FIX: Unplug and empty the machine. Tilt it back and remove the bottom access panel (same one you check for power). Look for a clear, flexible silicone tube—that's the drain tube. Trace it from the pump area to where it drains. Check for any cracks, kinks, or if it's become disconnected from its nipple. Re-seat it firmly if loose. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The leak could be from the water reservoir itself. Inspect the bottom of the plastic reservoir for hairline cracks, especially around the handle or the base where it seats. HEADS UP: Don't ignore a small leak. Water inside the electronics compartment is what eventually kills these machines. Find and fix the source before using it again.

Question 3

it says it makes 24 lbs a day but mine seems super slow, like it takes hours to fill the basket once.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The 24-pound rating is under ideal lab conditions (70°F room temp, 60°F water). In a warmer home with tap water, output drops significantly. FIX: Maximize your output by controlling the variables you can. Use cold tap water or, better yet, refrigerated water in the reservoir. Ensure the room is as cool as possible (under 80°F) and the machine isn't near a heat source. Also, keep the ice bin empty-ish. It slows down when the bin is nearly full because the ice insulates the chamber. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The water pump might be weakening or the condenser coils (behind the black grille on the back) could be dusty, causing overheating and slower cycles. Unplug, vacuum the back vents gently, and ensure there's plenty of air space behind the unit. HEADS UP: The first batch after startup or a cleaning cycle always takes the longest—like 15-20 minutes. It's not broken, it's just initializing. Judge the speed on subsequent cycles.

Question 4

just set it up but it won't turn on at all, no lights, nothing. checked the outlet and it's fine.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: Power isn't getting to the control board. On this model, there's a known quirk with the power cord connection inside the unit. FIX: Unplug it from the wall. Tilt the machine back and look at the bottom. You'll see a small, rectangular access panel held by a couple of Phillips-head screws. Remove that panel. Inside, you'll see where the power cord connects to the main unit—it's a simple plug. Make sure that connection is fully seated and secure. Reattach the panel, plug it into the wall, and try again. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The internal fuse on the control board might be blown. This requires opening the main cabinet and is a more involved repair, likely needing a service technician. HEADS UP: This often happens during shipping or rough handling. That internal cord connection can come loose pretty easily. It's the first thing to check before assuming the unit is dead.

Question 5

my efmic189 is making a really loud grinding or buzzing noise when it tries to make ice. sounds bad.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: That's usually the auger—the corkscrew that moves the ice—grinding against something, either a frozen-over evaporator or a foreign object. FIX: Unplug the machine immediately. Open the ice bin and look inside the ice chute. Use a flashlight to see if there's a piece of ice jammed in the auger or if you can see any obvious obstruction. If you see something, try to carefully remove it with long tweezers or pliers (not your fingers). IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The evaporator coil is likely frozen solid around the auger. You'll need a full manual defrost. Unplug, empty the bin and water reservoir, and let the unit sit warm and open for at least 24 hours. Then plug it back in and start a clean cycle. HEADS UP: Don't force it or keep it plugged in when it makes this noise. You can permanently damage the auger motor. If it's frozen, the 24-hour thaw is non-negotiable.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The clean indicator is on a timer, not a sensor. It turns on after 30 days of use as a reminder, and you have to manually reset it after cleaning. FIX: With the machine plugged in and in standby mode (not actively making ice), press and hold the "Clean" button for 3-5 seconds. You'll see the clean light flash and then turn off. That's it. The timer is now reset for another 30 days. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: If holding the button does nothing, the unit might be in a different mode. Make sure there's no active error code (like a blinking blue light) first. Clear any error by checking water supply, then try the reset again. HEADS UP: Yeah, this one's common. doesn't make the "hold to reset" part super clear. Just pressing the button starts the clean cycle, but holding it is the separate reset function for the light.

Question 7

the ice maker is running but the ice comes out super thin and slushy, not those solid nuggets. what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: The freezing cycle is getting interrupted, so the ice isn't forming completely. This is almost always a temperature problem. FIX: Check the ambient temperature around the unit. This machine needs to be in a room that's between 50°F and 90°F. If it's in a garage, shed, or next to a hot appliance like an oven, move it to a cooler, stable spot. Also, make sure there's at least 5 inches of clearance on all sides, especially the back, for proper airflow. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The issue could be internal. The evaporator might be freezing over. Unplug it, let it thaw completely for 24 hours, then run a clean cycle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to clear any mineral buildup affecting the cooling system. HEADS UP: Don't just add more water thinking it'll help. An overfilled reservoir can actually contribute to the slush problem by lowering the overall temperature in the ice-making chamber.

Question 8

my frigidaire nugget ice maker just started blinking a blue light and won't make ice, what's that mean?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS: That's the machine telling you it's either out of water or the water inlet is blocked. The blue LED is its status indicator for a water supply issue. FIX: First, check the reservoir—make sure it's filled to the MAX line with cold water. If it is, the issue is likely in the inlet. Unplug the unit, pull out the reservoir, and check the small round filter screen on the bottom where it seats. It gets clogged with mineral deposits. Rinse it under warm water and gently scrub it with a soft brush or your finger to clear any gunk. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The water pump itself might have failed or gotten an air lock. After refilling the reservoir, try tilting the whole machine forward about 45 degrees and then back to help prime the pump, then plug it back in. HEADS UP: This model is picky about water quality. Using filtered water isn't just for taste—it seriously cuts down on these clogs and extends the life of the internal parts.

Frigidaire EFIC189 Compact Nugget Ice Maker

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