How to Turn a KitchenAid Refrigerator On/Off [Detailed Guide]

This article explains how to turn a KitchenAid refrigerator on/off. Learn the steps to take to turn the appliance off safely or turn it on when required.

how to turn a KitchenAid refrigerator on/off
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Table of Contents

How to Turn Off a KitchenAid Refrigerator

There are two ways to turn off a Kitchenaid refrigerator. One quick way is to disconnect it from the electric power. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet or power down the circuit breaker. Doing either of these cuts the power supply to the entire refrigerator, including the water dispenser and ice maker.

However, you can turn off the cooling function if you want to turn off your KitchenAid refrigerator without unplugging it. Your refrigerator model determines the specific steps to turn the function off, but some models have a dedicated button for Cooling Off. And once the cooling function goes off, the refrigerator stops cooling and remains off, although the water dispenser and lights may keep working.

If your refrigerator does not have a dedicated button for turning the cooling function off, locate the Measured Fill and Lock buttons on the control panel. Press the buttons simultaneously and hold them for about three seconds. The Cooling Off icon should light up to indicate that the refrigerator’s cooling function is off.

It is best to consult your refrigerator’s user manual to determine the exact steps for turning the cooling function off or on again. Some models may have other buttons that control the function apart from the Measured Fill and Lock buttons.

You can also use the thermostat to shut the cooling off in the refrigerator. The thermostat determines the temperature setting for models without a digital panel or cooling function. Turn the knob on the thermostat to the Off position to stop the cooling in the unit. This turns off the refrigerator, including the compressor and fans.

Important Note

Some refrigerator models have an On/Off switch at the top that controls the power. If you have a KitchenAid refrigerator model with a decorative cover at the top, lift the cover off by grabbing both ends and lifting it off the pins. Once off, you will see the power switch to turn the unit on or off. 

How to Turn a KitchenAid Refrigerator On/Off – Turn Cooling On

Use the Measured Fill and Lock buttons to turn on the cooling function in your KitchenAid refrigerator. Simultaneously press both buttons and hold them until the icon is no longer lit and the cooling function resumes in the refrigerator. It is even easier if there is a Cooling Off button on the control panel. 

Press and hold the button as instructed in the user manual to activate the function. There may also be other button combinations for turning on the function for your specific model, so check the manual or online manuals for further assistance.

How to Turn Off the Replace Filter Light on a KitchenAid Refrigerator

You must reset the filter status light to turn it off. This applies whenever you replace the water filter after the status light reminds you to replace it. Sometimes, you may replace it before the light comes on, and in such a situation, you may not need to reset the light. However, follow the reset steps in the user manual to fix the filter light if it turns orange or blinks red.

There are several ways to reset the Replace Filter light on KitchenAid refrigerators. Some models have a dedicated button for this purpose, while others have button combinations for resetting the lights. Check out this article on how to turn off the Replace Filter light on a Kitchenaid refrigerator if your manual is not readily available and there is no online material.

How to Turn Off the Ice Maker in a KitchenAid Fridge

Some KitchenAid fridge ice makers have a power switch to turn the machine on and off. If you own a side-by-side model, look for a power switch on the top right of the freezer section. Move the switch to the right or to the Off position to turn off the ice maker. You can check the user manual for specific instructions for controlling the ice maker.

For other models, use the wire shut-off arm to turn the machine off. You will find it by the side of the ice maker. The shut-off automatically moves down to turn on the ice maker when it is time to make ice or up to turn off the ice maker after an ice-making cycle. However, you can manually move the arm up or to the Off position to turn the machine in the middle of a cycle. Ensure you hear a click when you lift the arm; that tells you the ice maker is off.

How to Turn On KitchenAid Fridge Ice Maker

Follow the same steps above in reverse order to turn on the ice maker in your KitchenAid fridge. For side-by-side models with a power switch to the top right of the freezer, move the switch to the left to turn on the ice maker. The switch is clearly marked to tell you which way to move when you need to turn it on or off.

Other models use the wire shut-off arm to turn the ice maker on; simply move it to the down position to get the ice maker into its production mode. Ensure you hear a click indicating the ice maker is on when you bring the arm down. Otherwise, the ice maker may not kick into action.

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How to Turn On the Sabbath Mode on a KitchenAid Refrigerator

You may find a Sabbath mode button on the control panel of your KitchenAid refrigerator. However, not every model has this button or feature. If your model has a Sabbath mode, locate the button or consult the user manual for specific instructions concerning the mode. 

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You can also follow the instructions in this article on how to turn on the Sabbath mode on a KitchenAid refrigerator to turn the mode on and off. Follow the same steps to turn off the Sabbath mode on your KitchenAid refrigerator.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Sabbath Mode Won’t Turn Off – Solved

If the Sabbath mode will not turn off, press and hold the button combinations for a longer time. The combinations may differ by model, so your user manual should have the details to guide you. After about ten seconds, release the buttons and see if the refrigerator exits the mode. The dispenser functions and lights should resume operations if the process is successful.

However, if the problem persists, disconnect the refrigerator from the electric power for about two minutes and reconnect it. Press the buttons again and wait for a response. The refrigerator should return to normal if it is successful. Otherwise, the dispenser user interface control board is faulty and needs a replacement.

Kitchenaid Refrigerator Turning On and Off – How to Fix

If your KitchenAid refrigerator turns on and off without any visible cause, it may be that it is overheating. Too much heat affects its cooling capacity, and the compressor shuts itself down as a protective measure. You must determine whether or not the compressor is faulty. Also, check the condenser fan to see if it is working.

1. Power Supply

Before checking the problem of overheating, check the power supply. The refrigerator may not get an adequate voltage supply, causing it to turn on and off. Ensure the refrigerator’s power cord is fully connected to the wall outlet. You have difficulty reaching the power cord for some built-in models, so find an assistant to help you move the appliance for proper inspection.

This step may look simple and ridiculous, but you may be amazed at how many refrigerator problems it has solved. And while checking the power connection, check the power cord for damage, such as fraying or loose prongs. This may be another cause of the refrigerator turning on and off.

If the power cord looks frayed or damaged in any way, leave the appliance off and call an electrician or appliance technician. Also, check the power outlet to see if it looks burnt or damaged. The technician is in the best position to test the outlet and determine if it delivers enough voltage for the refrigerator.

Keep the appliance plugged into a dedicated outlet or extension. Refrigerators require a lot of voltage, and connecting them to a shared circuit may affect their performance. You may want to mention it to the electrician for proper inspection.

Another power supply aspect to check is the breaker box. If the power cord and wall outlet are in good working condition, the power supply issue may come from a damaged fuse in the breaker box. A damaged fuse may result from using too many heavy appliances on the same circuit. However, replacing the fuse is easy, but you must determine if it is damaged. Have an electrician test and replace it if necessary.

2. Problems with Overheating

The first part to check after the power supply is the condenser coils. The coils transfer heat out of the refrigerating system and are at the bottom back of the refrigerator. Since the coils are directly connected to the compressor and are close to it, their heat can affect the motor. A significant amount of dirt on the condenser coils restricts the effective transfer of heat into the atmosphere, affecting the condensing unit.

The solution is simple; disconnect the refrigerator from the electric power and move it away from the surrounding walls. Remove the access panel at the bottom back to access the coils. Some models may have the condenser coils closer to the base grill at the front. Consult the refrigerator’s manual for the location.

Use a condenser coil cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and debris from the coils. Repeat this cleaning every six to twelve months to prevent the coils from becoming too dirty. Dirt insulates them and prevents the heat from leaving, which compromises the cooling capacity. Consequently, the compressor runs too long and wears out, causing the refrigerator to turn on and off.

Ensure the condenser fan runs to keep the coils and compressor from overheating. Turn the blade by hand to check its functionality. If the blade is stiff, it may indicate a fault with the fan’s motor. But if it turns well, test the motor with a multimeter to check its continuity. Replace the motor or the entire fan assembly if there is no continuity or the fan stops working.

3. Faulty Defrost Timer

The defrost timer controls the defrosting cycles in a refrigerator. It advances the system in and out of the cycles to keep the refrigerator from freezing. However, a faulty defrost timer can trigger the refrigerator to turn on and off. It interferes with the cooling cycle and compromises how well the appliance cools.

The timer’s location depends on the model, but you can determine it from the user manual. It should be on the temperature control housing inside the refrigerator section or at the back of the appliance. 

Turn the timer in the only direction it will go and wait for the refrigerator to advance in or out of a defrost cycle. If there is no response, consider replacing the timer. But if the refrigerator responds, test the continuity of the timer using a multimeter. Replace the timer if you find no continuity.

4. Defective Temperature Control Thermostat

The thermostat controls the cooling system, providing voltage when the system needs to run to cool the refrigerator. It works with a sensor to inform the control board to send voltage when necessary. But the thermostat can become defective due to moisture, bad contacts, or age.

Bad contacts in the thermostat can cause the refrigerator to turn on and off. If that is the case, it is best to replace the thermostat or have an appliance technician check the contacts to see if the problem is fixable. Otherwise, see if the thermostat works enough to control the refrigerator.

Turn the knob from its current position to the Off position. Typically, the refrigerator should turn off when the thermostat is set to Off. Turn it on again and see if the refrigerator resumes operations. If it responds, it means the thermostat is defective, and you may want to replace it. Try turning the appliance off and on again with the thermostat knob abd monitor its response. If the refrigerator kicks into action again, replace the thermostat.

5. Malfunctioning Compressor

If nothing else works and the refrigerator keeps turning on and off, you may have a malfunctioning compressor. While compressors rarely fail, certain factors can contribute to premature failure. However, contacting the KitchenAid Service Center is best to report this issue if you suspect compressor failure. Alternatively, hire an independent appliance technician for further assistance.

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Important Notes

These repair steps also apply if your KitchenAid refrigerator turns off constantly. The main control board may also be faulty. Since it governs the refrigerator’s functions, a faulty one can trigger the appliance to turn off and on too often. Therefore, consider testing it or having a service technician check it, especially if the compressor works well.

How to Turn On a Kitchenaid Refrigerator

Some refrigerator models have an On/Off switch at the top that controls the power. If you have a KitchenAid refrigerator model with a decorative cover at the top, lift the cover off by grabbing both ends and lifting it off the pins. 

Once off, you will see the power switch to turn the unit on or off. But if your model does not have this function, you can turn it on by plugging the power cord into the wall outlet and turning the outlet on to power the appliance. 

Another method is to ensure the cooling function is on and running; once the cooling is off, the refrigerator stops cooling. You can also turn the refrigerator on by turning the knob on the temperature thermostat from Off to the mid position so that the refrigerator resumes cooling. You will find the knob inside the refrigerator with numbers circling it.

How to Turn Off the Showroom Mode on a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Choose “Try the Product” to leave the showroom version of the refrigerator. Select Explore after some scrolling. Choose the VSI-V2 Tools Icon.jpg keypad from the Tools Connected menu. Move down the page and choose the INFO option. Go to Settings > Store Demo Mode > Turn Off. Then click yes on the affirmative screen.

But if the above steps do not apply, you can consult the user manual for specific steps to turn off the showroom or demo mode on your KitchenAid refrigerator. Note that there are many KitchenAid refrigerator models, and each one has a different method of exiting the showroom mode. Check out the resources in this article on KitchenAid refrigerator demo mode to find your model and learn the steps to exit the mode.

How to Turn Off the Vacation Mode on a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Locate the Vacation mode button on the control panel of your KitchenAid refrigerator. Not every model has a dedicated button to turn the mode on or off. So check the user manual to determine whether or not your model has it. Read this article on a KitchenAid refrigerator Vacation mode to learn more about how to turn it on or off.

How to Turn Off the Water Supply to Your KitchenAid Refrigerator

To turn off the water supply to your KitchenAid refrigerator, start by turning off the ice maker. Leaving the ice maker on while the water is off may damage it. The reason is that the ice maker will keep cycling to make ice without water, straining different parts and prematurely wearing it out. Moreover, the freezer or refrigerator becomes too cold and freezes everything because the ice maker will keep lowering the temperature as it tries to make ice without water.

Afterward, locate the main water supply valve that controls the supply to the refrigerator. It is usually on the cold water supply pipe on the wall behind the refrigerator, but you may also find it under the sink, on the floor, or in the basement. Turn the supply valve off to stop the water flowing to the refrigerator.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Won’t Turn On – Fixed

If you find that your KitchenAid refrigerator will not turn on, check the power connection. Ensure the power cord is plugged into a three-pronged outlet that can supply enough voltage for the appliance to run. A refrigerator needs a 15- or 20-amp fused, 60 Hz, 115V grounded electrical outlet to function.

Avoid using an extension cord for your refrigerator, and do not connect it to a shared circuit. The refrigerator must have a dedicated circuit to function properly. It helps if the outlet does not function with a switch, but that may not always be available. 

However, the outlet must have the proper output. Run a power test on it using a multimeter to check its output. If unsure of how to perform the test, plug a small appliance such as a lamp into the outlet and see if it powers the lamp. Use another outlet or change the current one if the lamp fails to work.

Breaker and Fuse

If the power cord and outlet work well, the next step is to check the breaker and fuse. Your refrigerator may be connected to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt or GFCI outlet, and if it is, the outlet may have tripped. There is a reset switch on the outlet; reset the outlet to get it up and running.

But if the refrigerator is not connected to a GFCI outlet, check the breaker to determine whether the fuse is blown. You may not have the skills or tools to test the fuse, but it is easy to replace. However, contact an electrician to test the replace the fuse if you suspect it is blown.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Front Panel Not Turning On

You may want to reset the power to the refrigerator if the control panel is not turning on, but before that, check for a power outage indicator. The refrigerator may have also gone into the Sabbath or demo mode.

The display may beep and show PO if there is a recent power outage. If that is the case, the panel will not work. To confirm your awareness of the outage, press any button on the control panel. It should stop the beeping, but the code may continue flashing until you press another button to return to the home screen.

But if a power outage is not the issue, check to see if the refrigerator is in Sabbath mode. The control panel and dispenser functions are disabled in this mode, although the set temperatures remain the same. Follow the refrigerator’s user manual instructions to disable the mode if it applies.

Another possibility is that you accidentally put the refrigerator in demo or showroom mode. Only the refrigerator’s interior lights function in this mode; all other functions are disabled, including the control panel. Check the user manual or the section on turning off the demo mode in this article to exit the mode.

However, if all else fails, reset the control panel. Disconnect the electric power to the refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall outlet or powering off the circuit breaker. Leave the appliance off for about five to ten minutes before turning it on again. Turn on the cooling function and check the control panel. Contact the KitchenAid Service Center and schedule a service if the problem persists.

How to Turn Off Beeping from the Ice Filter in a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Ensure you correctly install your ice filter and reset the status light whenever you replace it. Also, flush the water system by dispensing a few gallons of water from the water line or dispenser. Otherwise, the refrigerator will beep to alert you of a fault. Fortunately, it is usually not a serious fault, so check out the instructions in this article on turning off the beeping from the ice filter in your KitchenAid refrigerator to fix the problem.

How to Turn Off KitchenAid Refrigerator Controls

To turn off the temperature controls on your KitchenAid refrigerator, turn off the cooling function. Once the cooling function is off, the refrigerator stops cooling. You can also press the temperature control to 0 to turn it off. Some models have a temperature button; press it to turn the temperature on or off.

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If your model uses a knob to adjust the temperature setting, turn the knob to 0 or Off to turn off the temperature. You will find the temperature controls inside the refrigerator for such models. Turning the thermostat off turns the compressor and fan motors off, stopping the refrigerator from cooling.

How to Turn Off Over Temperature Alarm on a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Locate the Over Temp Reset button on the control panel if you need to turn off the alarm and indicator. Press and hold the button until the alarm and light go off. Note that the Over Temp alarm and light typically activate when the refrigerator’s internal temperature rises above a set point.

The alarm will sound, and the light will flash if the freezer’s internal temperature rises above 15 degrees Fahrenheit or -9 degrees Celsius or the refrigerator’s temperature rises above 48 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 degrees Celsius. The alarm automatically shuts off when the temperature returns to normal, but the light may keep flashing until you reset the alarm.

However, if the Over Temp alarm and light go off when there are no temperature issues, the control board may have a minor error. Reset the control board by disconnecting the electric power to the refrigerator. Do this by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet or turning off the breaker. Reconnect the refrigerator to the electric power after about five to ten minutes and turn on the cooling function.

How Do I Turn Off the Control Lock on My KitchenAid Refrigerator?

To turn off the control lock on your KitchenAid refrigerator, locate the Lock button on the control panel. Some models mark the button with TO LOCK, so press and hold it for about three seconds to turn off the lock feature. Other models may mark the button with LOCK; it serves the same purpose. If your model does not have this button, check the user manual for instructions on turning the lock off.

Note that the lock feature prevents you from using the dispenser. It is handy for preventing accidental dispensing or keeping children from using the dispenser without supervision. However, it does not turn off the ice maker and lights or shut off the power to the refrigerator. It only locks the dispenser controls and functions.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Fan Turns On and Off – Quick Fix

If the fan turns on and off while the refrigerator runs, it may be a fault with the control board. The board governs the entire refrigerator function, and any minor fault can affect how the appliance works. If the fan starts and stops, the freezer does not defrost, and you hear a beeping sound, replace the control board. You will find it on the back of the refrigerator.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Auger Doesn’t Turn – What to Do

The ice auger is in the ice storage bucket under the ice maker. It turns to push ice out whenever you press the ice dispenser lever. If the auger does not turn, it may be that ice fragments are sticking to it. Remove the ice bucket and inspect the auger for any obstruction. Try removing ice clumps that may keep it from working.

But if the auger still does not turn, try moving it with your hand. If you cannot move it, you may need to replace the auger or the entire ice bucket assembly. However, if the auger moves when you turn it by hand, run a continuity test on the auger motor using a multimeter. Replace the motor if it shows no continuity or if it is getting power but will not turn the auger.

Can I Turn Off a KitchenAid Freezer Without Turning Off the Refrigerator?

You cannot turn off the freezer on a KitchenAid refrigerator without turning the refrigerator off as well. No control or switch independently controls the freezer or refrigerator. Both sections work as one unit; both go off when you disconnect the refrigerator from the electric power.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Compressor Not Turing On – Quick Fix

If you find that the compressor in your KitchenAid refrigerator does not turn on, check to ensure there is a sufficient power supply to the unit. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator and receives power from the control board through the thermostat to run during the cooling cycle. 

If it is not turning on, check the thermostat and ensure the condenser coils are not too dirty to cause overheating, which can shut down the compressor. Also, check the start relay that boosts the compressor’s run start and run power, and check the thermistor on the control board. 

The last parts to check are the compressor and control board. Check out this article on a KitchenAid refrigerator compressor not working for troubleshooting and repair steps.

How to Turn Down the Water Pressure on a KitchenAid Refrigerator

High water pressure on your KitchenAid refrigerator may cause a mess while dispensing water. If you have this problem, use a pressure relief valve to lower and regulate the pressure. The product may also be called a water pressure regulator.

Every location has a different plumbing code, but a general rule is to keep it between 20 and 120 psi. If it is above 80 psi, the pressure is too high and must be lowered. You can get a  plumber to inspect the water line and water from the main source to make necessary adjustments. 

However, you can check the pressure yourself by using a water pressure gauge. Fix it to the outdoor water faucet closest to the water meter and take the reading. Then, you will know whether or not you should install the pressure regulator.

How to Turn Off the Power-Out Notice on a KitchenAid Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Some refrigerator models will show PO on the control panel’s display, and Confirm will blink on the panel. You must acknowledge the power outage to turn off the error code and restore the control panel’s normal functions. Press the Measured Fill button on the panel, under the Confirm icon, to confirm it. 

The PO error code should disappear from the display as the Home Screen returns. Other models may not function the same way. If you notice the PO error code on the panel and your model does not have the Confirm icon or Measured Fill button, press any control panel button to confirm the outage. 

The beeping tone should stop once you press the button, but press any other button so that the error code disappears from the display. Your refrigerator’s user manual should have specific instructions for resetting the power outage error code and returning the appliance to normal functions.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Light Won’t Turn Off – Quick Fix

If you find that the light in your KitchenAid refrigerator will not turn off, it may be a fault with the light switch or socket. Consider replacing the switch if it appears to be defective. Read this article on a KitchenAid refrigerator light not turning off to learn more about how to check and fix the problem and other steps to take to correct the problem.

Do I Need to Turn Off the Water to Change the Filter in My KitchenAid Refrigerator?

You do not need to turn off the water supply before replacing the water filter in your Kitchenaid refrigerator. Once you unscrew the old filter from the housing, the refrigerator automatically shuts the water off to prevent spillage. This feature may not apply to older refrigerator models, so you may want to turn off the water supply before changing the filter if you own an older KitchenAid refrigerator model. 

Shutting the water off may also help if you have difficulty removing the old filter from the housing. It may be due to high water pressure, and turning the water off reduces the pressure so you can easily remove the filter.

How to Turn Off the Water Dispenser on My KitchenAid Fridge

You can use the lock feature to disable the dispenser functions. The Control Lock locks the buttons and paddle on the dispenser so you cannot use it, especially if you need to clean the refrigerator or have children who can accidentally dispense water. 

Some models have a dedicated lock button, while others use button combinations to turn the lock feature on and off. Check your refrigerator’s user manual for instructions on using the lock feature to turn off the dispenser.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Light Won’t Turn Off – Solved

You must use the correct water filter for your refrigerator model and correctly install it before resetting the filter light. Follow the instructions in this article on a KitchenAid refrigerator water light not turning off to fix the problem.

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