Frigidaire EFIC countertop bullet ice maker (EFIC189 / EFIC101 class): quick sheet

Covers: Frigidaire EFIC-series countertop bullet-ice makers (EFIC101 confirmed in the series guide; EFIC189 and other EFIC numbers differ in capacity and finish — read the rating label). Manually filled, R-600a (series troubleshooting guides).

Single sourceBrands: Frigidaire6 components

Small plug-in ice maker: a pump fills a tray, cold metal 'fingers' freeze bullet-shaped cubes in about 8-13 minutes, then they are released and pushed into the basket. Calls are mostly 'Add Water' / 'Ice Full' light issues, pump airlocks and scale.

Safety first

Unplug before removing any cover; the start device, compressor terminals and defrost heater are line voltage.
Sealed refrigerant system (compressor, condenser coil, evaporator tubing, capillary, refrigerant charge) is BLOCKED: diagnose symptoms only and refer to an EPA 608-certified technician. No brazing, recharging or leak repair.
Many current units use R-600a (isobutane), a flammable refrigerant: no open flame or sparking tools near the tubing, and ventilate if a leak is suspected.
Melt ice with a hair dryer on low or warm towels only; never chip ice off an evaporator with a tool.
Keep food at safe temperature (move it to coolers) during any defrost or repair.

How it works

Pump lifts reservoir water through an intake screen into the tray under the evaporator fingers; ice forms on the fingers.

At harvest the tray tilts back, extra water drains to the reservoir, the fingers warm briefly and a pusher moves the cubes into the basket. The compressor waits about 3 minutes after power-up (normal).

A water-level sensor drives the ADD WATER light; a basket sensor drives ICE FULL. Both lights together usually mean a sensor misread (after a surge, or air in the pump).

Components & tests

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OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work. © 2026 OnCall Tech. Original content; not a reproduction of any manufacturer document.

Diagnostic guides for this appliance

Guide · Ice Maker

Countertop ice maker shows 'Add Water' with water in the reservoir

These units detect water with a float, probe or wire sensor in the reservoir and a small pump that lifts water to the tray. Scale on the sensor, a blocked reservoir screen, a stuck float, very pure water or a weak pump can all trigger a false Add Water.

4 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Ice Maker

Undercounter ice maker: ice slab will not release or sticks on the cutting grid

Grid-cutter (slab) ice makers freeze a sheet, release it during harvest and let a heated wire grid cut it into cubes. Most release problems come from an unlevel cabinet, scale on the evaporator plate, or a cutting grid that is unplugged or not heating. Harvest switches and probes are next.

5 steps ~60 minmoderate

Guide · Ice Maker

Undercounter ice maker not making ice

Check power, water supply and pressure, drain (pump models stop when they cannot drain), bin sensor, cleaning status, condenser and room temperature. Scale is the most common cause on older machines.

7 steps ~60 minmoderate

Other ice makers manuals

Manual · Ice Maker

Undercounter clear-ice machine: field service manual

15-in residential undercounter clear-cube machines (gravity-drain and pump models); notes on Hoshizaki KM-style cubers. Generic platform; confirm with model data.

7 components4 common failuresGE, Whirlpool / KitchenAid, Scotsman, Hoshizaki, U-Line, Manitowoc

Manual · Ice Maker

Countertop bullet & nugget ice makers: field service manual

Hand-filled countertop units: bullet/prong-type portables and auger-type nugget makers (Opal 1.0/2.0). Generic platform; confirm with model data.

6 components4 common failuresGE Profile Opal, Whynter, NewAir, Frigidaire, Danby

Manual · Ice Maker

GE Profile Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker: quick sheet

GE Profile Opal 2.0 countertop nugget ice makers, e.g. XPIO13SCSS and XPIO43SCSS (with side tank), plus Opal 2.0 Ultra; SmartHQ Wi-Fi (GE support pages; retailer listings). Daily output listed 24-38 lb depending on model and source.

6 components4 common failuresGE Profile