Your Frigidaire ice maker producing hollow or shell-like ice cubes is frustrating but fixable. This common issue typically signals a water flow problem or temperature imbalance that prevents proper ice formation.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Check Your Water Filter First
Start with the simplest solution. Locate your water filter (usually in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment or at the base grille). If it’s been more than 6 months since replacement, swap it out now. A clogged filter restricts water flow, causing incomplete cube formation.
Remove the old filter by turning it counterclockwise. Install the new one by pushing and turning clockwise until it locks. Run 2 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush air bubbles.
Step 2: Adjust Your Freezer Temperature
Your freezer needs to maintain 0°F to -5°F for solid ice production. Warmer temperatures create hollow cubes because water doesn’t freeze completely before the harvest cycle begins.
Find your temperature control (typically inside the fresh food section or on the control panel). Set it to 0°F. Wait 24 hours before checking ice quality. Place a freezer thermometer inside to verify actual temperature matches the setting.
Step 3: Inspect Water Supply Pressure
Low water pressure is the most common culprit behind hollow ice cubes in 2025 Frigidaire models. Your ice maker needs 20-120 PSI to function properly.
Turn off the ice maker using the power switch or lift the wire arm. Disconnect the water line at the back of your refrigerator. Hold the line over a bucket and turn the water valve on briefly. Strong, steady flow indicates good pressure. Weak or sputtering flow means you need to address water supply issues.
Step 4: Clean the Ice Maker Components
Mineral buildup on the ice mold affects how water fills and freezes. Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Turn off the ice maker. Use a soft cloth to wipe the ice mold and water inlet tube. Pay special attention to the fill cup where water enters.
For thorough cleaning, remove the ice bin and look for any visible calcium deposits or debris. Clean these areas gently with your vinegar solution.
Step 5: Reset the Ice Maker Module
Sometimes the fill timing gets disrupted, causing incomplete cube formation. Locate the test button on your ice maker module (usually a small red or white button on the front or side).
Press and hold this button for 3 seconds. The ice maker will run through a complete harvest cycle. This process takes about 6 minutes. Listen for water filling at the end of the cycle.
Step 6: Verify Door Seal Integrity
Poor door seals let warm air enter, creating temperature fluctuations that produce hollow cubes. Close your freezer door on a dollar bill. Try pulling the bill out. If it slides out easily, your seal needs attention.
Clean the seal with warm, soapy water. Check for tears or gaps. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to help the seal make better contact. Replace damaged seals to maintain consistent freezing temperatures.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Insufficient Water Fill Time
Modern Frigidaire ice makers operate on precise timing cycles. When the water fill period is too short, cubes form shells instead of solid ice. This happens when water valves partially clog or electronic controls malfunction.
Check this by watching a complete ice-making cycle. Water should flow for 7-15 seconds during the fill phase. If it’s shorter, you’re not getting enough water volume. Clean or replace the water inlet valve, located behind the refrigerator where the water line connects.
Cause #2: Freezer Temperature Fluctuations
Frequent door openings, overloading, or failing components cause temperature swings. Hollow cubes form when temperatures hover near 10°F instead of the ideal 0°F.
Monitor your freezer temperature over 24 hours using a digital thermometer with min/max memory. Temperature swings over 5 degrees indicate problems. Reduce door openings, ensure proper air circulation around food items, and check that vents aren’t blocked by packages.
Cause #3: Hard Water Mineral Deposits
High mineral content in your water supply creates scale buildup in 2025, even with regular filter changes. This restricts water flow and affects freeze patterns.
Test for hard water by checking for white residue around your ice maker or water dispenser. Install a whole-house water softener if your area has naturally hard water. For immediate relief, use ice maker cleaning solution monthly to prevent mineral accumulation.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact a certified Frigidaire technician when hollow ice persists after trying these solutions. Professional help is essential if you notice water leaking inside the freezer, unusual noises during ice production, or error codes on your display panel.
Don’t attempt repairs involving electrical components or sealed system parts. These require specialized tools and expertise. Most Frigidaire warranties cover ice maker issues within the first year.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My Frigidaire refrigerator model [insert model number] is making hollow or shell-shaped ice cubes instead of solid ones. I’ve had it for [duration] and this started [when]. The freezer temperature reads [temperature] and I last changed the water filter [when]. What specific troubleshooting steps should I try for my exact model?”