Is your LG ice maker not dumping ice or filling with water? Learn how to run the secret test mode, reset the unit, and fix common inlet valve or sensor issues. Common ice maker problems are often caused by: temperature fluctuations in the ice maker compartment, faulty water inlet valve, broken ice maker/control board, or faulty ice maker fan (freezer compartment).
If you have a Maytag or Whirlpool refrigerator, see here.
How to Reset an LG Ice Maker (Quick Steps):
- Locate the Switch: Open the ice room door and find the Power Switch (on/off).
- Power Off: Flip the switch to OFF for 30 seconds.
- Run Test Mode: Flip the switch back to ON.
- Press Test Button: Locate the small hole or button on the bottom/side of the ice maker. Press and hold for 3 seconds.
- Wait for Cycle: The ice tray will rotate and dump. The error is now reset.
| Feature | Older LG Models | 2024–2026 ThinQ Models |
| Reset the Ice Maker | Physical On/Off Toggle (pictures below) | Press and hold the “Ice Plus” and “Freezer” buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. The display will beep, and the ice maker will initiate a cycle. |
| Test Button | Small Hole (Paperclip)- see pictures below | Hidden button under the front panel |
| App Support | None | LG ThinQ (Smart Diagnosis) |
Jump to the bottom of this article for further details and pictures. In order to do a simple reset of the ice maker, unplug your refrigerator or turn the breaker OFF for at least 30 sec. This procedure will reset the ice maker, making it easier to troubleshoot.
LG Ice Maker Is Not Filling With Water
Water Filter Installation & Troubleshooting
If your ice maker isn’t filling or is leaking after a filter change, check these common issues:
- Installation Check: An improperly placed filter blocks water flow. Ensure you Push and Twist the filter firmly until it locks into the housing.
- Pressure Splashing: A new filter increases water flow. If water is splashing out of the tray and onto the floor, try turning your manual shut-off valve to a 45° angle to slightly reduce incoming pressure.
- Air in the Lines: Trapped air can cause “sputtering,” which splashes water and causes the bin to freeze shut. Flush the system by running the water dispenser for 2–3 minutes.
- Debris & Buildup: * Stuck Cubes: Check for lodged ice in the tray that causes overfilling.
- Calcium Build-up: Clean the tray and filler tube to remove mineral deposits that affect the water fill mechanism.
- Filter Quality: Use name brand LG filters when possible. Off-brand filters sometimes have the wrong bypass valves. This can cause low pressure or a frozen fill tube.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
If your water dispenser works but the ice maker is bone dry, the issue is likely a failed inlet valve. Most LG refrigerators utilize a dual-valve system that needs to be tested for continuity with a multi-meter.
- The Dual Valve Setup: * Primary Valve: Located at the back of the fridge (where the main water line connects).
- Secondary Valve: Located inside the left-hand door. This valve specifically feeds the ice maker.
- The Most Common Culprit: In many cases, the secondary door valve fails while the primary valve continues to supply the water dispenser. This is why you might have drinking water but no ice.
- How to Test: Use a multimeter to check each solenoid for continuity. If a valve shows no continuity (an open circuit), it is electrically dead and must be replaced. Click here for a Youtube video on how to test.
- Pro Tip: Always check the wiring harness at the door hinge first. Sometimes the valve is fine, but a broken wire in the hinge is preventing it from receiving power.
Water Hose Kinked
Behind your
ice Maker malfunctioned
If the ice maker failed to perform the diagnostic test and you are not able to run it, then most likely the ice maker motor has failed. You will need to replace the unit entirely.
Control board Malfunction
Every LG refrigerator has a control board. If the control board is not sending power to the ice maker, or one of the relays on the control board has failed, then the ice maker will not run.
Important: If all components mentioned above in the article are ok and the ice maker works ONLY when you press the RESET button (the ice maker should make a full turn and not make ice in automatic after that), then there is a possible problem with the main control board or ice level optical sensors on the ice maker itself.
Read: How to know if your refrigerator control board is bad
Make sure the control board fits the refrigerator model you have !!!
Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
Ice Maker Fan & Temperature Issues
If your ice maker is getting water but won’t freeze it, the problem is likely an airflow issue. The ice maker compartment relies on a fan to stay cold enough for production.
- The Temperature Range: The ice maker compartment must stay at or below -12°C (10°F). If it’s warmer than this, the sensors will prevent the ice maker from cycling.
- The Ice Maker Fan: Located in the freezer compartment, this fan blows sub-zero air into the door’s ice room. If the fan fails or is blocked by frost, the ice maker won’t freeze.
- How to Test the Fan:
- Open the freezer door.
- Use a magnet on the door sensor (top side of the frame) to trick the fridge into thinking the door is closed.
- Listen for the fan to kick on and feel for cold air blowing out of the vents. If you feel cold air coming out from the vents, the fan is good.
- Frost Buildup: If you don’t feel air, check the back panel of the freezer for heavy frost. You may need to manual defrost the unit if ice is physically jamming the fan blades.
This is a picture of the back panel in the freezer compartment with the evaporator and ice maker fans.
Ice maker fan part# ADJ72911303
Read: How To Fix LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Freezing Up
Troubleshooting LG ThinQ & InstaView Ice Makers
For updated LG refrigerator models (including the newer ThinQ, InstaView, and Craft Ice series), the troubleshooting steps are different.
The Craft (Round) Ice Failure
LG’s high-end models now have a dedicated dual ice maker that produces spherical “Craft Ice” in the bottom freezer. This is slow-melting round ice.
- The Problem: These fridges often have grinding noises, which usually indicate the internal gears are jammed or the shape mold is stuck during the cycle.
- The Fix: Unlike the door ice maker, the Craft Ice unit often requires a Firmware Update via the LG ThinQ app. If the app shows no updates, check the “Ice Room” temperature—Craft Ice requires a consistent -4°F (-20°C) or colder to produce ice correctly.
The Smart Diagnosis (ThinQ App) Method
Newer LG fridges can communicate with your smartphone. Before you start taking your fridge apart, try this: How to Fix it:
- Open the LG ThinQ app on your phone.
- Go to the Smart Diagnosis section.
- Follow the prompts to hold the phone’s microphone near the “Smart Diagnosis” logo (usually on the top right hinge) while pressing a specific button sequence.
- The app will provide a specific fault code (like “Ice Maker Fan Error”) that might not appear on the fridge’s front display.
Dual Ice Maker Synch
Many newer models have two ice makers (one in the door, one in the drawer).
- The “One-Way” Logic: If the door ice maker is turned OFF, some newer models will also disable the bottom ice maker as a safety feature.
- The Fix: Ensure the “Ice On/Off” button on the main control panel is illuminated. If it is flashing, it means the fridge has detected a persistent error in one of the two units and has shut down both to prevent a flood.
Troubleshooting The Ice-Detecting Sensor
For an LG ice maker, the optical sensor (also known as the “Ice Level Sensor”) is what tells the machine to stop making ice when the bin is full. If these sensors are dirty or faulty, your ice maker will either stop completely or overflow the bin.
If the optical sensor is malfunctioning, your ice maker may not work in Automatic Mode.
The first thing you need to do is to visually check the ice-detecting optical sensors. They are located at the bottom of the ice maker, on each side.
- Remove Ice Bin from the compartment
- Close the left door
- Wait for 3 minutes
- Keep Freezer Door open
- Push Refrigerator button and Lock button at the same time
LG Ice Maker Optical Sensor Diagnostic Codes
To see these codes, you usually need to press the Refrigerator and Lock buttons (or Freezer and Ice Plus on some models) simultaneously for 5 seconds.
| Display Code | Meaning | Diagnosis / Required Action |
| ETY | Empty | The sensor detects an empty bin. This is the Normal reading. |
| FULL | Full | The sensor detects ice is at the max level. The ice maker will stay OFF. |
| – – | Sensor Fault | The control board cannot communicate with the optical sensors. |
| E IS | Sensor Error | The infrared beam is blocked or the sensor has failed electrically. |
Troubleshooting FULL Readings
If your display shows FULL but the ice bin is empty, follow these steps:
- Clean the Lenses: The sensors are located on the sides of the ice maker assembly. Use a cloth with warm water to wipe away any frost or dirt on the small plastic windows.
- Check the Wiring: On LG French Door models, the wiring harness in the door hinge can fray. If the sensor loses power, it defaults to a “Full” signal as a safety precaution.
- The “Blockage” Check: Ensure the ice maker’s teeth (the plastic rake that pushes ice out) isn’t stuck in the downward position. This will block the sensor.
LG Ice Maker Freezing Up: Causes and Fixes
If your ice maker is a solid block of ice or has frost covering the internal components, it won’t be able to fill and dump ice correctly. How to fix it:
- Adjust Your Temperature Settings: If the refrigerator compartment is set too low, it can cause the ice maker to over-freeze. Keep your fridge at 40°F (4°C). Raising the temperature a little bit can often prevent internal ice buildup.
- Check Water Pressure: If your water pressure is too high (above 120 PSI), it can cause the ice maker to overfill, forming ice on the outside of the tray. Ensure your shut-off valve is fully open and there are no kinks in the line.
- Clear the Ice Chute: Ice cubes can sometimes get stuck in the dispenser chute. If left alone, frost will build up around the stuck cube and eventually travel back up into the ice maker itself.
- The Fix: Pour warm water through the chute to melt the blockage.
- Replace the
Water Filter : A clogged or old filter can cause inconsistent water pressure. LG recommends replacing your filter every 6 months to maintain the correct flow rate and prevent leaks.
Pro-Tip: If the entire compartment is frozen, the quickest fix is a manual defrost. Turn off the ice maker, remove the bin, and leave the door open for a few hours to let everything thaw out completely.
Detailed steps To Reset And test An LG Ice Maker
Run a Reset with on/off switch model
If your ice maker is not making ice, you’ll want to first run the test mode. To run the ice maker test mode, first of all, pull the handle to open the ice room and remove the ice bucket.
There are several styles of LG refrigerator ice makers. On the first model below, find the POWER button. Make sure it is turned ON. The TEST button is underneath.
Before pressing the TEST button, put a towel underneath to catch water or ice that may fall while testing.
Press and hold the Test button for about 3 seconds and the ice maker will begin to turn. The tray only holds about 4 or 5 oz of water. The towel should minimize any spillage.
Run a reset without on/off switch model
Another style of ice maker has no POWER switch and no tray. Even though there’s no tray you should still place a towel below the ice maker before running the tests. This reset can be used for the ice makers in bottom freezers. Keep reading…
On this type of ice maker, there is a tiny hole on the left side. This is a Test Button. Use a paperclip or piece of wire to press and hold the button for about 3 seconds until the arm starts to turn.
For the first 2 hours the refrigerator has been plugged in, the ice maker test can only be run once. If you wish to run the test mode a second time, unplug the unit for about 30 seconds to reset the ice maker.
This RESET procedure is also applied to the ice maker located in the bottom freezer.
Read: 3 ways how to reset a Samsung ice maker
LCFC26Xss 700 has no reset button or off switch, and is still not making ice, every thing seems to be working, can get water and have tried all settings, extremely frustrated.
Most newer LG models without a visible toggle switch have a small, recessed button or a pinhole located on the underside or the side of the ice maker unit itself.
Look at the bottom left or bottom front of the ice maker assembly. It might be easiest to use your smartphone, and use the front-facing (selfie) camera to look up at the bottom of the ice maker.
Press and hold that small square button (or insert a paperclip into the pinhole) for 3 to 5 seconds. The ice tray should start to physically rotate.
Hope that helps!
We have an LG fridge w/two Ice makers. Bottom one in the freezer Ices up into a solid block. As if melted (Unlikely as frozen stuff is solid). or water is dripping from the ice maker.
Model # LRFOC2606S.ASTCNAO
Is this any known issue, or easy to fix?
The most common cause of this issue is due to the fill tube slowly leaking or not being fully seated. Pull out the freezer drawer and look at the fill tube above the ice maker.
Alternatively, it could be a defrost malfunction causing frost to build up and redirect water outside its intended course. Check for frost buildup behind the ice maker.
My ten year old LG french door refrigerator icemaker does not automatically refill the ice making tray with water. The icemaker works perfectly however, when the test button is used. The water/drink dispenser works fine. The icemaker is in the left door panel. What might the problem be.
It seems that the door “ice room” may not be getting cold enough (typically, should be around 9 degrees F or colder). Or the sensor thinks it’s not cold enough.
Check to see if the ice room fan is running.
LGs are known for wiring harness issues where it flexes at the hinge. Possible broken wire to fan or controls.
Could have a clogged air channel to the ice room blocking airflow. Might be ice build-up in the line.
I have an LG model LFX25973D and the icemaker in the freezer on the bottom is not working. The issue is that the white plastic gizmo that tells it when it needs to make more, or that it’s full, is stuck down–we can’t even fully open the drawer now. Is there a simple solution?
Sometimes the arm can get frozen in place or jammed with ice cubes.
If you can get the drawer open enough to reach in and feel around, you may be able to dislodge and free the door so that it opens fully.
Then you can try to remove the ice bin and inspect more closely.
You may need to use a hair dryer to melt the ice/frost away. Just be careful to not melt any plastic. Worst case, you could turn off the freezer and let it thaw.
Make sure the arm moves freely.
There may be a test button under the ice maker. If so, press and hold it for 3 seconds until the ice maker cycles. Watch to see if the arm moves normally.
You are an absolute gem to help like this; thanks so much. I’ll go try all those now and see what I can accomplish.
Thank you for all the help. I have an LG Model # LFXS26973S
It has two ice makers: the Slim Space Plus in the left door and the additional ice maker in the freezer drawer also on the left. Everything was working properly and then the Slim Space Plus (door) ice maker stopped dispensing water into its tray. The tray mechanism still works when I push the Test button and the lines in the back of the refrigerator look good. The second ice maker in the freezer drawer still works fine. I am suspecting an inlet valve? The water filtre has been changed. I don’t know how to swap out the inlet valve is that is the problem.
Check the fill tube (inside the left door above the ice maker):
– Shine a flashlight in there. If it’s frozen, you can carefully thaw it with a hair dryer (low heat).
– If frozen, the cause is usually low water pressure or a seeping valve that allowed ice to form.
Run a Test Fill:
– Press and hold the Test/Reset button on the ice maker until it cycles.
– When the tray dumps, listen — you should hear water flowing in for a few seconds.
– If you don’t hear anything, the valve is probably not opening.
Check the dual/triple inlet valve assembly (rear of fridge at bottom):
– On this model, it’s usually a dual or triple solenoid valve — one for dispenser, one for freezer ice maker, one for door ice maker.
– Even if one valve fails, the others can still work – which sounds like your issue.
Hello,
I have an LG ThinQ (LFXS26596S) model that I had bought from Best Buy 4 years back. It had been working perfectly until now but stopped making ice since last 4 weeks in both the freezer as well as left door section. I had a technician check everything and he confirmed that compressor, fan, freon etc. are all working fine. He reset the icemaker to confirm there was water and tray was turning correctly. Temperature is set to -4. I also tested the Refrigerator and Lock buttons to display EEY but there is still no ice. Any advice?
Considering what you’ve already done, here are the things I might try:
1. Manually fill both trays to test if freezing/harvesting works
2. Check for automatic water fill to confirm valve and control board logic is good
3. Check for frozen water lines – especially door ice maker line
4. Bypass water filter to rule out flow restriction
5. Replace dual water valve – if water is not filling despite flow at source
6. Replace ice maker assembly – especially if EEY persists and motor fails to rotate fully
Water pooling at bottom of freezer door then freezing.
This is usually caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain. A visual inspection of the drain is first priority. If frozen, use a hair dryer to carefully and slowly thaw it out.
Model LRYKC2606D – 20 months old LG not willing to help.
Ice in freezer works great. Ice in door is too soft and water leaks from dispenser. Error codes E and F1. They say fan motor is the issue. My Samsung had a similar problem, Samsung chose to buy back the fridge (same age). Do I need to replace the fan motor or de-ice?
Thanks
It sounds like it could be that the ice maker fan IN THE DOOR is not working properly. It could be frozen in place or broken. You may have to thaw it out completely and then retry it to be sure.
I have an LG model LFDS22520S. The ice bin is too big, we don’t need that much ice. I tried to put a smaller container to hold the cubes, but the ice maker will not work with a smaller container. When I took the smaller container out and put the regular container back in, the ice maker immediately started dropping the ice cubes. I tried the smaller container in the front and also in the back, I even put it inside the original container. But nothing happens. Is there any way to use a smaller container?
It’s difficult to know without seeing your specific fridge, but in most cases, the unit is designed to work specifically with the size/shape tray provided. It would likely take a very customized tray to work properly AND accommodate your desire for a smaller container. Often, it has to be able to trigger the dispenser, catch all the dropping ice, and deactivate the dispenser upon removal. I won’t say it’s impossible, but probably unlikely you’ll find something that works well, unfortunately.
My ice maker and water dispenser are not working. I was told that this is because electrical wiring inside the door broke, is this common?
Yes, that’s actually a common problem, especially on models where the wiring runs through a flexing door hinge. Over time, the wires can break from repeated opening/closing. A broken wire can definitely cause both the ice maker and water dispenser to stop working. You (or a technician) can usually inspect the wire bundle near the door hinge for visible damage, or test with a multimeter to confirm. If the harness is bad, it may need repair or replacement.