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.
- 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).
- 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 !!!
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:
- 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
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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
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My ice maker makes ice fine but the they continue to stick (freeze) together. After a few knocks on the ice container…all’s fine till the next attempt.
I have an LG model LFX25950SB. Replaced icemaker twice in past 15 months- ice maker works after pushing cube size button, but no lights in cube size. After 4 or 5 hours, no ice or water- push cube button again and you get ice and water. This procedure will go on for days until you no longer get ice or water no matter how many times you push the cube button. After blocking off the vents to the icemaker and waiting 24 hrs, it will start making ice again when the cube button is pushed. Still no lights in cube buttons (as original when delivered)
I have LG model LFX2868ST04. I’ve replaced the water inlet valve and the ice maker assembly and neither solved the issue. The water tube that is used to fill the ice maker keeps freezing, not allowing water to enter the ice trays. If I use a blow drier to thaw the inlet tube it will make ice for a few trays and then freeze again. What else can I try to fix this issue, I’m going insane!
I have an LG LFXC24796D. ice maker would go,thru full cycle every 3ish minutes. Never stopping to allow ice to freeze. Thus water everywhere. I replaced ice maker, the same thing, replaced water intake valve. Reset ice maker, did a hard reset of unplugging refrigerator. Still doing the same thing. Everything mechanically seems to be working but the timing of the ice maker. Any ideas as to what next?
I have a one week old fridge bottom ice maker is super slow takes 24 hrs to fill the bin not even halfway is this normal.
I have an LG LMX25981ST. If you reset the icemaker, it makes one batch of ice and then stops. No water fills the tray after the initial batch. Obviously everything is functional enough to make a single batch. Is this a control board issue?
Seems like your model has an ordinary icemaker with an ice-level arm.
So, in your case, it can be the ice maker itself faulty or the main control board.
Check the Level of your icemaker. Mine was very loose and leaning forward causing the rotating ice remover “Claws” to be touching the water in the tray and freezing the claws in place. Leveling fixed this for me. Took me a while to figure out. I think the Ice Maker just started sagging a bit over time.
Hi Eugene,
My fridge model is LG GR-L208BLK
It has stopped making ice and not freezing any ice in the ice cube box.
What happen?
1. Icemaker fan not working, thus not cooling properly ice maker compartment. (located in the freezer)
2. Evaporator coils in the freezer has some ice build-up
3. Icemaker compartment not properly sealed
My LG refrigerator, has no water supply issues. No issues getting water from the dispenser, but NO water to the ice maker. On LG’s video, they claim that if you have water at the dispenser, then the ice maker has water…BS. This refer is 5 years old, but for what I paid, it should not be having issues. The GE side by side that it replaced, is chugging along in the garage, and has not had a single issue in 23 years!
I learned my lesson here.
Mr. Smith on the side of the LG sxp 450 model, pieces of ice are poured into the tank behind the door, but it is not poured out into the glass, which means that the tank lid does not open. What is the reason?
The ice maker has made about 12 pieces of ice 2 different times. We have tried to push the reset button, nothing happens. I do not see the optical sensors on the ice maker, should I? The model is LRFV3006D/O1.
This model doesn’t have ice maker with optical sensor, ice level arm instead..
If you can’t reset ice maker, maybe it malfunctioned. I dont know for sure.
here is a new ice maker for your model.
Ice dispenser not working. I removed the ice bin, emptied all the ice to ensure nothing was clogging the metal blades. Allowed the bin to fill up and its still not dispensing ice. The delivery chute is clear. The dispenser switch activates when depressed but still nothing. Any ideas?
Model: lg lfxs29626b/00
Can you hear humming coming from the ice bin motor? I would disassemble ice maker compartment, simulate door closed and push dispenser switch to check if the motor is getting power. if its not getting power, it’s either a wiring issue or display control board issue
Hi, I can hear the sound of ice falling in the door tank, but the ice is not spilled out of the refrigerator.
I have an LG model LFXS29626B. The door ice maker is making ice as normal; however, water is leaking from the right corner and freezing solid at the bottom of the ice bin, preventing its removal. I use a hairdryer to thaw the ice and remove the ice bin. Now the ice dispenser is clicking the its on but no ice is dispense.
1. Temperature fluctuations
2. Try to decrease temp in the freezer
3. Ice shut not properly sealed or not fully closed
Eric did you ever get this resolved? I am having the exact same problem.
My ice maker makes such a low amount of ice. I replaced the filter twice, the line is fine. I fill a cup of water in 5 seconds. I replaced the inlet valve and I don’t know what else to do. I got a new ice maker part but it still sucks. I pushed ice plus and nothing. I have to prime the ice to drop and make new ice. But when I do reset the cycle it fills the water fine and the ice drop but they never drop without me pushing the reset button to make it cycle . What is wrong?
1. Temperature fluctuating in the ice maker compartment
2. Optical sensors on the ice maker are malfunction
Are the parts between these two models, model LFXS29626B/00 and LFXS29626B/01, different?
You have to call the appliance parts store and ask them. Depends on what exactly you need.
Ice drops when I push the rest button, the tray refills but doesn’t drop it again without me pressing the rest button. Thank you!
1. Ice level malfunctioned
2. Control board failed
3. Wiring issues
For this kind of issue, I recommend you to troubleshoot by experienced technician.
We have an LG LCD22370 fridge with an ice maker in the bottom drawer.
It is making ice but when it goes to knock the ice out it makes a really loud knocking sound.
Like it is trying to break the ice away but it keeps on knocking, and knocking, its like the gears keep on turning and won’t stop.
What can be done? What part do we need?
i don’t know. You need to troubleshoot that by yourself. Seems like something is jamming the ice tray and the icemaker motor is not able to turn the tray. Try to remove icemaker and see what may cause the problem
My ice maker is making ice fine. My problem is the ice chute keeps getting clogged with clumped ice. The ice maker is used every day. After reading the ice maker trouble shooting guide provided on this site, it appears I need to replace the cap duct. Is this a DIY repair or do I need a repairman?
The ice dispenser works fine, but the overflow ice bin in the freezer draw gets water in it and turns into one solid block of ice. What is the cause and fix?
You need new Ice maker water inlet valve (located in the left door) depends on your model.
You have sealed it. I’m never buying any kind of LG product ever again. You have made such a simple process overly complicated in this Ice maker. My wife deserves a ice maker and paid her money for such a failure. I can’t wait for people to wise up to your profiteering and stop buying from LG
I agree! My ice maker needed replacing after 6 months. LG refused to respond to emails. I also have a drop in electric stove, and a front-load washer from LG. They are all pieces of crap. I am replacing them with other brands. Disappointing for such high prices.
Why are you throwing a fit here? If you want to have a tantrum over your ice maker then tell LG directly. Complaining about it here does nothing.
My ice make has the tray inverted and will not return to the upright position. I test button does nothing.
You need a new ice maker