It was working just fine, but now your ice maker is not making ice! In this article, we will show you the most common LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems, the reasons why it’s not working, and how to test and fix it.
Also Read: How to fix: When an ice maker is not making ice
TLDR: Common Ice Maker problems are usually caused by:
1. Temperature fluctuations (in the ice maker compartment)
2. Faulty water inlet valve
3. Broken ice maker or malfunctioning control board
4. Faulty ice maker fan in the freezer compartment.
Let’s start with a simple diagnostic test you can run that may provide some insight into what that problem could be.
If you have a Maytag or Whirlpool refrigerator, see here.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems: How To Reset And test An Ice Maker
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 two 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.
Here’s another style of ice maker on this model above. There’s 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.
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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
Read: 3 common problems with Samsung french-door ice maker
If The Ice Maker Is Not Filling With Water
A New water Filter was Installed Incorrectly
If during the test mode, your ice maker didn’t fill with water, then check your
Without a filter or when the filter is installed improperly in the filter housing, water will not flow to the ice maker and water dispenser.
You just need to slide the filter into the housing, PUSH and TWIST to lock it.
Read: How to fix Amana ice maker not filling with water
IF YOU DISCOVER A LEAK AFTER CHANGING THE FILTER:
If you recently changed the
With a new filter, water will flow more freely and when it reached ice maker, the extra pressure may create a splash.
A small amount of water can leak from the ice maker compartment, and eventually end up on the floor.
Read: Why is my ice maker leaking water onto the floor?
Read: How to fix GE ice maker leaking water into bin
If you have a ball-type water valve behind the fridge, try to decrease incoming water pressure to the fridge by turning it at 45 or fewer degrees. You may need to play with it in order to reach a reasonable amount of water pressure.
To do this adjustment, turn the water valve to 45 degrees. Now push the water dispenser (with a cup underneath!) to check the flow rate. It might be nice to have someone else adjust the valve while you watch the pressure change.
This way you will be able to increase/decrease water pressure to a desirable level.
Another problem that may cause the ice maker to leak, is when ice cubes get stuck in the tray. Then, when fresh water fills the ice maker, it can overfill and some water will spill over the tray. Check for lodged cubes at the dispenser.
One more possibility is calcium buildup. Pull the ice maker out and clean the inner side of the tray and filler. You may find calcium buildup that is affecting the water fill mechanism.
Read: How to clean a GE ice maker
The water Inlet Valve Is Broken
A second reason you may not be getting water, is because the water inlet valve has failed. In order to check the inlet valve, you just need a Multimeter.
But keep in mind, that many LG fridges have 2 inlet valves. The main valve is on the back of the fridge, while the secondary valve (for the ice maker only) is on the left door.
You need to check them both. The secondary valve gets water from the main valve. But from my experience as an appliance technician, the secondary valve causes most of the problems with the ice maker.
That’s why your LG ice maker is not making ice, but at the same time, the water dispenser works.
Water Hose Kinked
Behind your
It’s a simple thing to check, but very important, in order to figure out why ice-maker is not working.
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.
Read: Why is your ice maker making a grinding noise?
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 !!!
the Ice maker Is not producing Or Dumping ice
Another possible reason your ice maker is not making ice is due to a malfunctioning ice maker fan, which is located in the freezer compartment.
This fan blows cold air into the ice maker compartment and freezes the water.
If the temp in the ice maker compartment higher than -12C, ice will not be produced.
In order to check if this fan is working, you need to apply a magnet to simulate a closed door ( see the top side of the door where the magnet is located)
If you feel cold air coming out from the vents, the fan is good.
This is a picture of the back panel in the freezer compartment with the evaporator and ice maker fans.
Ice maker fan part# ADJ72911303
What should my LG freezer be set at to produce ice?
-2°F or -20°C is the recommended temperature setting for normal ice production. In order to adjust the temperature, press the FREEZER button to cycle through the range of available settings and set it to the desired temperature.
Other Ways To Reset The Ice Maker
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.
Read: How To Fix LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Freezing Up
What Does “Ice Plus” Mean On My LG Refrigerator?
When all the ice in the refrigerator is used, it will take about 2 hours to produce the next bunch of ice cubs. Some LG models are equipped with an “Ice Plus” feature. This feature just speeds up the freezing process and allows it to produce ice cubes 2 times faster.
How long does it take to make ice?
It depends. If you just bought and installed a new refrigerator, then it may take about 24 hours. But after your refrigerator has operated for more than 24 hours, the ice maker will produce new ice cubes every 2 to 3 hours.
How Do I Test The Ice-Detecting Optical Sensor?
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
If “ETY” is shown on the display after the procedure above, the ice-detecting sensor is normal.
If “FULL” is shown on the display after the procedure above, the ice-detecting sensor is malfunctioning or something is blocking the clear path between sensors.
When it shows FULL with an empty ice bin, and nothing else obstructing the sensor path, then something is wrong with these sensors. If they are part of the ice maker assembly, you may have to replace the entire assembly. Otherwise, you may be able to replace the individual offending sensor(s).
Hey Eugene
I have a LG ice maker with the on off switch. It only fills with water if the door to the fridge is open. It works normal other than that. So it doesn’t produce ice automatically because it doesn’t fill with water unless the door is open. I have replaced the inlet valve, main control board and the ice maker control board and still have the problem. Do you know what could be the problem? Thanks
Is there are anything you can think of Eugene?
Hi Brandon, never heard about this issue before. What about light? when you close the door, the light going OFF?
Yeah. The door switch is working like normal. The so the lights on the front panel come on and the lights inside go on and off. And if the door is left open the alarm goes off.
I moved the wires around going down into the door from the top and the problem got worse ( not filling at all now). So my thought is a shorted wire where it goes into the door. What do you think? I still have water coming out of the dispenser just not into the ice maker.
I have the EXACT same problem with my ice maker. Kenmore Elite 795 fridge with in door ice maker. Will not fill with water unless the door is open. It cycles normally with the door shut and I hear the valve open trying to fill with water but none comes out. If I open the door and hold the button to reset it, it will cycle and fill with water as normal.
My LG fridge LFX25960ST makes ice really well, too well actually. It does not stop when the ice holder is full and keeps on going. I’ve tried resetting it (on/off and unplugged the power cord)but no luck. I can’t find any other info relating to this problem.
Hello, seems like something wrong with a filler arm. maybe this video will help you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJpFgMnvPY&t=
Hi, I have a LG refrigerator Ice Maker with Power Switch and Tray. It’s making ice but not dispensing it in the tray. When I press Test switch, it dispenses ice and refills it with water. However, once Ice is made, it does not rotate to dump it in the tray.
Hi Vivek, for me it sounds like problem with a control board, if its not working on automatic mode, but only when you press RESET. You can get a control board for your fridge here, if you live in US
I have LG model LFC25776ST/00, the ice maker is not working. I replace the inlet valve and still nothing. I reset the icemaker, which makes noise, so I assume it is good, but still nothing. What do I check next?
After reset, the icemaker should be filled with water. Did it fill? If not, maybe there is a problem with ice maker itself?
I have a problem every spring/summer when the humidity rises, the ice maker stops making ice. i have read in other trouble shooting areas that the ice maker air fan will get effected by the condensation and possibly freeze up. We have taken apart the freezer twice to gain access to the ice maker fan motor and to dry it out. It will work for about 8-10 months before having the same problem. Today we are trying to let it dry/thaw on its own by unplugging the refrigerator freezer and leaving it open.
Is there a way to stop this from happening?
Hi, When I use a paper clip to push the reset button the ice maker just keeps spinning and spinning. It will spin for 15 minutes or so. It does not fill with water. Every once and awhile it will randomly fill with water and make a bit of ice. I’m thinking it is likely the control board?
Hi Jason, seems like the problem with ice-maker not with a control board. What is the model of your fridge? I can send you a link for the icamaker
How do you change the control board and where do you buy it… My Ice is not dumping automatically…
Hi Heriberto, You can follow this link and then type in model number of your fridge.. From the search list you will find ice-maker
1 I have a lg refrigerator model LMXS27626D /01, the ice maker keeps freezing up in the clear rectangle cup that feeds the ice cube tray. Any ideas?
Hi Alan, maybe inlet valve sipping water when its OFF? Inlet valve shouldn’t let the water flow, when its not energized. try to change inlet valve, I guess
Hello, and thanks in advance for your help. We have an LG LFX25974ST /04. This has been an ongoing situation for more than a year now. The lower end of the ice maker door (inside the fridge) presents condensation (that obviously eventually turns into ice). Besides this, we get big lumps of ice cubes in the tray. I pulled the rubber gasket and clean it, situation is still the same. Is the fix replacing it or something else?
Hello, this is what you can do. I am not sure if it will help, but anyway… 1. Clean ice maker bottom compartment from the ice and turn water tap OFF for 3-4 days or more(usually behind the fridge) to see if any ice occur in there. If there will be still ice, then the problem with condensation. If there will be no ice, then the problem could be with the water inlet valve (behind the fridge) . Try to change the valve and see if it will make any difference.
My LG ice maker bowl filled with water and not freeze. Obviously it’s not cold enough why is it doing that
What is the temp inside the freezer? Usually, in the freezer, there is an ice maker fan which blows cold air into the ice maker compartment. Check that fan if its working.
Hello,
I have the same problem as Leo. Only the back tray of the ice maker fills with water.
Any ideas why?
Thank you
Some of the causes: Weak water pressure, Partially clogged inlet valve (there are 2 of them, one for the water dispenser and second one for the ice maker)
My LG fridge icemaker makes ice and fill the tray, but when you use the ice dispenser on the front door, the tray pops out and you have to open the freezer and push it back into place and try again. Do you know where I can find a schematic of the icemaker and it’s parts.
Hi Patti, as i know there is no schematic diagram for the ice maker only. At least I didn’t see it
Our icemaker dumps the ice before the cubes are fully frozen. Is this a common problem?
I am having the same problem and it looks like this question is not answered??
Hello Eugene,
With your suggestions above I was able to run the test – my problem has been that there is a lot of freezing in the ice maker compartment (puddling/freezing at the bottom), with the ice blocking up on one side inside of the catcher. Upon running the test it appears that water is leaking down the back of the compartment as it is filling the tray. The tray itself does not have any blockages. Your advice? Thank you!
Hi TRacy, maybe try to decrease water pressure to the fridge?
My LG Ice maker isn’t working properly. It seems as though the ice is getting stuck to the custom mold plate as when I press the reset button the arm spins until it contacts the ICE but cannot rotate the cube out of the cube former. The ice maker assembly I have is Part: AEQ73209904. Currenly i removed the ice maker assembly put some warm water over the cube former and dislodge the stuck cubes (every cube in the cube former). I am now letting it dry with plans to reconnect to see if this solves it, but am not optimistic that this is a definitive solution, but merely a temporary one until the cubes get stuck to the former again. Any insight or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I have an LG GM63SGS, the ice maker was working well almost 3 years with a bottled water dispenser flojet pump, the problem now is that is making less ice, and is because only fills the back row of ice tray, all the front row of ice tray is completely empty when the ice maker does its filling cycle, the water dispenser seem to be working like always…..any help will be appreciated
I have LFX25979ST – the motor crapped out and of course there was no markings on the old one. I got what I thought was the best one that fit. It works in terms of making ice but it seems like water is overflowing as it constantly freezes up outside of the tray and gets jammed. Everything looks installed properly. The hose part is quite short though.
Any suggestions
maybe to decrease water pressure?
Hi Eugene,
I want to say thank you very much. My ice machine wasn’t working and didn’t have any water in the tray. I have the ice machine where the paper clip is needed which I didn’t know what that was for until reading here. I did the test and it filled. It still didn’t freeze so I shut off the refrigerator for 30 seconds and all is working fine.
Much appreciated,
Gordon
You are welcome, Gordon
hello I have lsc22991st model and my ice maker is not working i dont have water inside the ice maker and no noise from the back the fridge. I has been reset many time but nothing happens . What i need to do. thanks
Hello, hard to say what exactly happened in your case. You need to check if ice maker getting power, if its not getting power then problem might be with the main control board. You need somebody more exrerienced to take a look at.
I have a noise that sounds like a woodpecker inside the icemaker area? What do I do? Thanks!
Hi Jodi, for me it sounds like ice maker trying to turn the tray, but not able to. Is any ice got stuck in there?
We have the same problem. It sounds like a woodpecker. It is turning and acts like it is stuck but there isn’t anything blocking it. Any ideas?
So, If it not visible then something jammed inside the gearbox which turning ice tray
I have the same wood pecker sound and the plastic tray turning acts like it is about to snap because of all of the pressure
So… how do you do this? Mine is doing same thing. Almost looks like the rh side is stuck but lh side keeps turning and twists the tray
It is normal to twist the tray, like you described. See video in the post