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
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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