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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).
Hi. Our 8 year old LG LFX31925ST/01 makes ice like a champ. However, a few weeks ago, the ice flapper got stuck in the open position when a cube got stuck. We realized what happened hours later and I cleared the cube and the flapper closed. However, during that time, ice must have melted and refroze and I now cannot remove the ice bin. It appears that there is ice blocking the passage between the bin and the flapper. I turned off the icemaker and tried using a hair dryer to get rid of the ice. I still don’t have it all cleared but it appears that there is something inside that may be plastic because it’s not melting. Any suggestions?
Hi Eugene, thank you for your response. From the diagram, it looks like the inlet valve behind the fridge is 619A and the one in the door is 619B. Do you have or know of any videos or other information on how to get to and replace the inlet valve in the door? Everything I have seen is just for the inlet valve at the back. I removed the one from the back and noticed a build up of what looks to be calcium deposit on the exterior. Would you recommend replacing this valve before checking the valve in the door? Thanks again for your help. Gary
Hi Gary, as long as we don’t know which one goes to the ice maker, the easiest way to check if inlet valve on the back “belongs” to the ice maker, is to use multimeter and to see that this valve is NOT getting power when you press water dispenser lever. if it’s getting power, then the inlet valve in the door supply ice maker. Also take a look on this tube, to make sure its not clogged by deposits.
I have a LG refrigerator model #LMX28987ST. My water dispenser is working fine but my ice maker is not producing ice because it is not getting any water. My water inlet valve is a single solenoid, I believe the replacement model is LG AP4451762 Refrigerator Water Inlet. It looks exactly like this model. So I don’t understand if my water inlet valve is the problem, how can I be getting water to my water dispenser but not to the ice maker. Thank you for your help.
here is a diagram for your fridge . Your fridge have 2 inlet valves. One in the door, the second one behind the fridge
Our LG fridge icemaker (about three years old) won’t stop leaking water into the freezer compartment. LG French door LFC24770ST — not the in-door ice-cube maker but the kind in the freezer. Switch is on “off” yet water still running. Can’t get the fridge pulled out to get to valve line in back because it’s built into a very tight space. Can’t find the reset button. Can’t get in there to try and pull the unit out because of the water running (catching it into a big bowl). What a nightmare.
Hey Eugene!
Thanks for tackling so many issues with LG!!
We just got back to our house after being away for about a month. We ran the water and ice for a full cycle to clean it out and then a few hours later my son went to get water and it just kept pouring out. The dispenser lever is NOT stuck at all. It moves back and forth just fine but the water/ice doesn’t stop.
As of now, we’ve locked it but as soon as we unlock it keeps pouring out. From what I’ve found it sounds like a switch but no idea how to fix it.
Thanks!
Take a look on the each side of the lever. You will see locking tabs is worn out and not keep the lever in place. Just put the lever back into locking tabs and try to press it, water should be going. In this case You need to glue these locking tabs with superglue or get a new replacement
The ice tray on mine is leaking as it refills. The water than collects and freezes, clogging up the chute. It also collects and freezes around the ice maker door gasket.
It may be that it is simply leaking underneath the tray somewhere or is there a drain tube?
I suspect that I may have to figure out how to remove the ice maker or tray to figure out where and why it is leaking.
I’ve also read that water pressure (hi or lo) and/or the refrigerator filter may need replaced?
Thoughts?
Try to remove an ice maker and clean water tube from deposits which fills ice maker, maybe during fill, water is splashing due partially clogged water tube at the end
Hi Eugene, thanks for your service.
I have an LG LSXS26366D/02 purchased in 2017. Mid last year it stopped making ice. This model has the test button which is activated via a paper clip.
I have run the test, and the ice maker completes the self test. Sometimes the tray fills with water, sometimes not. It depends if the water line is frozen or not. I have used a hair dryer to thaw out, and after that, the ice maker works for at most 2 trays. The water in the door works properly.
I have replaced the water inlet valve, and the ice maker. No change in results after these replacements. Does this appear to be a control board issue?
Thanks John
Try to decrease temp in the freezer for couple of degrees and clean water tube which coming to ice maker from deposits. If tube freezing up, then some water somehow left in there after fill.
Thanks for your reply Eugene. Understand the issue with the freezer temp but how do I fix it? Could it be the fan in the wall of the freezer needing replacement? The condenser was replaced less than 18mths ago. I hear it running…
Thanks again for any help.
Peter
If evaporator fan is working in the freezer, but freezer still not cooling, you have sealed system issue or compressor failed. So other words, you cannt fix it by yourself.
Hi Eugene – It’s been almost 2 months since I last reached out. Wanted to say that as of only YESTERDAY was everything finally sorted out! After we changed out the evaporator fan which definitely stopped functioning too, ice was still not being produced. Took your suggestion and brought in a technician. While waiting for the visit, LG’s infamous linear compressor died so definitely needed someone! LOL but not really…
After waiting for parts and replacing the compressor/dryer/freon, the tech checked on the ice maker/compartment. Turns out you can place a simple magnet on the left French door’s front-facing hinge to replicate the door being closed (it’s housed behind the grey plastic housing). He noticed that the freezer air wasn’t blowing out of the duct that leads to the ice machine. Had to replace something called the Assembly Bracket Motor (larger fan unit right next to the Evaporator Fan) – another weeks long wait… Ice started immediately and no leaking/freezing since removing the calcium build-up on the ice maker’s intake valve!
Just thought to loop you in and send you a BIG THANK YOU again for all the advice you’ve given to me and everyone here. Amazing working knowledge you have Eugene! Can’t tell you how much I’ve learned along the way – and money I’ve saved not having to buy another bad refrigerator. Very much appreciated.
Hope you and your family are well during these crazy times.
Best – Peter
Thanks Pete, for your kind words.. All the best for you and your family !!
Morning Eugene –
It’s been almost 2 months since I last reached out. Wanted to let you know our LG refrigerator is FINALLY working as of yesterday! Outside of the initial ice making issues (which was resolved with the scraping of the calcium deposits from the intake valve – thank you), the compressor finally died (only 2yrs into a 10yr warranty…) There were delays in getting a tech out here and then the nightmare of ordering parts through LG.
In the end, turns out outside of the evaporator fan being replaced as you suggested, the Assembly Motor/Fan which is responsible for sending the air in the freezer to the ice machine compartment had failed.
There was an interesting simple trick the tech did to determine this: with the French doors open, he placed an ordinary magnet on the upper left front door front-facing hinge. It mimics the door being closed and from there it was evident there was no freezer air blowing out of the duct leading to the ice compartment.
Basically, what the tech’s thoughts were: with both the Evaporator Fan AND the Assembly Motor Fan down, the compressor was overworked as no air was being circulated in/out. Failed system as you concluded.
In the end, saved me tons of money to repair instead of buying a new unit that was surely to fail in time anyway based on how refrigerators are being built today: known in their industry as Planned Obsolescence.
Want to thank you again for all the great feedback and direction you provide here for not only me, but everyone. It’s much appreciated.
Hi Peter, i am happy to help ))
It seems like you are the ice maker king – hope you can help with this one.
Have an LG25760 ST – Stopped making water a while ago, and the unit was only making clicking noises – Tried resets and eventually tried resetting the gears based on youtube video, but still no ice. At least the water dispenser works fine.
Finally got a replacement ice maker unit. Still no ice. Any ideas or additional part I would have to check, reset or replace?.
Thanks in advance
Hi Phil, this is what i would do: first, check if icemaker getting power and a second one try to change inlet valve. Just so you know, inlet valve have 2 solenoids. One for water dispenser and second for ice maker. They work independently. So, in your case if you got new icemaker and still no ice, try to change inlet valve.
ICE MAKER ISSUES: SOME RESOLVED – OTHERS NOT
LG LFXC24726S – French Door w/ Ice Tray (paper clip reboot)
Hi Eugene –
First a big THANK YOU for all the advice you’ve provided above – and I can’t believe how recent many of these postings are making your comments even more relevant.
The first annoyance was YEARS of water backing up out of the ice tray, slipping down the sides freezing the ice bucket in place. This needed hot water to be poured to loosen and clean. The process was repeated often… After reading your post noting possible calcium building up in the intake valve, I looked up this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDfRblNHnQQ and thought I solved the problem – maybe I did partially.
After reinstalling the ice machine/housing, and resetting the ice machine w/ the paper clip, I could hear and see that water was filling the tray, but after days, the water wasn’t freezing. Note that up to the point of removing the ice machine/housing to scrape off the calcium build-up in the intake valve, the machine was producing ice. Water filter is newly replaced.
I’ve removed dust build-up on the outside vent (a lot)/condenser and noticed a quick improvement to internal temperatures (Freezer = 8F/Refrigerator = 44F) but it’s not sustained. It has now steadied at 19F/50F respectively with the outside digital panel set at -6F/33F. Still no ice.
Next steps would be the evaporator fan for possible rent, but clueless as to how the ice machine could be working up until I removed the unit…
Any help/assistance appreciated.
Hi Peter, thanks for your kind words. Just so you know, the ice maker will not work if the temp is high then it should. Icemaker COMPLETELY RELIES on the freezer temperature. Because fan blows cold air from the freezer to the ice maker compartment. If you have a temp issue with the freezer, the ice maker will have issues as well.
I have an LG LFC25760ST Refrigerator – the ice maker is making ice but now in the past 10 days when it makes ice it’s leaking water into the ice tray, which then freezes the cubes to the bottom of the tray and other cubes. I’ve tried a few things you’ve suggested here including dropping freezer temp (from 0 to now -6 F) and cleaning the ice maker. I can’t find a way to reset the ice maker. It has an on/off switch but I haven’t found any way to do a reset. The freezer itself appears to be working fine otherwise. Any additional advice that I could use?
Maybe the inlet valve not fully closed, due to deposit build up and thats why is sipping water? Not sure
Mr. Eugene, I have an LG ice maker in the bottom freezer area under the double doors (unsure of model #). I’m getting water and it’s making ice fine. The problem is all of the ice will not dump out of tray. Upon refill, with some of the ice still in tray the excess water causing major clumping in the lower bin. I have reset several times to remove the remaining ice from the tray and it will work great for a few cycles and then repeat the issue. Help me please!
I dont know what to recommend you, other than to replace icemaker.
I have had an LG refrigerator for approx 6 months. The ice maker does not make enough ice. I have had LG have a company come and ck it out. The co replaced the ice maker which I didn’t think was the problem and we turn the ice plus on constantly and it still doesn’t make enough ice. It might produce enough for 2 cups if that. It does not make ice to fill the ice bucket. Help!!
We have a french door LG refrigerator (NO water/ice dispenser on the door) and need to replace the filter for ice cubes made in the freezer. Ridiculous – but we can’t seem to find the filter compartment!
Suggestions?
What is the model number of your fridge?
our French door LG frig has the external ice maker, which we have no problems with dispensing water or ice cubes or crushed ice, the issue is this annoying “wooping noise” that starts as soon as we dispense ice. anybody else getting this unusual noise or any idea how to get rid of it??
Eugene, good morning. I posted a comment yesterday but don’t seem to find it so resubmitting – apologies for any duplication.
I have LG Model LMX5307765/03 – I notices water at the bottom of the left-hand French door and on the lip of the middle pull out drawer. As i checked the ice machine I noticed the tray itself is slightly off kilter. I have the type pictured in your 1st set of pictures. As I hit the test button, the tray will rotate almost 180 degrees. The right side of the tray seems to get jammed or binds up with the front shield. The motor labors at that point and then goes back. Nothing appears to be off track out out of position. Any insight on what might cause one side (right side) of the tray jam? Thanks in advance for the assist.
Hi kevin, this type of ice makers works without tray heater, so it should twist a little bit to release ice cubes and it should come back to the initial position. The way how it looks on the picture THATS NORMAL.
Ok, thank you. The explanation makes sense. Thanks for the picture, that’s what mine looks like…..I’ll keep an eye on it as well as the water drip, perhaps a cube or two got away from the bucket itself. Greatly appreciate your time and input and thanks for fielding all our questions . Regards, Kevin
Eugene you’re amazing! How kind to help so many who are challenged with fridge whether your job or volunteer.
My issue with fridge, French door LGLMXS30776S/01, purchased 2015. Icemaker temperamental since bought.
Now won’t freeze/make ice. Leaks all day from ice unit and lot water on floor. Have ON/OFF switch with reset underneath.
Troubleshooting done: Temp setting at 33 fridge, -1 freezer. Notice freezer NOT freezing food, half frozen. Cool not cold. All doors closing fine. Cleaned where rubber seals are around all doors/drawers (always do). Cleaned sensors on ice maker.
Checked water line which assuming good, not tangled, since filling tray fine, flowing from dispenser fine into glass. Reset icemaker, rotates fine. Changed Both filters (water & air).
Powered fridge off from power source 5 mins. Admit no longer hear icemaker noises like in past. Don’t hear water filling tray either but water indeed getting into ice tray. Any thoughts next steps? Read something earlier about a freezer fan which assuming could impact ice maker/overall temp issues? Many thanks for advice!
hello Linda, seems like you have a major problem with cooling. it can be related with a compressor or sealed system. If you notice freezer not cold enough, that’s why ice maker not working. Because if the temp in the freezer noticeably high than it should be, ice maker will not work at all. Will not even try to fill with water. Buy fridge thermometer in HomeDepot and measure what is the actual temp in the freezer.
Eugene, good evening. Thanks for the tips to troubleshoot. I have the 1st type/style of ice maker you show and am able to do the test in order to get the ice tray to rotate however it seems to bind up or get jammed on the right-hand side (as you look at the dispenser). It will rotate far enough to drop any ice or water when I test but not the full 180 degrees. You can hear the motor labor because of the tray catching the shield. Nothing appears to be off track or out of alignment. Any suggestions on what might cause the tray to bind? Thanks.
kevin, its not jammed on the right side of the ice tray. This is how ice cubes released.
Not sure if you received my other message. Kenmore elite/ LG purchased in early 2013. 795.72052.112. Ice maker not working correctly and freezer might not be getting as cold as it should. I reset the ice maker. What ice was there came out and it refilled correctly. I keep the condenser clean and vacuumed/compressed air blew it out again today. Fridge is level and seals are good and tight. Not sure what to look at moving forward, and stumbled onto your site. If you need any other info, let me know. Thanks -Adam
check what is the actual temp in the freezer, if its high then, lets say -12 Celcius than ice maker will not work. Because ice maker depends on the freezer temperature.
Hi Eugene,
Quick update. Temp reading freezer: 17 degrees. Set for -1. Ice maker: 28 degrees. Doesn’t seem to be getting the cold air it should, and perhaps the entire cooling system is not operating properly. Any suggestions are appreciated. -Adam
Exactly, you have a major problem with compressor or sealed system, and that’s why ice maker not working.