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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).
I have a LFX28968SB frig. The Ice Maker (the type that has the ON/OFF Switch) when turned on makes a drum-roll sound and tries to dump the Ice Maker which has No ice as No water had been in it. Tried the Reset Switch but no effect. The Water Dispenser dispenses water fine. I’ve read most of the issues you’ve talked about and have a Multimeter. What should the Voltage value be on the Solenoid (AC or DC ??) when it is activated and what should the Solenoid Coil Ohms read with No Power. Where can I purchase the Solenoid or Water Valve (P/Ns please ??). Thank You for your help in advance!! Respectfully Submitted
Hi Chuck, of course its AC power and it should be 120V AC. Your fridge has 2 valves, one on the back of the fridge and second in the left door. I am not sure which one for the ice maker. You can see diagram for your fridge here
Hi there I have an LG model LFX21976ST French door frig. Ice make will not work I tried the on off switch nothing. Tried test switch nothing. Tried unplugging frig and retried test and nothing. Should I replace ice maker or board first? Thanks for the help
What is the temp inside ice maker compartment? Put thermometer there and check. Also check fan in the freezer which blows cold air to the ice maker.
Hi I have a lg French door ice maker problem
Model lfxc22526s00
It’s 1.5 years old and the ice cub tray is cracked up and leaking , Probably from twisting as it does to release the ice cubes from the tray however I’ve called different sources and they want to sell me the whole complete unit for over $300 is there anyway I can get just the ice cube tray??
I would check how much ice maker cost, but the model number is not correct. Please check lfxc22526s00
Hello Eugene ,
I had a techinisian came to ck my LG french door stoped making ice and he said the problem was the ice maker and replaced with new ice maker but still not working. I can see the problem is not getting any water. I apricate your help!
Thanks
Inlet valve? Control Board? Firstly, You need to reset ice maker to see if it will fill with water, if not, then you need new inlet valve, i guess
I have it at -4. I can try moving it down. Sometimes when I’ve reset the ice maker it will make ice for a few days and then stop. The last time I reset it, it made one batch of ice and stopped. I currently have it turned off.
My issue is the ice machine doesn’t make ice. If I reset it, it will sometimes make ice but other times the arms keep spinning for a while. I even turned the ice machine off from the front panel (it doesn’t have an on/off switch on the machine itself), and the arms were still moving for a while. I had a repair guy come and he wanted to start by changing the ice machine but couldn’t guarantee that would fix the problem and he would keep going from there if that didn’t fix it. I wasn’t willing to just keep throwing money at guesses. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Check the temp in the ice maker compartment. or try to decrease freezer temp to -5F. Did it make any difference?
Eugene,
I had the the ice machine turned off for 2 weeks. The freezer temp was set at -4. For kicks, I turned it back on, and now it’s been making ice for a week. The MO will be that in a few days it will probably stop making ice again. Any help is appreciated.
-Dean
I have an LMXS30776S/00. Ice maker will not fill with water. Reset button cycles the tray but no water refill at the end. Water comes out of the water dispenser properly. Water pressure is good and temp in the compartment is good. I replaced the Water Inlet valve thinking that maybe it is partially clogged. Water from the water dispenser now comes out a bit faster, but still nothing in the ice tray. Any ideas?
I should note that my water inlet valve only has one tube coming from it, so I’m not entirely sure how that works.
Your fridge has 2 inlet valves, which one did you replaced? Here is diagram for your fridge
I replaced a valve at the bottom rear of the unit (AJU72992601) where the water from the wall plugs in. I figured there must be a second one to control flow to the water dispenser vs the ice maker, but I can not seem to find it. From the valve I replaced, there is a water tube that runs up the back of the refrigerator and into a hole at the top rear.
The link you posted does not seem to go to a diagram, where might I look for the second valve?
Thanks for the help!
AHA! I think I found it. It’s behind the door panel with the water filter. I will try to replace that one. Thanks for the guidance!
You are welcome
OK so I have now replaced both water inlet valves, and still no luck. When I reset the ice maker, it cycles, then when it gets to the point where it is supposed to refill the tray, I can something inside the fridge give a faint click on and hum for about 10 seconds, then stop. No water though.
The water dispenser work great, just not he water to the Ice Machine.
I took the water tube off and blew through it to make sure it wasn’t frozen. All good there. I also tested both sides of the water valve without the tubes connected just to see what would happen. Water comes from the water side, but not from the ice side (when I reset the ice dispenser). Hope that makes sense.
What’s next? Control board?
Also…where is the Control Board? I cant seem to find it. Is it behind the control panel?
Have lg lfc22770 lower freezer with ice maker. Has worked perfect for 5 years now is freezing up at fill tube or water line itself. Have replaced water inlet valve makes ice correctly for 1-3 days then freezes again. Ice maker mechanics are all working fine. Did not replace water line from inlet valve to ice maker, think that could be the issue ? I’m lost for a fix at this point
Check insulation on the water tube or line. I think the problem with cold air leak through insulation foam and whatever it is. Also, check for deposits inside the fill tube.
The latch on the door to the ice maker compartment broke and we need to get a new door. I can’t figure out where/how to order it. I called LG customer service and was on hold for 45 mins and then the call dropped 🙁 can you help?
We have the LMXS277626S/01
Is this what you need?
Hi Eugene. I have a side by side LG fridge. I tried the reset button. Nothing happened. The ice tray is filled with ice currently. Won’t flip though. Do you think we should try a new motor? Is there another test we can do to know if it’s the motor?
What is the temp inside the ice maker compartment?
You have a typo in your article when it says to set the freezer to “4F or -20C”. -20C is -4F, and -4F is what LG says on their web site for minimum recommended temperature for ice making. An 8 degree difference based on -4 to +4F will make a huge difference, and according to LG +4 won’t work well at all.
Agree
I’ve got a new one for you.
Fridge was working fine. We accidentally turned off the water to the unit. When it turned back on, every time the fridge tries to make ice, it squirts the water out of the water dispenser instead of into the ice maker. Right onto the floor.
The water was off for about a week. We had the technician here and he said everything is fine. House plumbing problem.
We figured it out. Turned the water back on. Water dispenser works great. But that’s when it started pouring water onto the floor every hour or so.
I did the ice maker reset with the paper clip. At end of that test, it squirts water on the floor again.
Please help!
I’ve read all the posts. You are doing a good thing here. Thank you!
Are you sure water coming from the dispenser when ice maker filling up? Take a look inside the ice maker compartment, is any water on the bottom? Maybe it squirting into the compartment when filling up?
It is a controlled two second squirt. Not a drip or leak. It’s like the computer is tellOmg the water dispenser to dispense water instead of having the water go directly into the ice maker. The water is not coming out of the ice chute. It is coming out of the water dispenser tube in front of the ice dispenser. Very precise. About a second and a half. Same every time. Definitely when it thinks it’s time to make more ice.
No water in container
Hi, I have an LG top refrigerator, bottom pull out drawer freezer. The ice machine was working fine until we came home and opened the freezer and water flooded out everywhere onto the floor. I have contacted LG with ZERO help even though it is still in warranty. We watched the process of what it’s doing and maybe if I describe it someone can help! It is a early twist flex tray ice maker and if put the switch in the on position the water dispenses as usual and turns off as it’s suppose to when the tray is full of water but then It immediately dumps the water that was filled in the tray into the ice bucket. Doesn’t sit and freeze. Then the ice maker glides back up and water dispenses again and then dumps water into the bucket. It doesn’t stop doing this process unless you turn it off and it ends up over flowing the entire ice bucket with water and then the ice bucket over flows down into the freezer hence when we opened the freezer drawer the flood of water all over the floor happened. Do we need to replace the entire ice maker? I have researched so much much stuff but can’t find any info with this exact issue. Any help would be much appreciated!
I think you need to change the ice maker
Ok thanks! Now I need to find the right part to order to change it.
Hello, I have the LG LFX25991ST French door refrigerator. Seems the freezer door was ajar all night and most of the items in the freezer got soft. Pulled out some big chunks of ice in the freezer section too. I assume from condensation. II removed all contents from the freezer for 24 hours. The freezer seems to have a hard time cooling down now and the ice production has slowed down. I lowered to -6 degrees . I also noticed that the ice plus function doesn’t appear to be working- I used to hear a fan kick in when I pressed it but no longer hear it. I did unplug the unit for 30 seconds and I reset the ice machine. Thanks in advance!
so my Lg bottom freezer fridge suddenly has quit making Ice. I tried the test button and water did come out water is dispensing. I do not know if that fixed it or not. Can you help
What the temp in the freezer? if its high then it should, the ice maker will not make ice.
3 degrees
LFXS29766S. Ice maker does not work the one in door. When pressing reset water runs and that’s all I have unplugged many times still the same what next ?????
Ser GQ78068092
Hi Eugene Smith
I have a LMXS27626S LG Refrigerator with the french Doors. I have already had a technician come out and replaced the Board. The Fridge coded ER 1F. After we replced the board it still codes we unplug and reset-and ice-maker works for a few days then codes again. We have checked and fan is working. Any suggestions??? This is frustrating
1.Ice fan malfunctioned 2.Ice fan loose connection 3.Control Board
Hi Eugene,
LG Ice Maker stopped making ice in left door ice maker. Tried the paper clip test and nothing. Replaced the motor unit and when I powered up the fridge I could see the fingers rotate. Let it sit for about 5 hours. No ice. Tried the test button again, no movement, no water. Turned off power to the fridge for a minute, and tried the test button again, and still no rotation or water.
Since it’s a new motor, we know it’s not that. Could it be the Control board?
Thanks for helping so many of us.
Whats the model number of the fridge?Some ice makers controlled by control board, some independant
Hi there; We have a 2year old LG. LFXS30796D Our problem started with the Ice machine making less ice than normal. the problem has progressed to the freezer not getting cold enough to keep things frozen. We have been unable to get an LG service person to our area. The freezer now makes noise after opening and closing the door.
My wife is there alone and has tried all the trouble shooting tips in the manual. Checking to make sure air flow is not obstructed etc.
I have read all the tips about how to check the evaporator fan motor, the condenser fan motor etc. My wife says the refrigerator part of the unit seems to be staying cool and makes no noise.
In reading through everything I can find it sounds like the issue may be a bad evaporator fan, or something obstructing the fan which may be causing the noise. Is there separate evaporators and fans for the freezer and the refrigerator. Would my wife be able to get access to them by pulling the unit out from the wall?
Probably you have ice build up, restricting air flow and causing temp to go up. Yes, its separated evaporator coils, one for freezer , second for fridge. Let she turn fridge off for 24 hours and let it thaw. After that you need to check heater and defrost thremostat for continuity.
My LG fridge makes ice just fine, it won’t dispense. i followed all the LG recommendations, any thoughts?