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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My LG fridge we bought less than 5yrs ago is the worst. We spent well over $2000 on it and it’s been worked on twice. The fridge in our garage is probably 30yrs old and it runs like a champ. The newer the appliance , the worse it is. Same goes for washing machines. It’s really a travesty. In any other aspect of life it would be unacceptable to us to pay thousands of dollars for something and have it quit working or need to be repaired. The slim style ice maker we have on ours is a constant pain. The biggest problem is this. when I take a glass and push the dispenser button the ice falls into the chute but the flap doesn’t always open so ice piles up inside. To release it you have to reach your hand up into the chute and flip the flapper down and then an avalanche of ice falls out. Don’t know if it’s fixable or just a horrible design.
Hi Eugene,
Thanks for being so generous and helping people diagnose their ice makers!
I have an LG LFX25973ST and like a few others my in-door ice maker is not cold enough to freeze ice, despite my freezer ice maker working properly. When I run the test it empties the water from the tray and refills it just fine. Where is the fan that distributes freezer air to the in-door freezer? Is there a procedure to diagnose it? Do you have a part number?
Many thanks!
Hello, the ice maker fan ADJ72911303 located in the freezer compartment, behind the panel. You need to apply magnet to simulate door closed and feel if cold air coming out from the vents (see the ice maker on the right side)
Hi Eugene!
We have the LG InstaView fridge. It barely makes ice. I know it’s due to the door not thinking it is closed. When we close the InstaView side it doesn’t connect (magnet up by the sensor) sometimes I can get it to close and the interior lights will go off. I have to push harder on the top. I tried a magnet on the left side door and it works. The side with the InstaView does not. Is their a way to replace the magnet? The fridge will not dispense water and is not making ice because it thinks the fridge is always open. I had to turn the door alarm off. Thank you in advance for your help.
Also the light stays on.
Eugene,
My icemaker makes plenty of ice but it does not dispense the ice. There is not even any sound when you push the dispenser plate on the outside. Any ideas?
lever switch or dispenser motor malfunctioned
Eugene-
I have a 2019 LG LRFXC2406S. The indoor ice maker is not currently working. I have tried replacing the filter and cleaning the water valve near the ice maker. When I press the test/reset button, there is a beep/tone but the ice maker does not fill or rotate in any fashion. What would you recommend for further trouble shooting?
-Kyle
When you press reset, icemaker should make a half turn and then fill with water, i am not sure but for me it sounds like problem with ice maker
We have an LG LFX25974ST. Top ice maker seems to be making ice, but the bottom dispenser is not. The control arm is down and seems to be blocking the drawer when we pull it out. We had an error message that appeared on the machine that related to the filter. We have a replacement filter ordered. Don’t know why it would still be kicking out ice in the top “maker” but not the bottom.
My ice maker stopped producing ice (LRFD22850SW). I tried the test mode and it did not progress past the second test. I took out the ice maker and cleared it of the ice inside, re-installed it and re-ran the test mode. It successfully went through all the modes. Once the water had frozen, the ice maker still does not eject the cubes. Is this a problem with the ice maker motor or a control board?
I think problem with ice maker
Hi Eugene
I have 2015 3 door LG. Ice maker is in the door. The ice maker and everything inside the door started to freeze up after someone turned up the water pressure on the water in line. I adjusted the water pressure and all was good. Ice maker making ice as it should. Ice will now not dispense from the ice bucket when you press on ice switch. I can hear the motor try to turn but will not turn the metal dispenser. The water dispenser works. The ice dispenser worked before I fixed the freezing problem. Any suggestions?
Maybe motor assembly somehow frozen inside and not able to turn mechanism? I am not sure
It appears the ice maker is dumping the ice before the inside of the cubes are frozen, the water drains into the bin and I get a large solid cube and no ice cubes. It is set for 0 F. New problem it was working fine for the last 3 years?
Seems like icetray overfilling for some reason. Or icetray not dumping ice and filling with fresh water again? Hard to say
Eugene,
Great information here! We have an LG French door refrigerator that has an ice machine in the door and one in the bottom refresher. Neither is making ice. I tried the reset on the top unit and the motor did work but looked like only a little water was released to fill the try. Does this sound like a clogged line or is this a panel issue? I have tried resetting refrigerator by unplugging it as well.
Thanks for your help!
Yes, if you found a little bit of water in the tray, something wrong with the water line or fill tube or inlet valve. The best way to check this is to RESET ice maker and wait until you see how much water coming into the ice tray. It requires some troubleshooting, to figure out which part is failed or maybe just clogged.
Eugene, I have a Kenmore Elite / LG french door refrigerator. What component regulates the temperate in the freezer and fridge as well as the defrost cycle………..The mother board, the PCB main or something else. I thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Greg, the temperature sensor sends readings to the control board and the control board “decides” when to turn ON/OFF compressor. Regarding defrost cycle, it can be defrost temp sensor as well, it depends on the model of the fridge
LMXS30776S/00 Fridge. Icemaker wont refill with water. Reset button will cycle icetray but will not refill. I have replaced both Water valves (MJX62831301 and AJU72992601) and the Sub Panel Control Board (ABQ72940010). Removed the tube to the ice maker and blew through it to ensure no blockages. Before I go buying more parts, thought I would reach out. What am I missing?
In this situation, i would check the inlet valve if its getting power once you reset ice maker. icetray will turn, then inlet valve will be energized and fill with water. And exactly at this point i would put probes of the multimeter on the inlet valve connector and see if its geting power.
i have a lg lrfd25850ww ref and ice maker stop woking. i tryed to take it out and can`t get the wireing un hooked .any help?
Sorry, can’t help you
Dan,
My slim line lg ice maker has quit for the 7th or 8th time. They wont replace the whole fridge because they can fix it. The fans that push the cold air into the ice bin, freeze up and it will not freeze the ice. Over and over and over this happens. They have fixed it at their cost every time. But how can I defrost the fans?
Only by unplugging fridge for 24 hours, i guess
Eugene, After replacing the ice maker, it worked well for about 4 days then stopped producing. I have now per your advise checked temperatures in freezer…..set at -4 But temp gauge says +15. Main compartment set @ 34 degrees but records +40. You mentioned replacing the control board. My model is a Kenmore Elite 795.71073.010. Do you think it is the control board and if so do you know what the part number is. Also if you have anything on how to replace I would sure appreciate it. Thank you in advance. Greg
It does not keep the temp in the ice maker compartment. Try to defrost it fridge, for letting sit for 24 hours with the doors open and t see if it will help. Also check ice maker fan in the freezer compartment to make sure its working.
Correct, it doesn’t keep the temp in the ice maker, because it doesn’t keep the temp in the fridge or the freezer. The fan is working. I feel that whatever regulates these temp’s are not functioning properly or could it be the compressor isn’t putting out enough?
Thanks Eugene. Nah, mine’s the kind with the hole where I push in a paper clip to reset. So no ice bucket metal arms… Question for you: If ice maker is bad, will the fill tube also not work so that when I push reset there’s no water coming out? Conversely, if the water line is frozen, will the reset button not turn the arm?
Wish there was someway I can buy you a cup of coffee to thank you. Wondering if this site allows me to email you a Starbucks code?
Glenn, if the ice maker is bad, it will not send a signal to the inlet valve to open, so water will not flow through fill tube. But from the other side, inlet valve also can fail electrically or mechanically and not allowing water to flow. SO you need to check valve as well for the continuity. If water line is frozen, ice maker should be turning. Regarding coffee ))) You can buy me a coffee here. Thank you
Mine was the line where it dispenses the water to the ice try was frozen and had deposits. Cleaned it out and now it fills.
I has since frozen again. Have to de-ice the to get water flow. Suspect heater wire is the culprit. That means new door inclosure as the wire is unserviceable.
Eugene,
What a kind Samaritan you are, and a blessing to us all held hostage by our malfunctioning LGs during COVID!
In my case, it’s a 2.5 yr old LNXC23726S. Ice maker worked fine until I pulled the ice bucket out to empty ice. After that no more ice making. Reset button does not turn arm. Fill tube clear but no water comes out during reset test. Powered off for 30 min to reset with no change. Repeat and turn ice maker button on/off with no change. Checked temperature – goes down to minus 3.6 on minus 4 setting. Water filter good, pressure 68 psi, and cold water flows. Loosened ice maker screws to shake it up/down a few times – no change. Used hair dryer to thaw ice maker and recycle power – no change.
My question: Do you think it’s a circuit board problem, or ice maker problem? Anything else I can try before replacing AEQ73130004?
Thank you!
Glenn
Hi Glenn, thank you for your kind words. I would like to help you but its a hard one, because you already checked everything.And I don’t think its a control board failure. But what about ice bucket metal arm? It should be set in the middle and it has to move up and down, and then set in the middle. Did you check that?
Eugene, I just want to comment that this is a Wonderful service you are providing the DIY public. I found my answer from others questions and I just want to Thank You for what you do. Sincerely Greg
Anytime Greg
Ice maker makes a loud tapping noise and the tray does not turn over all the way like it is stuck. been doing this for quit awhile. still make ice. Suggestions?