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
Frequently asked questions
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Ice level arm moves freely, same with door switch. Has started ejecting ice, but still puts too much water into the ice tray.
Thanks
How do you know, that it overfill the ice tray? Did you actually see it when it spills?
I have a LG LFCS25425 3 door, with the icemaker only in the bottom. It does not eject ice, but performs correctly when you use the test button. Water flows in for about 8 seconds or so. I’ve unplugged for over 5 minutes to reset, but the problem persists. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Rich
Check ice level arm, is it stuck? Does it move up and down freely? What about freezer door switch, works correct?
Hi Eugene, I have a 10 year old LG refrigerator and the ice maker is stuck in the upside down position. I have tried resetting it and unplugging the refrigerator and nothing happens….no sound or movement. The ice water dispenser motor works fine. Any suggestions on what is needed? We are somewhat handy so likely could replace parts. Thank you.
Remove an ice maker and see what the problem why its stuck. I can’t tell you exact procedure what to do, but once you will take it apart i think you will figure out
Hi Eugene and this amazing group of people,
Can you help with my LG Refrigerator issue? Error Code Er 1F (On refrigerator Er & On Freezer 1F). Learnt from this blog and some other blogs, it is due to the Ice maker fan issue. I keep trying to unplug and plug to make this error code go away. My family rarely ever uses ice from the refrigerator, wondering if I can ignore this error! Would this issue cause some other issues to the refrigerator if I don’t resolve this issue. Please advise.
No, it shouldn’t. it’s just will make an ice maker not functioning properly.
Did you try to turn ice maker OFF?
Hi Eugene,
THANKS for all the help you have been providing to the troubled LG community.
I have the LFXC24726S refrigerator that has started showing the codes E and CF on the door and then the water and ice dispensers stop working. The fridge and freezer seem to be cooling fine. If I shut off the unit for a minute and restart it, the error codes vanish and the ice and water dispensers start dispensing. Then the code comes back and I have to reset it gain. Sometimes the code corrects itself on its own without a manual reset.
What could be going on?
Thanks in advance.
AJ
Hello AJ, E CF related to Condenser Fan Motor. Check Manual at the bottom of this article and go to Page 56. There will be information, how to check that fan
My ice maker continues to drip into the tray and overflows into the rest of the ice that becomes a solid block. When the ice cubes freeze, they get too thick for the motor to flex the tray to drop the cubes. Model # is LFC24770ST.
Replace the ice maker water inlet valve, it is located in the left door
Hi Eugene, Thank you for all your insight. Working through the recommended tests and the questions posted here leave me with a couple questions. I try the ice sensor test of holding the refrigerator and lock button at the same time. It doesn’t respond – am I doing something wrong. I’m assuming it would respond in the temperature section of the Refrigerator display? Second where would the magnet be placed to trigger the door closed reaction?
My ice maker makes ice and dumps when I press the button, after it dumps it sends in new water. However it won’t dump without me pressing the button. Do you think it’s a sensor or the control board?
Hi Steve, in order to see where door magnet located, just look from the top down on the door. You will see a rectangular opening with the magnet inside. After that, put any magnet on the fridge side and the light should go off. Regarding, why ice maker not dumping ice in automatic mode, hard to say what exactly happened in your case, it can be optic sensor wiring in the door, ice maker itself or the worst-case scenario malfunctioned control board. I don’t have an exact procedure for all situations, but i have a service manual for LG fridge, if you want i can post it here.
Thanks for the quick reply. With all functions of the ice maker working when I press the test button I was leaning towards control board. The freeze is cold enough, just won’t dump ice and cycle. I’m hoping it won’t be too hard to change out but the service manual would be awesome to have during this swap out. If you would post that would help me immensely. Thanks again for hosting this, it’s been extremely helpful. Thank you!
Hi Steve, i updated this article and at the very bottom you can find LG fridge Service Manual, see page 106
Hi Eugene, I see where the upload is, but I can’t figure out how to download it. Any thoughts?
Hi Eugene. I have pressed the reset button and turn off / on the fridge several times. I am getting water with no problem at the front of the door. When i use a paperclip to reset, nothing happens. Control board? I have a lg lfxs30726s
Thank you!
well, you need to check if your ice maker getting power. If yes, then the problem with the ice maker itself. Often times, wire harness on the top in the left door came loose or broken
Hey Eugene. I replaced the icemaker to find out that the unit still will not turn when I push the reset button. Needless to say, it makes no ice. Do you recommend I change out the PCB next? Is that an easy job? Thank you!
Hi Eugene,
I read all of these comments and they are similar but I am not sure. I have the slimline in door ice make on French door refrigerator. It makes ice but freezes some of the ice in a clump, always on the right hand side. Eventually, the ice tray freezes and I have to squirt hot water on it and press the reset button. Then, it makes ice again for a few days until I get that clump and know it won’t be long until it freezes up again. Any ideas. Thanks so much for this great site.
Hi, I have a different problem, mine makes Ice fine, but leaks water on the right of the unit. The water then freezes the ice bin in the unit. We have to dump it, turn it off and get the ice surrounding the bin out and let it dry for a bit. The ice in the bin gets wet and also freezes in a big chunk. HELP!!! I think it’s a leak, but where?
Thank You!
Sandy
Its not a leak, probably when its filling with water via a filler tube and splashes a little bit. Check that filler tube and clean from calcium build-up, maybe its part of the problem
My parents have a brand-new, 3-month-old LG LRFXC2416S (“24 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Craft Ice”) which has been leaking from the rear of the unit, right where the orange water line (from the lower ice tray water line valve) enters the back of the unit thru what appears to be a plastic inlet housing with an embedded black rubber seal. The leak is coming from around the plastic inlet housing and pouring down the back of the fridge whenever the lower ice tray valve energizes.
The LG technician claims that the water pressure is too low to properly fill the lower tray (although we seem to be getting plenty of ice), and the water must be freezing somewhere along the line inside the fridge and causing a back-pressure which is forcing water out the back.
Is this possible?
The upper ice tray and water dispenser seem to be working fine with no leaks out the back where those lines enter the fridge, but I would presume those lines would have even less pressure than the lower line.
Have no idea, never had this situation before. Sorry
Hello Eugene,
I read though all the issues in this article and this is the same issue I have. LG model #LFX25973D. No problems for 1st 3 years. Now water runs out the back of the unit on to kitchen floor instead of filling lower ice maker in the freezer. The Ice maker in the refrigerator door seems to work fine. Water dispenses from the door just fine. Fridge is under warranty. Both times I had a repairmen come out the problem went away before he came out. The problem will persist for approximatly 4 – 6 days and then the leak from the back stops and the ice maker in the freezer works again. The repairman changed out the entire lower icemaker during his 1st visit but the problem came back in about 6 months. This just started happening for the 3rd time. I’m getting ready to make another warranty call.
Please help, I think I need them the give me a new refrigerator but I’m sure they won’t.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Ritchie, this specific issue require proper troubleshooting. For me it sounds like water tube to the ice maker got frozen and eventually backing up water. But at the same time i kinda doubt it. I dont think that ice maker itself is the cause of the problem. Or maybe there is something wrong with the water tube insulation
Eugene,
I have water leaking from the bottom of my left French door on my LG LFXS26596S refrigerator. Removed the tray above the lower access door, removed one Phillips screw, however I am unable to remove the panel accessing the water connections. Can you tell me how to remove this panel?
Are you talking about the panel on the left door? Remove lower shelf on that door and behind shelf there is a screw, remove it and you will have access to the inlet valve in the left door.
Hello! When I take out the ice maker unit and defrost it, then replace it it makes ice for a few cycles. Then nothing. I can hear the motor trying to work. Any ideas? Thank you!
I have the LG inverter linear french door fridge/freezer. The freezer fridge and icemaker have stopped producing cold temps completely. Waterline is tested and fine.
I took off the back cover and cleaned the dust off the condenser coil. The compressor sounded fine and was not clicking, slight hum, feel slight vibration to the touch. The fan was blowing fine on to the coil. The fridge sounds like its working but is not cooling. Over the last 24hrs fridge and freezer have warmed to room temp. The side edge of the door by the ice maker is hot, it feels unusually warm/hot.
I took the cover off the mother board and there were no led warnings. I replaced cover.
I pressed the reset on the icemaker and it rotated fine.
What should I check next to diagnose why its not cooling ?
its a problem with the compressor or with a sealed system. In both cases its a major issue. Call LG and ask about 10 years warranty on the compressor
thank you i will, i appreciate your time, cheers.
There is a class action lawsuit covering your problem. Got an email and just received the packet in the mail on it yesterday.
Eugene,
Please help! I have LG LMXS30776S with water and ice in the left french door. Water dispensing, ice making and ice dispensing stopped working all together at the same time. No voltage sent to secondary water valve when calling for water. Water valve in rear of fridge is feeding water up to secondary valve through the filter and reservoir tank is full. Pressing water dispenser turns LED light on and pressing ice dispense opens flapper door but no water dispenses and the motor that turns to push ice out doesn’t turn. Test button on ice maker works but no water at end. Could all these problems be the control board behind the dispenser panel (EBR729554)? Thanks for your valuable time.
I dont think its problem with that control board… For me it sounds like wiring issue
Eugine,
Thanks for your reply. As common courtesy, I thought I would let others know what the problem was/is. I traced the problem to the neutral wire. It is a blue wire coming from the main board and dives into the left door hollow hinge. It has somehow come loose from wherever it terminates inside the door or is broken. The auger motor neutral wire has connectivity to the two water valves that separately feed the water in the door and ice maker. All these devices receive their proper voltage when necessary but without neutral, they won’t work. When I checked the resistance between the neutral wire entering the hinge and the auger motor neutral wire in the harness connector feeding the ice maker, it is infinite…no connection. When I jump those two wires, everything works as it is supposed to. Is there any way to get to the wires in the door to fix this problem or is it new door time? My LG fridge is only 5 years old!
Thanks for the contribution, Randy!
Randy,
I have recent similar experience, with a broken wire in the left door. Our broken wire is the hot wire (pink), which starts out red wire from the body of the frig then at the connector at the upper left hinge transitions to pink wire. The pink wire is to provide 120V to the PCB-Sub board located in the top of the left door. No continuity either, so I jumpered power from the door hinge wire at the wiring connector to the PCB-sub board and the ice & water dispensers in the door started to work. My question is….did you figure out a way to replace the wire in the door or did you end up replacing the door. I took out the ice make, the front water dispenser, hoping to find an easy way to access the internal door wiring however it appears the wiring in the door is spray foamed in place.
About half the time when I use the ice cube dispenser it won’t stop dispensing ice. They only answer seems to be to open the door to stop the dispensing action, and wiggle the on/off paddle. Sometimes it’s stops after that, sometimes it take three or four wiggles before it stops dispensing ice.
Any ideas?
It’s like it wants to make an ice rink in the kitchen!
Replace ice dispenser paddle ))
My water dispenser is working, but my Ice maker is not.
The tray is not filling up with water.
Please help.
Some LG fridges have a separate inlet valve for the ice maker in the left door. Maybe its failed or ice maker itself has issues
Hello,
I have the following fridge lfxc24796s. I did the diagnostic and ice maker poured ice, refilled, and everything appears to be working well. However I only got one set of ice and it stopped producing.
I did a diagnostic via the smart app and it’s showing that the ice bucket is full… when it is completely empty.
I unplugged the ice maker for a minute and hours later had ice. This morning I go for ice and I’m having the same issue!
I have cleaned the bin, ice maker, everything but it thinks the ice bucket is full.
Do you have any ideas on what to check/replace?
Hi Michael, i am preparing some updates to the post regarding optical sensor and how to check them. So come back in a couple of days for an update.
Eugene,
Thank you for the quick response! I don’t believe mine has an optical sensor. It has the skinny metal bar towards the bottom. The same one that has a pin hole for testing.
Ahh… Well IDk Michael how to help you, but i can send you “LG fridge troubleshooting guide” including the ice maker, maybe you will find it useful. UPDATE: Sorry Michael, this guide only apply to the ice makers with optical sensors. I just double checked
Hello,
My LG Frig(french door,2017 model) will not dispense water or fill my ice maker tray.. The water get to the inlet valve and stops. I change the inlet valve with a new one but still no water dispensing or ice being made… I think the small control board in the door is defective but that’s a big guess on my part… Thanks in advance for any suggestions…
LG fridge might come with 2 inlet valves, one on the back of the fridge, another one inside the left door. Which one did you replace?
I replaced both valves. I confirmed water is getting to the small reservoir inside the left door but will not pass through inlet valve next to it.
LG fridge might come with 2 inlet valves, one on the back of the fridge, another one inside the left door. Which one did you replace?