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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Hi. I bought an LG model LSXS26326S at the end of 2018. Didn’t plug it in til a year later when my new house got finished. I’ve had this problem with the ice maker since the start. It makes ice and fills the ice container for a couple to a few days. Then it just stops. The only way to get it to make ice again is the cut the power for a few seconds and hit the reset button. After reset it will fill the ice container and continue working for another couple to a few days and then stop again. I’ve been repeating this process for over a year now just to keep it making ice. I mave the ice maker model that has no power button and the tiny reset button hole. The water works fine and doesn’t freeze. The water freezes just fine and it empties it into the ice container just fine. Just have to reset it every few days or I run out of ice. Do you think this could be a problem with the control board? Thanks
Hard to say Jason… did you check optical sensors (see post above) ? Or your model doesn’t have it? It could be a problem with the ice maker itself or control board
No optical sensors. Has the swingdown bar. That all seems to work just fine because it doesn’t overflow with ice for the few days at a time while it works. Seems to make ice while it needs it and stops when it don’t. In my mind it seems to forget to check the level after a couple of days and gets stuck there til I reset it. I assume it’s supposed to check the level everytime you dispense ice? Every couple to a few days it just stops cycling. Ice cubes are left in the tray. I think it’s gone as long as three, maybe four days of cycling, then that’s it. LG is zero help. I can change whatever it needs, just don’t want to buy new things trying to track the problem.
Wondering, if you can try to remove some ice from the ice bucket and lower that bar DOWN. Will it cycle again as normal after that (at least for a couple of days) or you need to press RESET button again.
Well it would have to cycle for the bar to lower for a level reading. Doing it by hand won’t do it. Though I have seen it cycle passed one bucket fill, it seems very rare. 9 times out of 10 it seems to cycle until it senses its full and then doesn’t cycle again until I reset it. When it has occasionally cycled after initial fill, it only appears to do it until the next fill, which may only be one or to cycles, and then stops til I reset it.
Hi. Water seems to be spilling out of the ice tray where it meets a round plastic shield. Not sure if the water is coming up higher than it should or if the round plastic piece is not aligning properly to block the spillage. Everything else is working properly, it makes and dispenses ice fine. It just also leaks a little bit of water with every batch. Some of that water leaks out there bottom of the door (and eventually on to the floor) while some water gets frozen to the outside of the ice bucket.
Oh help. I am trying to help an elderly friend. The ice maker stopped working. I looked and saw the ice “dam” so I melted all of that with a hair dryer. I can’t remove the top basket drawer (LG Refrigerator with freezer on the bottom) so I can’t reach to remove the ice maker. There is water in the bottom, and I can’t see how to drain that. I did turn it back on but didn’t hear water so I shut it off again. What else can I try? I am not very skilled, but I will try!
Try to defrost it manually by turning power OFF for 24 hours, if it suitable for you and let it melt
Hi,
We have a new LG freezer on top model with Icemaker that we do not use (no water hookup). We have it on “off”—the “o” is depressed—but suddenly it is making constant ice crackling noises again (like it did when we first got it and it was accidentally “on”).
Any ideas?
have no idea
LG LFX25960ST the ice maker not filling up enough water when you turn it on and off, not consistently make ice automatically, sometimes triggers ice making with enough water when getting water from dispenser.
Hard to say, maybe partially clogged water inlet valve is your issue
Hello again! I left a thermometer inside the ice maker and the temperature is ok. I then fooled my fridge in thinking my left refrigerator door was closed and I can indeed feel cold air from the freezer blowing through the upper opening vent hole. It’s the one leading to the ice tray upper mechanisms. But I CAN’T really feel anything through the lower one that leads to the bottom ice bin. (??) That being said, the ice forms really quickly and will empty without any issues using the manual troubleshooting button. The ice sensors work fine according to the troubleshooting. But again, once the ice tray is filled and frozen, the tray won’t empty by itself. Only pressing the manual button will work.
Again…thank you so much
Hi Luc, two ice maker vent holes are IN and OUT, for circulation purposes… Why it’s not dumping ice? I don’t know.. i am running out of ideas.. So, now you came to the point, where you just need try to replace one part and see if it will fix the problem. If not, go further until problem fixed… In your case, i would try to replace ice maker first, if no success, then replace the control board.
Hi Eugene! Thank you so much for the help. Not sure if this was already addressed here but here is my problem/situation: My icemaker produces ice but doesn’t automatically fill the ice bin. When using the test button underneath, the tray empties the ice without any problem. Then the tray is properly filled by water. But it doesn’t empty in the bin once frozen. Note: When doing the diagnosis for the ice sensors…it reads ETY like it should. What would be the problem then?
Thank you in advance for your time!
You need to know the actual temp in the ice maker compartment. If its high then 4F , ice maker will not work properly. It maybe be frozen, but not dumping ice. Also, check ice maker fan in the freezer compartment, to make sure its working
Hi,
I have LG no plumbing 2 door side by side fridge with ice and water dispenser. Last few days the freezer is not working as is should be. Meaning ice cream etc are melting. The freezer is not over full, the temp is set to -19. The water also drips from the water dispenser and filling up the door handle under the dispenser. The fridge is almost 2 yrs old. Can you please help. Tried doing the mobile phone app diagnostics but no luck.
You need to pull fridge out and listen to the compressor. If it’s running but not cooling, then compressor is failed. You need to call LG, they should provide 10 years warranty on the compressor
Hi Eugene,
I have an LG LXF28968ST French door, in door ice maker. I have come across a variety of issues with the ice maker this last week and have been reading different sites/opinions and now have found your site.
Ice maker worked with different issues until yesterday when I finally turned it off.
Has been running at 8F per what installer set when it was delivered in 12/2013 without issue. Turned down to 0°F after seeing other posts.
First looked like ice maker was making ice but not dumping so water would fill tray again and overfill would run down inside of door and collect on top of freezer drawer. I removed what was now a block of ice instead of a tray of cubes. Turned ice maker off overnight and ice maker seemed to work for a day or so, or so I thought. Wasn’t getting ice out of door, usually just have to remove bin and shake because of traffic jam at the dispensing blades. No traffic jam, now there wasnt even ice. Tray rotated to dump ice and never returned to upright position for refilling hence water down inside of door and on top of freezer door again.
Turned power off and on and got tray to cycle to upright position. Made more ice, then not getting ice through drawer so opened ice compartment again to find ice tray IN ice bucket just hanging from the white flexible tubing on left side. THOUGHT I had gotten tray reinstalled properly but just checked again and bottom tray was again dangling in ice bin by white flexible tubing. 🙁 Any help you can provide i would greatly appreciate.
Thanks
Hi Wendy, first of all you need to figure whats the actual temp in the ice maker compartment. Maybe its fluctuating a lot allowing ice to melt and freezes up again. Its one thing.. Another one, is to check if filler tube spills water during filling. Unfortunately, there are some many issues with these ice makers and there is no one solution for everyone.
I have a model LG LMXS30776D /02 refrigerator where the ice maker is not producing ice. I have tested the unit with the test button and all 3 cycles work properly. Water is discharged into the tray but the ice will not freeze. Temp of freezer is at -21degC. I also tested the ice bucket sensors according to your instructions and tested fine. I think I tested the cooling fan/blower but not sure. I used a magnet at the upper left side of the left door and the inside fridge light went out but I did not hear any cooling fan or felt any cool air from the 2 vents on the side. Is the cooling blower fan malfunctioning?
Seems like its an ice maker fan issue, it is located in the freezer compartment
Hi I have the ice maker in the fridge part of the door,I have this problem it makes ice ,but he ice freezers solid in the bottom of the bin and blocks up the shoot ,this happen every day,have to pull the bin out and unblock it ,can you please help me with this cheers
Check dispenser flapper, to make sure is properly closing and sealed
I have a LG LMXS3077. The ice and water will not work. On the panel it will have a E and F1 showing and nothing works. We can unplug it and it will work for a few hours then quit.
No problem.
That screw just didn’t want to break loose BUT I finally got it apart.
Looks like the switch is bad, top terminal is corroded. That top wire connector didn’t want to budge and looks to be corroded too, see pics.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKQViEtHtMH/?igshid=1b9g5witf7xxs
I figured I should just cut the wires and replace but can’t seem to find a new microswitch connector & terminals. Tried pulling the wires but they are in there good and don’t want to break it.
Any idea what these are called and where to find them? Do you need a special crimper?
Thought about just putting on a regular slip terminal on each wire but figure with all that crud that was in there it will just happen again that much sooner.
Thanks again for your help!
I dont know whats the exact part number of this microswitch. But you can find similar on Amazon.. Maybe like this one https://www.amazon.com/OdiySurveil-XV-152-1C25-Hinge-Miniature-Switch/dp/B00W1VK9VG/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=micro+switch+with+lever&qid=1611165733&sr=8-10
Hi Eugene,
I was referring to the plastic molded terminal cover that slides over the terminals on the top and back of the microswitch.
Its like a molded together block, one rectangular long box that slips onto the top terminal and another that is staggered off just below to slip over the terminal on the back of the microswitch.
These two pieces are molded together to make one unit which i cant seem to find anywhere.
If you look at the last set of pictures you can see it. You can see the slip on connecter that goes to the top terminal is greenish from the corrosion.
I was hoping to find the molded cover and bare terminals that go with it to cut and replace.
Thanks again!
Hello Eugene,
I have an LG LFX25991ST and have a similar problem where the ice will not dispense when you press the Ice Cube panel.
I dont have any ice stuck in the chute and the ice is not clumped or stuck in the ice bin.
I watched the video above and the flap seems to be working fine. I can open it and it seals properly.
When I softly press the panel I can hear the switch click on/off but nothing happens.
Any ideas on what is causing the ice not to dispense?
Here are a few pictures…
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKM4QqynaOU/?igshid=1mbyasiypq61w
The screw for the ice microswitch is rusted but the rest seems ok. I suppose it could be bad inside. How do you test it?
Water microswitch seems good. Should it be replaced since everything is out?
Definitely could use some cleaning. What would you recommend to use on the area below the chute opening?
I had seen a reference in a YouTube video re an LED light (for this model) that turns on when you use the Water or Ice function but can’t seem to find it. Can you tell me where that is located?
Thanks for your help. Very much appreciated!
Ed
Maybe this video will be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmT7b3oIat0
Thats the same video where the flap is the problem. I dont have that issue.
Sorry Ed.. well in this case i would disassemble that panel and check continuity of the microswitch. Then i would check wires from the switch to the control board. If everything tested ok, last thing left its the control board
I have the LG with the ice maker with the test switch. My ice maker makes lot of ice, but it won’t dispense it sometimes. Any ideas why, and how to fix it? I make sure I empty the ice maker, so it’s not clogged, but where you press to dispense the ice feels like sometimes it connects and sometimes it does not.
Is this what you are looking for? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmT7b3oIat0
Hello!
I have the ice maker without a switch and am getting a small icicle right at the 90 of the little metal bar. Ran in test mode, did push existing ice out, but looks like the bar is freezing to the actual ice maker. The icicle will get to be an inch or two over night. when the tray filled in test mode, did not spray all over. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Did check and have a drip from looks to be between the tray and the housing that the test hole is located.
I don’t know Jared.. Without seeing it hard to say what is it
I have the LG Ice Maker that is in your Kenmore video where is twists the tray to make the ice fall out.
In the last 6 months it seems to get stuck in that twisted position and clicks repeatedly very loudly. Most times it fixes itself and goes back to the position to fill with water, but other times I have to open it and clear out ice around the outside of the tray.
Do you know how to get it back to working normally?
Thank you!
If you have ice outside the tray, maybe water splashes when tray filling up and then freezes up. Or ice tray overfilling with water? Or fill tube at the end, got calcium deposits and not providing smooth water flow. IDK.. it requires some troubleshooting
hi Eugene,I having problem with the ice dispenser,when I push the plate take almost 10 or more seconds to dispence the ice,I had no clue just replace the switch and improve a little bit but now is back to the delay,any sugestion ? thanks
So, when you press dispense button is anything happening during 10 seconds? Any sound?
Hi Eugene, I have the same problem with my ice maker. I tried the holding the Reddit and lock button and it comes up ICE, does that mean it’s ok? I’ve tried everything! Grr please help! Thank you!
Hi Debbie, dealing with LG ice makers not an easy task . You need to check many things before figure out why its not working. All methods described in the post above. Concerning “ICE”, i am not sure why it comes up.
Hi Eugene
I have a LG LFX28968, The ice maker makes I ice just fine. But, It freezes up together on the bottom and won ‘t come down. I have to open it up, and break it up, get my ice. And it does it again. I thought it might be because the door is open, but have been vigilant keeping it closed and opening it for shorter time. Still happens, what do we do?
Gerard
Water collecting at the bottom can cause by: faulty inlet valve, filler tube on the ice maker partially clogged allowing water to spill when filling or temperature fluctuating in the ice maker compartment.