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Having an ice maker in your LG refrigerator provides the convenience of instant ice whenever you need it. However, when that ice maker stops working properly, it can be a real headache. As an LG refrigerator owner myself, I’ve been there! When my ice maker suddenly stopped producing ice, I was frustrated. But with a little troubleshooting and diagnosis, I was able to get my ice maker working again.
In this article, we’ll walk through the common problems that can cause an LG ice maker to stop working, along with steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself. With the right information and a few tools, you can often repair your LG ice maker without the hassle and expense of calling a repair technician.
Why Is My LG Ice Maker Not Working?
There are a number of reasons why your LG refrigerator’s ice maker may not be producing ice:
- The ice maker is turned off – Check the control panel on the door of your refrigerator to ensure the ice maker is turned on. There may be a button or switch to activate the ice maker.
- Ice maker arm is stuck – The arm that senses when the ice bin is full can sometimes get stuck. Make sure it moves up and down freely.
- Water supply issue – If the ice maker isn’t getting water, it can’t make ice. Ensure the water supply valve is open and check for kinks or clogs in the supply line.
- Freezer temperature too warm – The freezer needs to be around 0°F for the ice maker to properly operate. Check the temperature setting.
- Ice maker mold, sensor or heating element failure – Like any appliance, the various internal components of the ice maker can fail over time. We’ll go into more detail on these issues below.
- Mineral buildup or ice blockage – Ice makers can build up mineral deposits over time or even freeze up. Carefully inspect and clean the ice maker assembly.
By going through some systematic troubleshooting steps, you should be able to diagnose the specific problem with your LG ice maker.
Step-by-Step LG Ice Maker Troubleshooting
Here are the key things to check when your LG refrigerator is not making ice:
1. Verify the Ice Maker is Turned On
This may sound obvious, but first double check that the ice maker is actually turned on. Many LG refrigerators have an enable/disable button or switch for the ice maker on the control panel. Make sure this is set to the “On” or “Enabled” position.
If you don’t see an obvious button, consult your owner’s manual to determine how to activate the ice maker. On some models, you may need to hold down an icon or button for 3 seconds to toggle the ice maker on or off.
2. Check if the Ice Maker Arm is Stuck
The ice maker arm acts as a sensor to determine when the ice bin is full. When the bin fills up with ice, the arm is designed to automatically lift up to the “off” position, stopping ice production.
Over time, residue from water and ice can cause the arm to stick in the up or down position. Visually inspect the arm inside the ice bin to make sure it can move up and down freely.
If it is stuck, gently clean the hinges and shaft with warm water and baking soda. That should free up the arm so it can properly sense when more ice needs to be made.
3. Verify Water is Getting to the Ice Maker
No water, no ice. If water can’t get to the ice mold, the freezing process can’t begin. There are a few things that could interrupt the water supply:
- Water supply valve – Behind your refrigerator is a water valve that feeds water into the ice maker. Make sure this valve is fully open.
- Kinked supply line – Check for kinks or tight bends in the 1/4″ plastic water supply line. Straighten or repair any issues in the line.
- Clogged tubing – Sediment buildup or impurities in the water can clog the small supply tubes leading into the ice mold. Disconnect and inspect the tubing for blockages.
- Water filter issue – If your refrigerator has a water filter, a saturated or clogged filter cartridge could restrict water flow. Try replacing the filter and monitoring if that improves ice production.
Once you’ve verified the water supply components are in good shape, test by pouring some water directly into the ice mold. If it drains through properly, you know water is able to get where it needs to go.
4. Check the Freezer Temperature
In order for the ice maker to reliably produce ice, the freezer needs to maintain a temperature of around 0°F or slightly below. If the freezer is not getting cold enough, ice production will slow or stop completely.
Access the temperature settings through the control panel on your LG fridge. For proper ice production, set the freezer to 0°F or -3°F, depending on your model.
Let the freezer run for at least 24 hours at the colder setting to allow temperatures to stabilize. Check if ice begins forming once your freezer cools down again. Call for service if temperatures do not get cold enough after adjustment.
5. Inspect the Ice Mold, Ejector and Heating Elements
The core ice-making components include the mold, ejector and heating mechanisms. Issues with any of these systems can halt ice production:
- Ice mold – Cracks, warping or dirt buildup on the ice mold can prevent water from properly freezing. Clean the mold with mild soap and water or replace it if damaged.
- Ejector – This mechanism pushes the ice out of the mold once frozen. Fix any stuck mechanisms and ensure it can move smoothly.
- Heating elements – Heaters under the mold regulate the ice making process. If not working, new heating elements may be required.
Carefully inspect each component and test its operation. Make repairs, replace parts or clean as needed.
6. Check for Mineral Buildup and Ice Blockages
Just like any appliance, ice makers accumulate mineral deposits and sediment over years of use. This can interfere with water flow, ice ejection and overall functionality.
Unplug the fridge to safely access the ice maker assembly. Check for any blockages or buildup:
- Remove all ice from the mold, ejector and shafts. Defrost completely if needed.
- Clean the ice mold and interior surfaces with a mix of vinegar and warm water.
- Use a nylon brush to scrub out sediment clogging any water tubes or channels.
- Inspect the water fill tube for any blockages preventing water from entering the ice mold.
Taking the time to descale and clean the ice maker can get it working again in many cases. Be sure to reattach all mechanisms tightly once finished.
When to Call for Professional LG Ice Maker Repair
If you’ve worked through all the troubleshooting steps and your LG ice maker still isn’t operating correctly, it may be time to call in a professional. A trained appliance repair technician can fully diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs.
Here are some signs it’s time to contact LG customer support or look for professional assistance:
- You’ve verified freezer temps are correct, but ice production is still stalled. This points to an internal mechanical or electrical issue needing repair.
- There are obvious cracks, damage or wear to the ice mold, ejector arms or other components. Damaged parts will need to be replaced.
- Sediment remover and descaling doesn’t improve water flow or ice ejection. The system may require deeper cleaning only a pro can handle.
- The ice maker was making crunching noises during operation. This could signal problems with the motor or auger that require service.
- You find leaking coming from the ice maker assembly. Water leaks will lead to mold, mildew and potential appliance damage if not addressed quickly.
Don’t frustrate yourself trying to jury rig fixes. An authorized LG repair technician has specialized training and knowledge to properly diagnose and repair your ice maker.
Keep Your LG Ice Maker Running Smoothly
Troubleshooting problems with your LG refrigerator’s ice maker may seem complicated, but have patience and work through the diagnosis process. In most cases, you can get your ice production back on track with some basic cleaning, maintenance, part testing and replacements.
Implement a regular ice maker maintenance routine to prevent issues and keep cubes flowing anytime. And don’t hesitate to leverage the expertise of appliance professionals when needed – the right repair tech can quickly get your ice maker operating optimally. Stay cool with a properly functioning LG refrigerator ice maker!
Frequently Asked Questions About LG Ice Makers Not Working
Here are answers to some common questions about non-working ice makers in LG refrigerators:
What causes LG ice maker to stop working?
Some common causes for an LG ice maker to stop working include a frozen or clogged water line, faulty ice maker assembly, defective water inlet valve, bad control board, or failed mold heater or thermostat. Checking components like the water supply, fill tube, wire harness, and fan is part of the LG refrigerator troubleshooting process. Following the LG appliance repair guide can help diagnose and fix the issue.
How do I reset my LG ice maker?
To reset an LG ice maker, locate the reset button on the ice maker assembly inside the freezer and press it for a few seconds. This resets the ice maker and allows it to cycle through the ice making process again. Make sure the freezer temperature is around 0°F for proper ice production. Refer to the LG refrigerator owner’s manual for full reset instructions.
Why is my LG ice maker not dropping ice?
If the LG ice maker is not dropping ice, common culprits include a jammed or faulty ejector arm, buildup preventing the ice from dropping, an issue with the ice maker module, or a problem with the shutoff arm. Inspecting the ejector gear and testing components like the motor and mold heater can help troubleshoot the cause as part of the DIY ice maker repair.
How do I test my LG ice maker?
To test an LG ice maker, check that the water supply is working, the freezer temperature is around 0°F, and the shutoff arm moves freely. Then feel for a click when the ice maker mold fills indicating the valve opened. Listen for buzzing when the ejector turns on. If any of these steps fail, use an LG ice maker troubleshooting guide to further diagnose.
How do I turn on my LG freezer ice maker?
On most LG freezer ice makers, there is an on/off toggle switch located on the ice maker unit inside the freezer. Flip this switch to the ON position to activate the ice maker. Make sure the water supply is connected and the freezer temperature is set between 0-10°F for proper operation. Refer to your LG refrigerator manual for model-specific instructions.
How do I turn on my LG ice maker?
Check your LG refrigerator owner’s manual for model-specific instructions, but typically there is an on/off toggle button located on the ice maker itself inside the freezer compartment. Flip this switch to the ON position to activate the ice maker if it is off. The ice maker will not produce ice if the freezer temperature is too high.
What is the symbol for LG Ice Plus?
The LG Ice Plus symbol looks like a snowflake inside a hexagon shape. This indicates the ice maker freezer has the LG Ice Plus feature which uses cold air blown from the back of the freezer to help freeze water faster for increased ice production.
What is LG Ice Plus button?
The LG Ice Plus button is found on select LG refrigerators and is used to activate the Ice Plus feature when quicker ice production is needed. When pressed, it will run the ice maker fan and drop the freezer temperature for 24-48 hours to increase ice output.
Where is the ice maker fan on LG?
On LG refrigerators with the Ice Plus feature, the ice maker fan is located in the back wall of the freezer compartment. It circulates cold air to help freeze ice cubes faster when the Ice Plus mode is enabled. The fan operation is controlled by the ice maker control board.
How often should LG ice maker make ice?
Most LG ice makers are designed to cycle 12-15 times per day and produce 70-182 cubes in a 24 hour period depending on settings and freezer temperature. In optimal conditions, an LG ice maker may produce up to 10 cubes per cycle, or around 100-150 cubes in a 24 hour timeframe.
What are the codes for LG refrigerator?
Some common LG refrigerator error codes include E0 (compressor failure), FH (no water flow), LE (motor failure), H1 (high temperature), L1 (low temperature), and EE (PCB communication issues). Always refer to your specific LG refrigerator’s owner’s manual for a list of all error codes and troubleshooting steps.
Where is the ice maker valve?
The ice maker valve, also called the water inlet valve, is typically located at the back bottom of the LG refrigerator. It controls water flow from the supply line to the ice maker fill tube and will click when activated during the ice maker fill cycle.
What is the best setting for LG refrigerator?
The recommended temperature settings for an LG refrigerator are 37°F for the fridge compartment and 0°F for the freezer. Use an appliance thermometer to double check the temperatures. The default middle setting (3-5) on the temperature controls is usually optimal for food safety and energy efficiency.
What is the correct setting for LG refrigerator?
The correct temperature setting for an LG refrigerator is 37°F for the refrigerator compartment and 0°F for the freezer. Adjust the settings from 1-7 (coldest to warmest) as needed if using the default does not maintain these optimal target temperatures. Be sure to allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize after making any changes.
What temperature is my LG refrigerator?
An LG refrigerator should run around 37°F for the fresh food section and 0°F in the freezer when using the recommended default settings. Use a refrigerator thermometer placed in the center of each area to check the actual temperature. Adjust the control one increment at a time if the temperatures are not ideal.
Why is my refrigerator not making ice?
If your LG refrigerator is not making ice, first ensure the ice maker is turned on. Other potential causes include a faulty water inlet valve, clogged water filter, frozen or kinked water supply line, defective control board, malfunctioning mold heater or thermostat, or a dirty ice maker assembly. Refer to the troubleshooting guide in your LG manual.
How do I speed up my LG ice maker?
To speed up ice production in an LG ice maker, try using the Ice Plus feature if available to drop freezer temps, cleaning the ice maker assembly, changing the water filter, making sure the freezer is around 0°F, and ensuring proper water supply pressure between 20-120 PSI. Avoid overfilling the ice bin.