LG Refrigerator: not making ice
What is this symptom?
Is your LG refrigerator not making ice? If the ice maker is silent and the ice bucket is empty for over 24 hours, it could be due to common issues like the ice maker being switched off, a warm freezer temperature, or a clogged water filter. Understanding these problems can help you troubleshoot effectively.
Important Tips for LG Models
- LG ice makers may have a dedicated Ice On/Ice Off or Lock feature that can disable ice production if engaged.
Possible Causes
Ice maker switched off
How to Identify: Ice maker’s ‘Ice On’ indicator not illuminated; manual or digital switch is off.
Part: Ice maker power switch/setting
Freezer temperature too warm
How to Identify: Freezer temperature above recommended range; measured with a thermometer or observed ice production slowing or stopping.
Part: Freezer thermostat/temperature control
Clogged or old water filter restricting flow
How to Identify: Weak water dispenser flow, indicators showing filter replacement due, reduced water reaching ice maker.
Part: Water filter
Frozen or blocked water supply line
How to Identify: Feeling hard or frozen spots on water line, no water flow to ice maker; may be ice blockage between supply and ice maker fill tube.
Part: Water supply line
Faulty water inlet valve
How to Identify: No water entering ice maker despite open supply line; testing for continuity with multimeter shows failure.
Part: Water inlet valve
Ice maker assembly malfunction
How to Identify: No motor movement during test mode, visible mechanical damage, or failure of eject cycle.
Part: Ice maker assembly (motor/controls)
DIY Solutions
Verify and Turn On Ice Maker
- Open freezer and locate Ice On/Ice Off switch.
- Turn ice maker on by holding the Ice On button until indicator illuminates.
- Wait up to 24 hours for ice production to resume if recently turned on.
Check and Adjust Freezer Temperature
- Measure freezer internal temperature with thermometer.
- Set freezer temperature to approx. -4°F or lower if warmer.
- Allow 24 hours for temperature stabilization and check ice production.
Replace Water Filter
- Locate water filter in refrigerator compartment.
- Turn old filter counterclockwise to remove.
- Insert new LG-compatible filter and lock into place.
- Flush several gallons of water to clear air and debris.
Thaw Frozen Water Line
- Unplug refrigerator or turn off water supply.
- Gently apply low-heat from hairdryer along water line to melt ice.
- Ensure melted water is contained with towels.
- Restore power and water supply and test ice maker.
Next step
Choose the next step for not making ice
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Ice Maker Assembly
Automatically freezes and dispenses ice cubes inside the freezer compartment.
- Typical part-only price
- $75 - $160
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 20-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Thermostat
Regulates temperature by turning the heating or cooling system on or off.
Water Filter
Filters out impurities, sediment, and chlorine taste from your drinking water and ice.
Water Inlet Valve
Controls the flow of hot and cold water into the appliance.
Model-compatible Refrigerator parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush
For routine cleaning of accessible condenser areas where the manufacturer permits it. It does not repair a sealed-system or compressor fault.
Model-Compatible Refrigerator Water Filter
A routine replacement item on models with a water filter. Match the complete appliance model and existing filter number before ordering.
Compatibility check required: use the complete appliance model and compare the existing filter, bag, or specification before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace Water Inlet Valve
Replace Ice Maker Assembly
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Replace water filter regularly: Clogged filter restricting water flow and ice production
Frequency: every 6 months -
Monitor freezer temperature: Warm freezer conditions that inhibit ice production
Frequency: weekly checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG Refrigerator not making ice?
How do I fix LG Refrigerator not making ice myself?
How much does it cost to fix not making ice?
When should I call a technician for not making ice?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Ice maker failure (2 mentions)
User Suggested Solutions
-
Replacement of the ice maker
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
ice maker stopped making ice
Ice maker started working again after being diagnosed as dead.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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