Why Is Your LG Refrigerator’s Ice Maker Not Working?

There are many reasons to choose an LG refrigerator, and the slimline ice maker systems found in many of the latest models are among the best. Fixing the ice maker isn’t a job that requires an emergency refrigerator service, as you can probably survive without it for a few days. Nonetheless, you won’t want to miss out on this feature for long.

Is your LG refrigerator ice maker not working? Identifying the root of your troubles is the first step to success. Here are six of the most likely culprits.

1| The Water Inlet Valve

The electronically-controlled water inlet valve is used to supply water to the dispenser unit. To function properly, it should deliver a flow of at least 20 psi. When the psi falls below this level, the LG refrigerator may still produce water (at a slower rate), but it will not supply ice.

Use a multimeter to check the current flow and power levels. If the figure is under 20 psi, you’ll need to increase the flow by turning the value. However, if the fridge gains the right volume of water but still won’t make ice, a new water inlet valve is needed.

2| The Water Filter

An effective water filter isn’t only necessary for producing great tasting water that is free from impurities. It’s also required for maintaining a suitable flow of water. If you had noticed a change in the taste of your water and ice before the ice maker’s failure, this could be the reason for your problems.

The lifespan of your water filter is influenced by a host of factors ranging from frequency of usage, which LG model you use, and the natural hardness of your home water supply. As a rule of thumb, it should be changed twice per year. Do not forget it.

3| The Ice Maker Power Switch

LG refrigerators use multiple components that are responsible for different parts and functions. The ice maker uses a self-contained unit, meaning it can be switched off even when the fridge is on – perhaps while you’re on vacation. Firstly, then, you must check that it is switched on.

However, the ice maker can stop functioning even when the switch is flicked ‘on’. The ice maker can be reset either manually or automatically. However, the exact process will depend on whether your LG fridge uses a Twist/Flex Tray, Custom Cube, or Early Twist/Flex Tray.

4| The Internal Temperature

For the ice maker on your LG refrigerator to function correctly, it will need to reach a temperature of -4°F, which is -20°C. If you have only just installed the refrigerator, it may take up to 24 hours for the unit to reach this temperature. Avoid any unnecessary panic until this time.

The internal temperature of the freezer section can be set far higher at 19°F, which is why the ice maker may be the last to function as it should. If your ice maker is set to a higher temperature than this level, ice production will occur at a far slower temperature. Or not at all.

5| The Ice Level Control Board

Some LG models detect how much ice is in the ice bucket at any given time courtesy of an Infrared beam. If the beam stops working due to a lack of power or a mechanical fault, the refrigerator’s onboard technology cannot switch to ice-making mode.

If the refrigerator is plugged in and receiving the right level of water without making any ice, this could be the issue. While you may want a professional refrigerator repair service to confirm this, changing the ice level control board could prevent the need to replace the entire ice maker.

6| The Refrigerator Door

LG refrigerators only work when the door is shut. Once the fridge door opens, the ice and water dispenser automatically shuts off until the switch is successfully closed. Even if the door shuts to a point where the onboard computer thinks it is shut, any issues with the latch will cause problems.

A multimeter test will check for continuity. When you detect a defect, replacing the door switch is ideal. Changing the sealant can work too. In more severe cases, replacing the entire LG refrigerator door will be required. Still, it’s better than replacing the whole product.

Still Unsure?

If the ice maker is the only fault on your LG unit, an expensive replacement is the last thing you need. Consulting the manual to check the error code can provide further insight. Alternatively, we are here to help.