LG refrigerator won't make ice
Common reasons your LG refrigerator won’t make ice
The most common reasons your LG refrigerator won't make ice are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.
64% of the time it's the
Compressor
7% of the time it's the
Water Filter
4% of the time it's the
Dispenser
25% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a LG refrigerator
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Water Filter Replacement
Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the ice maker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.
Dispenser Replacement
When a refrigerator dispenser malfunctions, it can lead to various issues including the dispenser's failure to dispense water or ice, regardless of user input. This malfunction may stem from problems with the dispenser water supply, dispenser controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. There may be slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or even complete non-functionality. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to pool around the dispenser area or even inside the refrigerator. For a thorough diagnosis and resolution of these issues, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional address the situation.
What to expect when you experience an LG refrigerator won't make ice issue
How is the won't make ice problem fixed?
Correcting most won't make ice problems usually involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that won't make ice
When the refrigerator won't make ice it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator won’t make ice diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
LG Fridge Not Making Ice in the Bottom Freezer Troubleshooting
When your French door LG fridge is not making ice in the bottom freezer, check the ice bin level detector to see if that arm is stuck. Freeing up that level detection arm may allow the icemaker to resume production.
If the level detecting arm is okay, follow these troubleshooting tips to fix the problem with ice maker in the bottom freezer of your LG fridge not making ice.
- See if the fill tube above the ice maker is frozen. If it is, thaw that fill tube out so the ice maker will fill.
- Measure the temperature in the freezer. The ice maker won’t cycle if freezer temperature is above 15-degrees. Troubleshoot the cooling problem in the freezer if its temperature is too warm.
- Check the water supply shut-off valve to make sure it is fully open. Open that valve if you find it shut.
- If you have a saddle valve supplying water to your LG refrigerator, cycle the saddle valve shut and then back open. That may clear debris and/or deposits blocking water flow through the small opening of the saddle valve.
- Check for water flow through the water supply line by following these steps:
- Shut the water supply cut-off valve.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the back of the fridge.
- Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check water flow through end of the supply line.
If water doesn’t flow through the end of the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the refrigerator.
If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a technician to fix the ice maker.
LG French Door Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice
When your LG French door refrigerator ice maker is not dumping ice, check the ice maker control settings to make sure the ice maker is turned on. If not adjust that setting to turn the ice maker on.
Follow these troubleshooting tips if the ice maker is turned on.
- Run an ice maker test cycle to see if the ice maker assembly will cycle. Press and hold the Test button on the ice maker assembly for 3 seconds. The ice maker should dump ice if the ice mold if full of ice. The ice maker assembly will then try to fill the ice mold and make a new batch of ice. The icemaker may begin working again after running the test cycle. If the ice maker assembly won’t cycle using the Test button, you’ll likely need to schedule refrigerator repair service to have a technician fix the ice maker. The ice maker assembly is often defective when the Test button doesn’t initiate a harvest cycle.
- If the test cycle runs but the ice maker doesn’t fill with water, check the fill tube above the ice maker for a freeze plug blocking water from filling the ice mold. Defrost that fill tube if it’s frozen.
- If the fill tube is okay, check the water supply when the icemaker assembly doesn’t fill the ice mold during the test cycle. Make sure the water supply cut-off valve is fully open. Open that valve if you find it shut. If you find that valve open, check the water supply going to the fridge. Shut off the water supply cut-off valve, disconnect the water line from the back of the fridge and place the end of the water line in a bucket. Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check water flow from the end of the water supply line. If not water flows from the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your LG fridge.
If these troubleshooting steps don’t help you fix the problem with your LG French door refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the ice maker.
What to do When You Have a New LG Refrigerator Not Making Ice
If your new LG refrigerator is still under warranty, follow the basic troubleshooting steps in the owner’s manual and these expert tips to try to avoid an unnecessary service call and fix the problem yourself.
- Wait at least 24 hours after installing the new refrigerator before expecting to see ice drop from the icemaker. The refrigerator and freezer will take time to cool down to operating temperature so the ice maker can cycle and freezer water.
- If the ice mold is empty, run a test cycle on the ice maker assembly by pressing and holding the Test button for 3 seconds. The ice maker may begin cycling normally after running the test cycle.
- If the ice mold is dry after running the test cycle, check the water supply cut-off valve to make sure it’s open.
- If you found the water supply valve open, check for water flow through the water supply line connected to the refrigerator. Follow these steps to check that water flow.
- Shut off the water supply cut-off valve.
- Disconnect the water line from the back of your LG fridge.
- Place the end of the water line in a bucket.
- Briefly turn on the water supply cut-off valve to see if water flows from the end of the water supply line.
If water doesn’t flow through the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.
If the water supply is okay, contact LG for warranty service to fix the ice maker. If the refrigerator is new but the warranty has expired, set up refrigerator repair service through Sears Home Services and we’ll fix the ice maker problem for you.
LG French Door Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
When your LG French door refrigerator ice maker is not working, check the settings on the control panel to make sure the ice maker is turned on. Turn the ice maker on if its control setting is turned off.
Running the test mode on the ice maker may reset the module so it resumes ice production. Press and hold the Test button for 3 seconds to start the test mode. The ice maker assembly will dump ice if the ice mold is full of cubes. The module will then fill the ice mold with water to make a new batch of ice.
If ice mold remains empty after running the test mode, check the water supply going to the fridge. If your LG French door refrigerator has a water dispenser, see if water flows through the dispenser.
If the water dispenser doesn’t work, replace the refrigerator water filter if you haven’t replaced it in the last year. A clogged water filter can prevent the ice maker and water dispenser from getting water.
If a clogged water filter isn’t causing the problem with your LG French door refrigerator ice maker not working, check the water supply. Shut off the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water supply line from the back of the refrigerator. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check for water flow. If no water flows from the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the fridge.
These tips may help you fix a problem with your LG French door refrigerator ice maker not working. If not, schedule refrigerator repair service. A bad water valve, defective control board, frozen water line or wiring failure are among the other problems that can prevent the ice maker from working. Our technician will visit your home to find and fix the cause of the ice maker failure.
LG ThinQ Fridge Not Making Ice
When your LG ThinQ fridge is not making ice, running the test mode on the ice maker assembly may fix the problem. Before starting that test, make sure you have control panel setting for the ice maker turned on. Press and hold the Test button on the ice maker module for 3 seconds. The ice maker will dump the cubes in the ice mold and then fill the ice mold with water.
There’s good chance that the ice maker will resume working normally after running this test on your LG ThinQ fridge.
If the ice maker assembly doesn’t fill the ice mold with water during the test, check the fill tube above the ice maker for a freeze plug. Water won’t flow into the ice maker if that fill tube is frozen. Thaw that fill tube and the ice maker may begin working normally.
If the fill tube isn’t frozen but the ice mold is empty, a problem with the water supply going the fridge may be preventing ice production. If your fridge has a water dispenser, check to see if water flows from that component. If it doesn’t or if you don’t have a water dispenser on your ThinQ fridge, replace the water filter if you haven’t installed a new one in the last year. A clogged water filter will prevent the ice maker from getting water.
Next, check the water supply cut-off valve to see if it’s open. Open that valve if you find it shut.
If the water supply cut-off valve is open and your fridge isn’t getting water, check the water coming from the water supply line by following this procedure.
- Shut off the water supply cut-off valve.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the back of the refrigerator.
- Place the end of the water supply hose in a bucket.
- Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check water flow from the end of the water supply line.
If no water flows from the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help you fix the problem with your LG ThinQ fridge not making ice, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the ice maker.
Troubleshooting an LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice
Check the settings on the control panel when your LG refrigerator ice maker is not making ice. The ice maker may be turned off. Turn it back on if you find the Ice Off option enabled.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the ice maker.
1. Test the Ice Maker
Running the Test routine on the ice maker will sometime cause the ice maker to resume production. It will also let you know if the ice mold is getting water.
Follow these steps to use the Test mode to check the ice maker in your LG refrigerator.
- Find the Test button on the side or top of the ice maker assembly.
- Press and hold the Test button for 3 seconds.
- Watch the ice maker assembly as it cycles.
The ice maker will eject cubes if present in the ice mold. It will then refill the ice mold with water.
2. Check the Fill Tube
If the ice maker doesn’t fill with water in the Test mode, check the fill tube above the ice mold to see if it is frozen. Thaw that fill tube if you find it frozen.
After thawing the fill tube, run another Test routine to see if the ice mold fills with water.
3. Check the Water Supply
See if the water supply cut-off valve for the refrigerator is fully open. If you find it shut, open that valve.
If the water supply cut-off valve is open and the refrigerator isn’t getting water, check the water supply going to the fridge using these steps:
- Shut off the water supply cut-off valve.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the back of the fridge.
- Place the end of the supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve.
If water doesn’t flow from the end of the supply hose, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the refrigerator.
If these tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your LG refrigerator ice maker not making ice, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the ice maker.
LG Side by Side Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
When you have an LG side by side refrigerator ice maker not working, check to see if the water dispenser is working.
If you get no water from the water dispenser, check the water supply going to the refrigerator.
- Replace the refrigerator water filter if you haven’t replaced it in the last year. A clogged water filter can prevent the ice maker and water dispenser from getting water. Remember to replace the water filter every 6 months to keep water flowing smoothly to the ice maker and water dispenser.
- Make sure the water supply cut-off valve is fully open. Open that valve if you find it shut.
- If you have a saddle valve supplying water to the refrigerator, cycle that valve shut and then back open to clear any debris or deposits that may be stuck in the small opening of that type of water supply valve.
- Check for water flowing through the water supply line going to your fridge by following this procedure:
- Shut off the water supply cut-off valve.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the connection on the back of the refrigerator.
- Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket.
- Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve and check for water flow through the end of the water supply line.
If no water flows through the supply line going to the fridge, have a plumber fix the refrigerator water supply.
If the water dispenser works, check the fill tube above the ice maker to see if it’s frozen. If it is, thaw out that fill tube and ice maker may start working.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t resolve the problem with your LG side by side refrigerator ice maker not working, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the issue.
How to Fix an LG Ice Maker Not Making Ice
A simple fix for an LG ice maker not making ice is to test cycle the component using this procedure:
- Make sure that the ice maker is turned on at the control panel.
- Press and hold the Test button on the ice maker assembly for 3 seconds.
- Monitor the ice maker harvest cycle. The ice maker should dump the ice (if the ice mold is full of water) then refill the ice mold.
Cycling the ice maker using the test mode often causes the ice maker to continue cycling normally and making ice.
If the ice maker doesn’t fill during the test cycle, check the fill tube above the ice mold to see if it’s frozen. Thaw that tube and see if the ice maker fills properly.
If the ice maker still won’t work after running the test cycle, a failed electronic control board, bad ice maker assembly, faulty ice maker water valve, bad thermistor (temperature sensor) or wiring failure could be preventing the ice maker from working. Schedule refrigerator repair service to repair the ice maker when you’re unable to find and fix the problem on your own.
Troubleshooting an LG In Door Ice Maker Not Working
The first step in troubleshooting an LG in door ice maker not working is to verify that the refrigerator water supply is adequate. Check to see if the water dispenser is working. If you’re getting no water from the water dispenser, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Replace the water filter if you haven’t installed a new one in the last year. A clogged water filter will prevent the ice maker and water dispenser from getting water.
- Check the water supply cut-off valve. Open that valve if you find it shut.
- See whether the fridge is getting water from the water supply line. Shut off the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water supply line from the back of the refrigerator. Place the end of the supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check for water flow from the supply line.
If water doesn’t flow from the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the fridge.
If the water dispenser does work, you know that the fridge water supply if okay.
Run the test mode on the ice maker by pressing and holding the Test button for 3 seconds. Running the test mode on an LG in door ice maker not working will often cause the ice maker to continue cycling properly and making ice.
If the ice maker doesn’t cycle in the test mode or doesn’t fill with water, the ice maker assembly may be bad or the ice maker water valve may be faulty. Schedule refrigerator repair service to have a service technician fix your LG in door ice maker not working if you’re unable to find the cause of the problem yourself.
LG Spaceplus Ice System Not Making Ice
When your LG Spaceplus ice system is not making ice, check the water supply by seeing whether the water dispenser works. If the water dispenser isn’t working, the refrigerator water supply may be preventing the Spaceplus ice system from working. Follow these troubleshooting tips to restore the water supply to the ice maker.
- Replace the refrigerator water filter if you haven’t installed a new one in the last year. A clogged water filter will prevent the ice maker and water dispenser from getting water.
- Check the water supply cut-off valve. Make sure that valve is fully open. If you find it shut, open that valve to restore the water supply to the fridge.
- See if water is flowing through the water supply line going to your refrigerator. Shut off the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water line from the back of the fridge. Place the end of the water line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check water flow going through the water supply line.
If water doesn’t flow through the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to the refrigerator.
If the water dispenser works, run the test cycle on the Spaceplus ice system by following this procedure:
- Make sure the ice maker is turned on.
- Press and hold the Test button for 3 seconds.
- Watch the ice maker as it dumps the ice (if the ice mold is full) and fills the ice mold with water to make a new batch of ice cubes.
The ice maker may continue cycling normally after running the test cycle.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help you fix the problem with your LG Spaceplus ice system not making ice, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the ice maker.
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Glossary Terms
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.
CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.
A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.
Additional possible LG refrigerator symptoms you may experience
- LG refrigerator water dispenser not working
- LG refrigerator stopped working
- LG refrigerator not working
- LG refrigerator not turning on
- LG refrigerator not cooling
- LG refrigerator noisy
- LG refrigerator no water
- LG refrigerator no power
- LG refrigerator light not working
- LG refrigerator leaking water
- LG refrigerator leaking from bottom
- LG refrigerator leaking
- LG refrigerator ice maker rest button not working
- LG refrigerator ice maker not filling with water
- LG refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice into bin
- LG refrigerator ice maker not dispensing ice
- LG refrigerator ice maker leaking water
- LG refrigerator freezer not freezing but fridge is cold
- LG refrigerator fan not working
- LG refrigerator door not closing
- LG refrigerator display not working
- LG refrigerator compressor not running