LG Ice Maker Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Updated April 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Common LG Ice Maker Issues

Key Takeaway: An LG ice maker that stopped working is usually fixed by running the built-in test cycle, replacing a clogged water filter, or thawing a frozen fill tube. Hold the Test/Fill button for 3 seconds first — it confirms in minutes whether the ice maker motor and water fill still work.

LG refrigerators use several ice maker designs including standard, slim SpacePlus, and the popular Craft Ice maker that produces large round ice spheres. Each has its own quirks. Craft Ice makers are slower by design — they produce about 3 spheres per day. If your LG fridge isn't cooling properly either, start with our LG fridge not cooling guide first.

Quick Reference: The Five LG Ice Maker Checks

Check	What to look for
Test cycle	Hold Test/Fill for 3 seconds — the motor should cycle and water should fill
Water filter	Replace if older than 6 months
Water pressure	At least 20 PSI at the refrigerator
Fill tube	Thaw frost with a hair dryer if iced over
Freezer temperature	Hold 0°F — ice gets small and soft above about 10°F

Fix 1: Run the Test Cycle

Press and hold the Test/Fill button on the ice maker for 3 seconds. The ice maker will cycle through its test — you should hear the motor and water filling. If nothing happens, check that the ice maker is switched on (the arm or switch is in the ON position).

Fix 2: Check the Water Filter and Supply

LG refrigerators are sensitive to water filter condition. A clogged filter significantly reduces water flow to the ice maker. Replace the filter if it's older than 6 months.

Also check the water line at the back of the fridge for kinks. LG recommends water pressure of at least 20 PSI.

Fix 3: Defrost the Ice Maker Area

Ice buildup around the ice maker fan or fill tube is a frequent problem. Remove the ice bin and look for frost buildup. If present, unplug the fridge and use a hair dryer to thaw the area.

Some LG models have a dedicated ice maker defrost option — check your control panel. For general ice maker troubleshooting, see our complete ice maker guide.

Fix 4: Replace the Ice Maker Assembly

If the motor doesn't run during the test cycle and all other checks pass, the ice maker module has failed. LG ice maker assemblies run $100–$200. Replacement involves removing 2–4 screws and disconnecting a wire harness. Order the exact part number for your model.

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LG Craft Ice: Why Round Balls Take So Long and When It Signals a Problem

LG Craft Ice makers — found in many French door and bottom-freezer models released after 2019 — produce large 2-inch round ice spheres rather than standard crescent or cube shapes. These spheres require a much longer freeze cycle than standard ice: typically 24 to 36 hours to produce one full tray of spheres under normal conditions. If you recently purchased an LG Craft Ice refrigerator and expected the same ice volume as a standard ice maker, the lower production rate is by design, not a defect. However, if your Craft Ice maker has completely stopped producing spheres after working normally, a frozen fill tube, clogged water filter, or failed ice maker module is usually responsible.

LG's standard slim ice maker (SpacePlus), found in many refrigerators with the ice maker in the door rather than the freezer section, is more prone to airflow-related failures. The door ice maker operates in a warmer environment than a freezer-section unit, and the fill tube in the door is more exposed to temperature fluctuations when the refrigerator is opened frequently throughout the day.

LG Linear Compressor and Its Effect on Ice Production

LG refrigerators made from approximately 2014 onward use a linear compressor rather than a traditional reciprocating compressor. When the compressor weakens, the freezer section loses temperature stability over time. The ice maker may still cycle through its harvest routine while the freezer slowly drifts above 10°F — the minimum temperature for reliable ice production.

Homeowners often notice ice that is unusually small, soft, or partially melted before ejection. If your LG ice maker is producing undersized or deformed ice rather than no ice at all, the freezer temperature is worth checking directly with a thermometer before assuming the ice maker itself has failed.

Model Numbers Most Commonly Affected by LG Ice Maker Issues

LG French door models from the LRMVS, LRFXS, LFXS, LRFDS, and LMXS series have been among the most frequently serviced for ice maker complaints. If your model begins with one of these prefixes, checking the LG extended service program is worth doing before scheduling a paid repair. LG extended its warranty coverage on linear compressor failures on select models sold between 2014 and 2019 — compressor-related cooling failures including ice production loss may qualify for no-cost repair even after the standard one-year warranty expires.

Preventing LG Ice Maker Problems in South Florida

Replace the water filter every six months, or sooner if you notice reduced ice production or a change in ice or water taste. Keep the refrigerator away from direct sunlight and ensure at least two inches of clearance on all sides for proper condenser airflow. In South Florida's humid environment, door seals deserve inspection every year — a compromised gasket lets warm, moist air into the freezer section, creating the frost accumulation that is the most common cause of LG fill-tube freeze-ups. If you notice frost or ice buildup in the freezer area where the ice maker sits, schedule a forced defrost cycle before attempting a reset so the test gives you an accurate result.