6 Reasons Your LG Refrigerator Is Not Making Ice

It can be frustrating when your LG refrigerator stops making ice as it should. There are several possible causes for this problem, ranging from an insufficient water supply to the freezer compartment being too warm. However, in most cases, the causes are fixable and can be handled by yourself with some simple tools and instructions.

Whether your LG refrigerator is making ice but not dispensing it, making less ice than usual, or producing no ice at all, the troubleshooting steps we outline in this guide will help you resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

Try the following steps if the ice maker on your LG refrigerator is no longer making ice properly:

1. Is the Ice Maker Switched On?

This sounds simple, but there are often various ways to turn the ice maker on and off, which can lead to it being done inadvertently. On many LG models, you can turn off the ice maker by:

• Pressing the ice maker on/off button on the control panel.
• Moving a physical switch on the ice maker itself.
• Activating the control lock feature on the control panel.
• Moving the feeler arm on the ice maker to the cut-off position.

Therefore, it’s worth checking the ice maker, which is usually located in the freezer compartment, to see if there is a physical on/off switch, and ensure it is turned on if so. 

Likewise, you then want to ensure the ‘Ice On/Ice Off’ button on the control panel interface is on, and that the control lock feature is deactivated by pressing and holding the ‘Lock’ button for three seconds. 

Finally, take a look at the feeler arm, also known as the shut-off arm, which extends into the ice bucket and cuts off ice production when the ice bucket is full. Ensure it is not obstructed by ice, can move freely, and is not stuck in the cut-off position.

2. Is the Freezer Cold Enough?

For optimal ice production, the freezer section should be at least -4°F (-20°C). If it is warmer, it will make ice at a slower rate or not at all. You can check the internal temperature of the freezer compartment by placing a thermometer inside.

If it’s too warm, lower the temperature settings by using the digital control panel or turning the temperature dial and allow 24 hours for new ice production to occur.

If lowering the temperature settings does not reduce the temperature of your freezer, something else is likely causing it not to cool properly. Here are some common issues:

• There is inadequate airflow in the freezer because the vents are blocked by ice or food items.
• The freezer door is being opened too often or left open for a long time.
• The gasket on the freezer door is not sealing properly, allowing the cold air to escape. Try cleaning it, or replace it if it is damaged.
• The condenser coils are dirty, hindering the refrigeration cycle. Try cleaning them gently with a brush and a vacuum cleaner with a hose.

3. Does the Refrigerator Have a Sufficient Water Supply?

Whether it’s a kinked water line, a clogged water filter, or a turned-off supply valve, anything that inhibits the water supply will cause problems for the ice maker. 

Fortunately, checking these things is easy. Start by pulling the appliance away from the wall, and then check the water line for any kinks or clogs. The water line should be connected at both ends, with the water supply valve at one end and the refrigerator at the other. 

Next, ensure the water supply valve is fully open; not partially open or closed. That means it should be turned counterclockwise.

Finally, if the ‘replace filter’ indicator light is flashing on the control panel or the water filter is over six months old, replace the water filter. The water filter is typically located in either the top left interior, top right interior, or in the left door on LG refrigerators.

4. Is Ice Clumped Together in the Ice Bucket?

Sometimes, when the ice maker is not used for long periods, the cubes in the ice bucket can stick together and form large blocks, which cannot be dispensed.

If you find clumps of ice in the ice bucket, you may be able to break them up with your hands or a pick. If not, discard the clumped-together ice and allow the ice maker to produce a fresh new batch.

5. Is the Delivery Chute Clogged?

The delivery chute is what the ice cubes pass through when they are dispensed into your glass. Occasionally, ice cubes or fragments can get caught and build up in the delivery chute, eventually becoming blocked.

You can clean out the delivery chute using a damp cloth or a hairdryer on the mildest setting if it’s heavily frosted. Removing the ice bucket first will give you better access to the dispenser area.

6. Is the Door Switch Disconnected?

The ice maker on an LG refrigerator will not operate if one or both of the doors is open. However, if you have a problem with one of your door switches, it may send the signal that the door is open even when it is not.

To test the door switches, open the doors and press each push switch manually by pressing it in with your hand. If the lights turn off, the door switch is working fine, if they don’t, there’s an issue.

If the door switches are not working properly, the most likely cause is a loose connection. You can access the wiring for the door switches by removing the cover panels on the top door hinges with a Phillips screwdriver.

Once the electrical connections for the door switches are located, ensure they are not loose by disconnecting them and then plugging them back together again. If this fails to fix a faulty door switch, it will need to be replaced.