LG French door refrigerators are known for ice maker issues. This guide covers the full range of causes — from simple reset procedures to the known ice maker recall.
Start With These Checks
- Is the ice maker turned on? Check for an on/off switch or arm on the ice maker unit. It can be accidentally switched off.
- Is the freezer cold enough? Ice makers require a freezer temperature of 0°F to –5°F to produce ice efficiently. Check the display or use a thermometer.
- Is the water line connected? Confirm the water supply line behind the refrigerator is connected and the shutoff valve is open.
- Is the ice bin full? A sensor in the bin stops production when full. Empty the bin and check if production resumes.
Reset the Ice Maker
LG ice makers have a test/reset button on the unit itself (usually on the front or side of the ice maker module). Press and hold for 3–5 seconds until you hear a chime. The ice maker will run through a harvest cycle — you should hear the motor engage and ice drop within 15 minutes if everything is working.
Known LG Ice Maker Issues (CRAFT Ice and French Door Models)
LG issued a settlement and extended warranty for certain French door refrigerator ice maker defects affecting models sold 2016–2020. Common symptoms include:
- Ice clumping in the bin (ice melts and refreezes into a block)
- Ice maker stopping production and not restarting
- Slow ice production
LG extended the ice maker warranty to 5 years from purchase date on qualifying models. Contact LG customer service with your model and serial number to check eligibility.
Water Inlet Valve
If the ice maker cycles but produces no ice and no water fills the tray, the water inlet valve solenoid for the ice maker circuit has likely failed. This is a $30–60 part and a straightforward repair for a technician.
Ice Maker Fan
Some LG French door models have a dedicated ice maker fan that circulates cold air across the ice maker compartment. If this fan fails (often shown by frost buildup in the ice maker area), ice production stops. You may hear the fan motor humming without the blade spinning.
CRAFT Ice Sphere Maker
Models with CRAFT Ice produce large spherical ice balls and require 24 hours per sphere. Slow production is normal. However, if the CRAFT ice mold is cracked or the heater that releases the sphere has failed, ice will stick in the mold. This requires a CRAFT ice maker module replacement.
Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice
While many Refrigerator issues can be addressed with the steps in this guide, there are situations where attempting a DIY repair can make the problem worse or void your warranty. If you've followed the steps above and the issue persists, or if you're not comfortable working with electrical components or water connections, calling a factory-certified technician is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.
LG Appliance Experts technicians are trained directly to LG's service specifications. They arrive with the most common OEM replacement parts already on the vehicle, which means most repairs are completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to be ordered.
Preventing the Problem from Recurring
Most Refrigerator issues that require repair are preventable with regular maintenance. Key habits that extend appliance life and reduce fault frequency:
- Clean filters regularly. Lint filters, drain pump filters, and water inlet screens accumulate debris over time. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of performance issues and error codes.
- Don't overload. Consistently running your Refrigerator beyond its rated capacity puts extra stress on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension components.
- Use the correct detergent and amounts. Excess detergent — especially non-HE detergent in HE appliances — causes buildup, mold, and sensor errors over time.
- Check hoses and connections annually. Inspect inlet and drain hoses for cracks, kinks, or loose connections at least once a year, especially if your appliance is more than five years old.
- Level the appliance. An unlevel Refrigerator vibrates excessively during operation, accelerating wear on internal components and causing noise and balance errors.
LG Warranty and Service Coverage
LG offers a standard one-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances, with extended coverage on specific components — most notably the 10-year warranty on linear compressors in qualifying refrigerators. If your appliance is still within its manufacturer warranty period, contact LG directly before scheduling an independent repair, as unauthorized service may affect warranty coverage.
For appliances outside the warranty period, LG Appliance Experts provides a 90-day parts and labor warranty on every repair we complete. All replacement parts are genuine LG OEM components sourced directly from LG's authorized parts network.