LG Ice Maker Not Turning? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

An LG refrigerator is a significant investment for any homeowner. When your ice maker isn’t working, it’s not the end of the world, but it can be frustrating. If your LG ice maker is not turning to release ice, address the problem as soon as possible.

If your LG ice maker is not turning, you need to reset it. Make sure that you turn on the water supply, and there are no kinks in the lines. Press and hold the Test/Fill button until the ice maker turns.

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Reasons Why the LG Ice Maker Is Not Turning

If your ice maker isn’t turning, it doesn’t require a repairman, but you should address the problem. Identify the root of the problem to restore function to the ice maker.

Here are the six most likely issues:

The Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is controlled electronically to supply water to the dispenser. For it to function properly, it must deliver a flow of at least 20 psi. If the psi falls below 20, the LG refrigerator will still produce water, but it will not make ice.

To check the water flow and power, use a multimeter. If the multimeter reads under 20 psi, increase the flow by turning the valve. Once the fridge has the right volume of water, it should produce ice.

If the refrigerator does not produce ice, you should replace the water inlet valve.

The Water Filter

A water filter is multi-purpose. It should produce clean water and maintain a proper water flow. If you noticed a change in the water’s taste before your ice machine malfunctioned, the water filter is the issue.

You should change the water filter twice a year. You may need to change it more often depending on the LG refrigerator model, the water hardness, and usage frequency. Keep track of how often you change your water filter to ensure clean water.

The Ice Maker Power Switch

Your LG refrigerator has multiple components that ensure other parts function correctly. An ice maker is a self-contained unit that you can switch off even when the fridge is on. If your ice machine is not turning, check that the power switch is on.

If the power switch is on, but the ice maker is not functioning, you should reset it. You can reset the ice maker manually or automatically. To reset your ice maker, locate your owner’s manual.

You will need to determine which type of tray your LG refrigerator uses. It could be a Twist/Flex Tray, a Custom Cube Tray, or an Early Twist/Flex Tray. After determining the tray type, follow the directions in the owner’s manual to reset.

The Internal Temperature

You should set your LG refrigerator ice maker to negative four degrees Fahrenheit to function properly. After installing your refrigerator, it will take up to 24 hours to reach the proper temperature.

Set the freezer section to 19 degrees Fahrenheit. If you set the ice maker to a higher temperature than recommended, the ice machine will struggle to produce ice. It can also cause the ice machine to produce no ice at all.

This explains why it may take much longer for the ice maker to function correctly. Set the ice maker and freezer to the correct temperatures and wait. Don’t panic after installation.

The Ice Level Control Board

Some LG refrigerator models can detect how much ice is in the bucket through an infrared beam. If this beam malfunctions due to a lack of power or mechanical issue, the refrigerator cannot signal to make ice.

Check that the refrigerator is plugged in and is receiving the right level of water. If it is, the ice level control board could be the issue. To resolve this problem, you can contact a repairman or replace the ice level control board.

The Refrigerator Door

The ice maker of an LG refrigerator can only work if the door is completely shut. When the door opens, the ice and water dispenser shut off until the door is closed. If the door is completely shut, but there are issues with the latch, the ice maker will not work.

Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the multimeter detects a defective part, replace the door switch. Check that the sealant is in place, as well.

In some cases, you will need to replace the entire LG refrigerator door. Be sure to contact a repairman to determine that this is necessary and ensure you review your warranty.

Reasons Why the Ice Maker Doesn’t Dispense

If your ice maker is producing ice but not dispensing, it could be an easy fix.

Follow the steps below to troubleshoot your ice maker:

Unlevel Fridge

If your LG refrigerator is not level, this could be the root of many problems. When the fridge is leveled correctly, it prevents air leakage. Air leakage can cause frost buildup around the ice maker and fans. Leveling instructions vary based on the type of refrigerator you own.

Tools You Will Need for the Job:

  • Flat-blade screwdriver
  • Flare nut wrench 
  • Open-end wrench
  • An extra set of hands

Leveling a Side-By-Side Fridge

If you have a side by side refrigerator, follow the steps to level it below:

Step 1: Open the Doors. Open the refrigerator and freezer doors.

Step 2: Locate Leveling Feet. You can find the wheels and leveling feet of the refrigerator behind the lower panel cover. If your model has screws, remove the cover by unscrewing the lower panel. Remove the panel to access the leveling feet.

Step 3: Level the Refrigerator. Level the refrigerator by inserting a flat blade screwdriver into the groove of the leg. Have someone push the fridge to the side to take the weight off the leg that you need to level.

Note: If the freezer side is lower than the refrigerator side, insert the screwdriver into the LEFT leveling leg. If the refrigerator side is lower than the freezer side, insert the screwdriver into the RIGHT leveling leg.

Step 4: Adjust the Leveling Legs. Turn the leveling leg clockwise to raise or lower the door to level it with the other side.

Place a level on the top of the refrigerator to ensure that the side-by-side refrigerator is level.

Leveling a French-Door Model Fridge

If you have a french door model refrigerator, follow the steps below to level it:

Step 1: Level the Doors from Left to Right. Across the top of the refrigerator, level the doors from left to right.

If the LG model is 2006 or newer, insert snap rings into the doors’ hinge pins to align. If your LG model is older, it will rely only on the leveling feet to level the refrigerator.

Step 2: Open the Freezer Door to Locate Leveling Feet. You can locate the leveling feet behind the lower cover panel. Remove the screws from the lower panel to access the leveling feet.

Step 3: Level the Refrigerator. Level the refrigerator using a wrench or flathead screwdriver. Turn the leveling legs clockwise to lower the refrigerator or counterclockwise to raise the fridge.

Step 4: Remove Frost Build-Up. If the refrigerator has frost build-up, allow the defrost cycle to run for 72 hours. If the fridge is a new model, allow the refrigerator to run 24 hours before storing food.

To conclude, place a level at the top of the refrigerator to ensure it is level.

Leveling a Bottom Freezer Fridge

If you have a bottom freezer, follow the steps below to level it:

Step 1: Open the Refrigerator and Locate Leveling Feet. Open the freezer door to gain access to the lower cover panel. Remove the screws on the panel to gain access to the leveling feet.

Step 2: Level the Refrigerator. Using a wrench or flathead screwdriver, level the refrigerator. Turn the leveling legs clockwise to lower the fridge or counter-clockwise to raise the fridge.

If adequately leveled, the door should shut by itself when it is at a 45-degree angle.

Step 3: Secure the Hinge Bolts. Have someone hold the freezer door so that the space between the two doors is even. Secure the top hinge bolts and re-tighten if necessary.

Ice Cubes Are Stuck Together

When ice cubes are stuck together, it is usually due to melting and refreezing. This happens during the defrost cycle, but regular use of the ice maker can prevent this.

If you use the ice maker often, it is less likely for the ice cubes to become stuck together.

If the ice cubes do become clumped together, dispose of the clump, and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Check for Frost. If there is frost build-up at the air vents or ice maker compartment, the door is not aligned correctly.

Step 2: Check the Water Inlet Valve. Check that the water inlet valve that fills the ice tray is not leaking.

Step 3: Check the Door Gasket. Check the door gasket or lining for any tears or rips. Make sure that the gasket is connected to the liner.

Step 4: Check the Freezer Temperature. Check that the freezer temperature is not too high. This could cause the ice to melt and clump. The freezer temperature should be 19 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ice maker should be negative four degrees Fahrenheit.

Clogged Dispenser Chute

If your dispenser chute is clogged, it will prevent ice from being dispensed. First, determine if the ice dispenser chute is clogged. If frost or ice fragments are blocking it, remove any clumps and let defrost.

Auger Motor Malfunctioning

An auger motor is used in refrigerator ice dispensers. The motor pushes ice through the dispenser chute. If the motor is defective, the dispenser will not be able to dispense ice.

Check to see if the auger motor has ice or frost accumulation. Pull the ice bin out of the freezer and examine the motor. If the motor is frozen, use a warm rag to defrost the auger, then pat dry and retry dispensing ice.

Frozen Shut Door Flap

The door flap of the ice machine releases the ice when dispensing. If frost or ice builds up, the door flap can freeze shut.

When the flap is frozen shut, first, try to move it manually. If this does not work, use a warm rag to unfreeze the flap and try to dispense ice.

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Related Questions

Does the LG refrigerator warranty cover the ice maker?

A five-year warranty backs the LG refrigerator cooling system. From the date of purchase, LG will cover five years of labor and parts. The components covered by the warranty are the compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, and connecting tube.If your compressor is a linear or inverter compressor, the LG warranty covers it for 10 years. Always keep the warranty in mind when purchasing any appliance. In the end, a warranty can save you money and frustration.


How do I prolong the life of my refrigerator?

If you want to prolong the life of your refrigerator, you should regularly service it. The first step is to vacuum the condenser coils once a month to prevent debris build-up. Every six months, replace the water filter and clean the water and ice dispenser.Though they are often forgotten, be sure to keep the door gaskets clean, so the compressor doesn’t become overworked. Make sure that the top of the fridge is clear to promote airflow. Following these tips will ensure that your refrigerator lasts as long as possible.

Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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