Ice makers in refrigerators are a convenient addition. LG is a reputed company, and its refrigerators are owned by many. When the LG fridge’s ice maker doesn’t work, resetting can solve the issue. But how do you do it? That’s what we will share today.
One of the simplest ways to reset an LG refrigerator’s ice maker is to press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds. After some time, you will hear beeps or see LED lights on the ice maker unit blink. After a few hours, check if the ice maker is making ice for verification.
After resetting, monitor the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This article shares why the ice maker needs a reset, a step-by-step guide to reset, and some tips for maintaining the ice maker. By the end of the article, you will gain sufficient knowledge about tackling an ice maker like a pro.
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This post includes some affiliate links.Common Reasons for Resetting the Ice Maker
While an LG refrigerator ice maker is reliable, it can encounter a few problems.
Recognizing these issues is crucial in understanding the necessity of resetting the ice maker.
One summer, I thought of making some cold coffee.
So, I opened the freezer to get some ice cubes, but I found the ice maker was troubling.
It wasn’t making any ice, and the mechanism seemed stuck.
After online research and reading the manufacturer’s manual, I learned that resetting might help.
So, I tried resetting the ice maker. And after some time, it started working again.
Another incident occurred with one of my friends.
His LG refrigerator’s ice maker wasn’t making any ice.
So, I suggested that he try resetting once.
After some hours, I saw that it started making ice again.
There could be several problems with the ice maker.
Some might require an expert’s attention.
But some of them get resolved by a mere resetting.
In this section, I will share some reasons or problems and how a simple reset can solve the problem:
No ice production
When the refrigerator’s ice maker is not making any ice, check for the water supply and ensure that the water line is securely connected and the valve is open.
Clogged or frozen water lines could be one reason behind no ice production.
So, check for the blockages, and thaw the line if needed.
Ensure the ice maker is switched on and set to the correct temperature to make ice.
Some other reasons include a dirty water filter, faulty water inlet valve, open freezer door, or kinked water hose.
If these are not the issues and the ice maker is still not producing ice, consider resetting the ice maker once.
Sometimes, some errors can stop ice production. Resetting can solve the issue.
Also read: 5 Reasons Your Ice Maker Is Not Making Ice (+Fix)
Small cubes
When the ice cubes are too small, you have a problem with the water pressure.
Low pressure can affect the ice formation process.
Check the water supply for restrictions or leakage.
If there isn’t any leakage, try resetting the ice maker once.
If you still have the problem, then the issue might be with the ice maker’s motor or the water inlet valve.
You need a professional to fix it.
Also read: Ice Maker Only Makes Crushed Ice: Easy Fix
The ice dispenser is not working
When the ice maker produces ice but does not dispense it, check whether the ice bins are correctly installed without any obstruction.
The dispenser paddle should not be stuck or blocked to dispense the ice.
Try a reset once if everything seems fine.
If there is still an issue with the dispenser, the problem might be the motor.
It requires a replacement and an expert’s attention.
Temperature problems
Your freezer should be set to temperatures between 0°F and -4°F to produce ice.
When you set the temperature incorrectly or higher than recommended, there won’t be any ice formation.
If the temperature is correctly set, try resetting your freezer and setting the temperature again.
This should fix the problem.
Control board
The control board will receive signals from the other components in the freezer.
It lets the control board understand when to turn the various components on and off.
When there is some defect in the control board, it won’t receive any signals.
Therefore, your ice maker won’t be making any ice.
Try resetting the ice maker or the refrigerator once.
The problem sometimes resolves after a reset.
If there is still an issue, you have a defective control board that requires an expert’s replacement.
Checking for Error Codes
Sometimes, the ice maker issues don’t resolve because of some error codes and glitches.
Below are some common errors that can create issues with the ice maker:
Error Code 1E or ICE
It means the ice maker is not working properly and requires a reset.
Resetting will solve whatever problem is going on with the ice maker.
Error Code 5E or FF
The code indicates a problem with the water flow into the refrigerator.
You must check the tubing connections and clean obstructions like dirt and debris from the vents and other areas.
You might also require an expert to solve the problem if you fail to fix it after cleaning.
Safety Precautions
Before resetting your LG refrigerator, you must follow a few safety precautions to avoid harm to the fridge and yourself.
Here are some safety precautions I have followed before heading to reset the LG refrigerator’s ice maker:
Unplug the refrigerator
Before you reset the refrigerator, you must unplug your fridge from the electrical outlet.
It will ensure no power is running into the refrigerator, and you can safely reset it without receiving any shocks or accidents to the fridge or yourself.
However, you may or may not need this.
Today’s refrigerators are pretty advanced.
You might have to press and hold the reset button for resetting, and resetting will be done.
But, if your refrigerator doesn’t have such a system, you must turn off the fridge to reset the ice maker.
Wear gloves
When you are working with the refrigerator’s ice maker, make sure to take proper precautions, like wearing gloves.
The ice makers can have sharp objects which can cut your hands.
The gloves will protect you from getting injured while resetting the ice maker.
Follow the manufacturer’s guide
The best and safest way to learn to reset the ice maker is to go through the manufacturer’s guide manual.
You will receive detailed guidance about the resetting steps.
It will ensure the reset is done correctly and the ice maker returns to normal.
So, first, check the manual.
Then shift to online blogs and videos for broader knowledge.
Use caution
Be very careful while handling the tools and parts of the ice maker.
Do not use too much pressure or force on any parts or components.
It can either get you hurt or damage the ice maker or the refrigerator.
Keep pets and children away
While resetting the refrigerator’s ice maker, try to keep your pets and children away from the refrigerator to avoid severe injuries and accidents.
Step-by-Step Reset Process
Resetting the LG refrigerator ice maker is very simple.
Here is a step-by-step guide to resetting an LG refrigerator’s ice maker:
Step 1: Locating the reset button
The first job while resetting the refrigerator’s ice maker is to locate and identify the reset button.
The reset button will vary based on the LG refrigerator model.
In most LG refrigerators, you will find the button on the control panel or inside the ice maker’s compartment.
Check for markings like RESET with an icon.
If there is no RESET button, you will find a hole on the left side of the unit.
Take time here to learn the right button and familiarize yourself with the button position before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Press and hold the button
Once you have correctly located the reset button, press the button and hold it for about 5 seconds.
The duration of holding the button will vary based on different LG fridge models. So, consult the owner’s manual.
Pressing and holding the button for 5 seconds will help initiate the resetting process of the ice maker.
It will clear the stored error codes and malfunctions and allow the ice maker to start everything with new settings.
Remember to hold the button for some time to ensure a successful reset.
If there is no reset button, there will be a small hole on the left side of the ice maker unit.
Place a pin inside that hole and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
It will start the resetting cycle.
Step 3: Waiting period and testing
After you press and hold the button, the ice maker will enter a reset cycle.
In this cycle, the ice maker will undergo some operations to recalibrate and re-establish the proper functions.
The cycle will take a few minutes.
After you hold the button for a few seconds, release it and wait for a few minutes.
You will hear some sounds or indicator lights and hear the components inside the ice maker moving.
It is a part of the process, indicating that you have reset your ice maker.
While the process is still ongoing, do not interrupt the cycle. Wait and let it complete.
Step 4: Verify the resetting process
Once everything is over, you must verify whether the ice maker has appropriately reset.
Check for some indicators or signs confirming that the ice maker has reset successfully, for example, the ice maker’s arm or switch returning to the usual place or the display panel showing correct status indicators.
Some LG refrigerators will also show you RESET COMPLETE.
Listen to the sounds to understand that the ice maker is finally working, for example, water flow, motor movements, or silence after a regular operation.
Once you get these signs, turn on the ice maker and wait for a few hours or one day to see whether the ice maker is making any ice.
Power Cycling the Refrigerator
When the standard resetting steps do not fix the problem, or if your LG refrigerator has no reset button or a hole, try power cycling the refrigerator.
Power cycling involves completely turning off the refrigerator and starting it over again.
For that:
- Find the refrigerator’s outlet, and unplug it from the outlet. If there is a switch, turn it off and then unplug it. It will turn off the refrigerator completely.
- Find out the ice maker’s switch. It will usually be located inside the freezer compartment or somewhere in the control panel, where it will be labeled as ICE MAKER POWER SWITCH. My fridge ice maker’s switch is inside the compartment.
- Please switch off the ice maker and keep it like this for 5 to 10 minutes.
- After that, plug the refrigerator into the outlet, and switch it on.
- Go to the ice maker compartment again and turn on the ice maker.
- Give the ice maker time and check after a few hours to see if it works.
This will provide a complete power cycle to the ice maker unit and eliminate the errors and glitches that stop it from doing its job.
If your ice maker issue is still unresolved, contact a professional to find and fix the cause.
Troubleshooting Persistent Issues
There are several problems with ice makers, and dealing with them can be frustrating, especially when you are a beginner.
Even after years of usage and regular maintenance, I face 1-2 issues.
I sometimes had to call a professional, especially in the beginning.
Here are the problems that you will frequently see in the LG refrigerator’s ice makers:
Faulty water line
The common problem in the ice maker is the kinked water line or improper connection.
The improper installment will stop the water from flowing to the ice maker.
To ensure the water supply line works properly, check the water line for leakage.
You must hire an expert to repair or replace the line if any damage occurs.
Make sure that water supply lines are properly connected at both ends.
Dirty water filter
The refrigerator’s water filter should be replaced every few months to ensure it functions efficiently.
If you do not replace it, water will not enter the ice maker unit to make ice.
If you haven’t changed the water filter for too long, change it and reset your ice maker once.
Faulty water inlet valve
The water inlet valve opens to let the water enter the water line to supply water to the LG’s bottom freezer ice maker.
When the valve gets inactive, the ice maker will no longer receive water and make any ice.
Most of the water inlet valves are electronic, so they need thorough checking and a replacement done by an expert.
Kinked water hose
Check the refrigerator for the water hose connected to the inlet valve.
When the water hose gets kinked or pressed by some heavy objects, it will stop the water from reaching the ice maker, thus, no ice production.
No ice due to the open freezer door
The freezer door should stay closed when it is in the process of making ice.
With open doors, air enters the freezer, thus raising the temperature and preventing the ice from forming in the ice maker.
Check the door gasket or seal to ensure that it is not defective.
Clean it regularly every few months to keep it functional.
Faulty evaporator fan
The evaporator fan in the freezer distributes cold air from the freezer to the fridge unit.
When the fan becomes faulty, it can adversely affect the freezer’s temperature, further stopping the ice maker from working correctly.
Turn off the refrigerator and check whether the fan is moving around correctly without obstruction.
If you have a multimeter, check the fan motor to ensure it has enough current and running correctly.
Make sure to unplug the refrigerator to avoid electric shocks.
If the fan is faulty, consult an expert to get it replaced.
Strange smell and bad-tasting ice
When the LG refrigerator’s ice maker doesn’t work and smells weird, it results from a lack of hygiene.
When you do not regularly clean the ice maker, you will get a funky smell, and yellow ice tastes terrible.
It is one of the most persistent issues in the ice maker.
You must clean your fridge’s ice maker at least 1-2 times yearly.
You must clean more frequently if you live in a region where residents receive hard water.
It creates buildups in the ice maker, leading to bacteria and clogging.
Motor failure
When you try running a diagnostic test and the ice maker fails, the motor has failed.
You must hire a professional to replace the motor with a new one.
Check for the warranty if there is still time to fix it with the manufacturer’s help.
Regular Maintenance and Preventive Measures
Regular maintenance of the ice maker can prevent these issues from happening. Let’s look at some preventive measures:
- Once you are done with the ice cubes, dispense and melt the remaining ice and drain the water.
- Clean and sanitize your ice maker regularly, both the inside and the outside. Some LG freezers will have a wash button. Pressing it will begin the cleaning process.
- Change and clean the water filters regularly every few months.
- Check the water inlet valve for any damages.
- Clean the condenser fan blades.
- Check for rust and leaks.
- Ensure proper water line connections. It should be connected securely and free from any kinks, debris, or leaks.
- Refrain from over-filling the ice bin. It can prevent adequate airflow and make the ice cubes clump with each other.
- Ensure the correct freezer temperature.
- Avoid using stale and impure water.
Contacting LG Support
Contacting the LG support team is the last resort when your ice maker is having persistent issues and not doing its job correctly.
Contact the LG support team when you have tried resetting the ice maker but still can’t figure out the issue.
Since they are trained to fix such issues, they can identify and fix the exact problem without any further damage.
Also, if you try something and destroy any component, the fridge’s warranty gets void.
Hence, you do not receive any troubleshooting for free.
Gather information about your refrigerator model, and contact the LG support team to complain about your issue through phone calls.
You will be connected to a technician who will suggest some DIY steps to troubleshoot the problem if it’s minor.
The professionals will reach your house for severe issues to diagnose and fix the problem.
Final thoughts
Resetting the ice maker of an LG refrigerator is very easy, especially if you have a separate reset button for it. Even if there isn’t, it is still easy. Power cycle the refrigerator. You need to unplug and plug back the refrigerator again. There is no problem resetting the ice maker 1-2 times when it does not work.
But when the ice maker does not work even after the reset, you have some specific issues that must be addressed. These persistent problems could be blocked or incorrectly installed water line supplies, faulty water inlet valves, faulty evaporator fans, kinked water hoses, dirty water filters, or motor failure.
To fix the main problem, you need to fix these first when resetting doesn’t work. While some issues, like dirty water filters and smelly ice makers, can be done by house owners, others, like faulty evaporator fans, motor failure, or valve issues, will need an expert’s attention. When you cannot resolve the problem, hire an expert.
Can I reset the LG refrigerator’s ice maker without unplugging the refrigerator?
Some models have a reset button for the ice maker. You do not have to unplug the refrigerator if your model has one. If this doesn’t work, or your fridge’s ice maker does not have a reset button, power cycle the refrigerator.
How often should I reset my LG refrigerator’s ice maker?
The ice maker only requires a reset when it is not producing or making ice cubes or dispensing the ice. You do not have to reset it regularly.
Reference: LG Electronics