LG · ICE MAKER FAILURE

LG Refrigerator Not Making Ice Twin Cities LG Specialist

LG icemakers fail in 5 distinct patterns — and which one you have depends on whether you've got the in-door icemaker (LFXS / LMXS), the Craft Ice slow-melt round-cube maker (LRMVS / LRFVS / LRFXC), or the standalone freezer icemaker. We diagnose by symptom, not by guess.

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Reviewed by Mike Larson, Master Appliance Technician · 18+ yrs in-field · Last reviewed

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Quick answer

LG Refrigerator Not Making Ice

LG fridge not making ice usually narrows to: (1) frozen fill tube on the in-door icemaker — most common, easy fix; (2) failed Craft Ice motor on LRMVS / LRFVS / LRFXC models — known LG service bulletin; (3) failed inlet valve from hard water; (4) failed icemaker assembly; or (5) main board / linear-compressor issue masking as no-ice. Most LG ice maker repairs land $215–$485 all-in. LG sealed-system warranty covers the linear compressor for 10 years — we file the claim. Flat $149 refrigeration trip fee waived on approval. 1-year written warranty.

Root causes, ranked by what we find

Most-likely failures (by frequency)

1. Frozen fill tube (most common — in-door icemaker)

What it is: On LFXS / LMXS / LSXS French-door and side-by-side models, water freezes in the white plastic fill tube where it crosses the mullion into the icemaker. Icemaker runs but no water arrives, eventually shuts down with a fault.

Fix: Steam the fill tube clear, then address the root cause — usually a low fridge-compartment temp setting or a worn icemaker fill cup seal that lets cold air migrate into the fill path.

Typical all-in: $215–$315 all-in

2. Craft Ice motor failure (LRMVS / LRFVS / LRFXC)

What it is: The Craft Ice slow-melt round-cube maker on 2019+ LG fridges uses a dedicated drive motor that fails earlier than the rest of the icemaker. Regular cubes still drop; Craft Ice drawer stays empty. LG service bulletin documented.

Fix: Replace OEM Craft Ice motor assembly. About a 90-minute repair. Out-of-warranty units are quoted in writing; in-warranty (1-yr full or extended) parts and labor covered.

Typical all-in: $325–$485 all-in (out of warranty)

3. Failed water inlet valve (hard-water driven)

What it is: Twin Cities water at ~17 grains/gal scales the inlet-valve diaphragm. Valve doesn't open fully, icemaker fills partially or not at all. Often presents as small / hollow cubes before going dead.

Fix: Replace OEM dual-coil LG inlet valve. Always paired with a new water filter and a clean line flush.

Typical all-in: $245–$345 all-in

4. Failed icemaker module / harvest motor

What it is: The icemaker module itself fails — thermistor, harvest motor, or control. The module runs LG's own diagnostic via a fill-test switch; failure modes are clear under test.

Fix: Replace OEM LG icemaker assembly. About 45–60 min on the truck.

Typical all-in: $285–$425 all-in

5. Linear-compressor / main-board failure masking as no-ice

What it is: If the freezer can't hold below 5°F the icemaker stops making ice as a secondary symptom. Often LG linear-compressor failure (Er CF / Er Co) is the real issue. Check freezer temp at a known-good thermometer before any icemaker work.

Fix: If sealed system, file LG 10-year warranty claim (labor only $385–$575). If main board, OEM board replacement quoted separately.

Typical all-in: Quoted after diagnosis — see LG linear compressor page

Diagnostic order

How to diagnose an LG refrigerator that won't make ice

  1. 1. Confirm the freezer is below 5°F

    Put a thermometer in the freezer and check after 30 min. If above 5°F, the icemaker is shutdown because of temperature — fix the cooling problem first (often linear compressor).

  2. 2. Listen for the harvest cycle

    Watch the icemaker for 90 minutes. A healthy LG icemaker harvests every 90–180 min. No harvest motion = module fault. Harvest motion + no water = inlet valve or fill tube.

  3. 3. Check the fill tube for ice

    Pull the icemaker and look up into the fill tube. Visible ice plug = melt with hair dryer (low heat, 5 min). Reseat icemaker, watch one harvest cycle.

  4. 4. Meter the inlet valve

    Pull the rear panel, meter the icemaker side of the dual-coil valve (200–500Ω). Apply 120VAC briefly — if no water flow, replace valve.

  5. 5. Run the Craft Ice test (LRMVS / LRFVS)

    On Craft Ice models, the in-door diagnostic activates the Craft motor independently. No motor sound = OEM Craft Ice motor replacement.

FAQs

Common questions

Why is my LG Craft Ice not making round cubes?

The Craft Ice slow-melt round-cube motor is a known earlier-failure point than the rest of the icemaker. LG has a documented service bulletin. Regular cubes will keep dropping; only the Craft Ice drawer stays empty. OEM motor replacement is about a 90-minute repair.

Is my LG fridge under warranty for the icemaker?

LG's standard warranty is 1 year parts and labor on the icemaker. The linear compressor carries 10 years sealed-system. If your no-ice symptom is from the compressor (Er CF / Er Co), the part is covered — you pay labor only ($385–$575). Bring model and serial when you call.

How much does LG ice maker repair cost?

Most LG ice maker repairs land $215–$485 all-in. Fill-tube and harvest work runs lower; Craft Ice motor and inlet valve work runs mid-range; full icemaker module replacement runs high end. Linear-compressor work is quoted separately.

What LG models have the most icemaker issues?

LFXS and LMXS French-door 2014–2019 had high in-door icemaker failure rates. LRMVS / LRFVS / LRFXC 2019+ have the documented Craft Ice motor issue. All LG icemakers are vulnerable to Twin Cities hard water on the inlet valve.

Can I fix the LG icemaker myself?

Fill-tube unfreeze, yes (hair dryer, low heat). Filter change, yes. Icemaker module, inlet valve, or Craft Ice motor replacement, no — they require LG diagnostic mode and proper meter testing to avoid replacing the wrong part.

Do you carry LG icemaker parts on the truck?

Yes — OEM LG icemaker modules, inlet valves, fill-tube kits, and Craft Ice motors are stocked. Linear compressors are special-order under warranty claim. The on-truck inventory covers about 85% of first-visit repairs. If your part isn't on board, we order direct from the OEM distributor — usually 2–3 business days.