LG Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice into Bin - Easy Troubleshooting Tips

LG Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice Into Bin – LG USA Support Fixes

LG refrigerator ice makers may stop dumping ice due to various issues. Common problems include stuck ice buckets, faulty thermostats, inadequate freezer temperatures, and clogged water lines. Troubleshooting steps involve checking the power switch, resetting the ice maker, ensuring proper bin placement, and cleaning condenser coils. Using features like Express Freeze can boost ice production.

Have trouble with your LG ice maker not dumping ice into the bin? You’re not alone.

I’ve spent hours researching why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it. I’ve uncovered the most common reasons behind this issue, from faulty sensors to clogged water lines.

No tech jargon here—just simple, straightforward advice. I aim to save you time, frustration, and possibly a costly repair bill.

You’ll find easy-to-follow tips that will have your ice maker back in action. Think of this as your go-to guide for solving the problem fast.

Why waste another day without ice? Let’s get your ice maker working again.

CausesFixes
Stuck ice bucket or excessive ice buildup due to frost from warm humid air, uneven fridge, poorly sealed doors, or clogged drain lineManually defrost, possibly call a pro to fix drain line; ensure proper door sealing and no blockages
Faulty ice maker thermostat or thermistor (NTC/PTC resistance issues)Measure thermistor resistance at different temps, compare to manufacturer specs; replace if not matching, ensure compatibility
Inadequate freezer temperature (above 9°F/-12°C)Set freezer temperature below 9°F (-12°C) for optimal ice production; check for sealed system issues if too warm
Defective ice maker motor or mechanismCheck if ice maker is on (switch on left side), wait 24 hours; pull out and free jammed/frozen bucket with hairdryer/warm water; reset by turning off water for 30 seconds or unplug, ensure water inlet valve functions and pressure above 20 psi, thaw frozen water line
Clogged water line or water filter (dirty after 6 months)Replace water filter with LG filter (not knockoff); straighten kinked water line, thaw frozen line with hairdryer; ensure water supply is on, pressure between 40-120 psi, and dispenser lock is off (hold lock button for a few seconds to unlock)

Key Takeaway 

  • Checking the ice maker power switch and turning it on if necessary
  • Resetting the ice maker
  • Making sure the ice bin is properly positioned
  • Verifying the temperature at the ice maker is cold enough
  • Cleaning the condenser coils
  • Resetting the LG refrigerator
  • Utilizing Express Freeze or Ice Plus features (depending on the model)

Why is My LG ice Maker not Dumping Ice Into Bin?

Why is My Refrigerator Not Making Ice?: This broader guide includes steps that can address dumping issues, such as ensuring the icemaker is on and checking freezer temperature. Key points include:

  • Running the ice maker test mode by pressing and holding the test button for 3 seconds, placing a towel to catch any water or ice, and checking motor function.
  • Resetting the icemaker by removing the bin, gently shaking the icemaker, powering off for 30 seconds, then powering back on, and monitoring for 4-6 hours.
  • Ensuring the icemaker is turned on via the power switch or by holding the Ice On/Ice Off button for 3-5 seconds until “ICE ON” illuminates.
  • Allowing 24 hours for ice production to begin after installation or temperature adjustment, with the freezer temperature needing to be below 19°F, ideally -4°F (-20°C) or lower for optimal production.

When your LG fridge‘s icemaker is not working, it could mean that the LG french door refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice despite the tray filling up with water and freezing.

Here are some main reasons why is my lg refrigerator not making ice but water works:

Stuck Ice Bucket or Excessive Ice Buildup

You know that feeling when you reach for a refreshing glass of iced tea, only to find a stubborn ice bucket refusing to cooperate? It’s enough to melt your cool!

It messes up the whole ice-making process and dumping situation. Annoying, ain’t it?

So, you got this warm, humid air from outside, right? And it meets the cold, dry air inside the fridge.

The result? Frost starts accumulating at an alarming rate. This icy intruder could be caused by an uneven fridge, poorly sealed doors, or even items blocking the door or its tracks. It’s a frosty mess that’s hard to ignore.

Okay, picture this: that drain line gets clogged up, and bam! A whole sheet of ice forms at the LG bottom freezer ice maker not dumping ice.

Now you gotta manually defrost that sucker, and might even need to call in a pro to fix it up. It’s a real hassle when that drain line decides to take a break, am I right?

Faulty Ice Maker Thermostat or Thermistor

Image of Faulty Ice Maker Thermostat or Thermistor
Image source: lg.com

Thermistor is resistance that changes with temp. Two types – NTC resistance goes up when temp down, and PTC resistance goes down when temp down.

I’ve seen countless technicians misdiagnose issues because they overlooked the thermistor. It’s a small component, but it packs a powerful punch in temperature control systems.

Techs measure thermistor resistance at different temps. Compare to manufacturer specs to check if readings are accurate. If it does not matching, replace it.

When replacing thermistors, get the right type and ensure compatibility with the system. Wrong replacement causes incorrect readings and issues.

Inadequate Freezer Temperature

Another reason your LG French door refrigerator might not make ice is due to Incorrect Freezer Temperature.

Your LG ice maker’s being because the freezer ain’t cold enough. Ensure your freezer temperature is set to below 9°F (-12°C) for optimal ice production. 

If too warm, no ice in the bin. Check that temperature setting and get it frosty for the Princess to start dumping ice again.

Defective Ice Maker Motor or Mechanism

Your LG fridge ain’t making ice? Don’t panic! Let’s fix this thing.

First, check if the ice maker’s even on. Look for a little switch on its left side. If it’s off, flip it on and wait a whole day. Maybe it just needed a time-out.

Next, pull out the ice bucket. Is it jammed? Frozen over? Use a hairdryer or some warm water to free it up.

Look for a reset button on the ice maker. Turn off the water, count to 30, then turn it back on. This might kickstart things.

Ensure that the water inlet valve is functioning and that water pressure is above 20 psi. If the water line is frozen, thaw it carefully

Clogged Water Line or Water Filter

If it’s been 6 months or more, it’s probably dirty and needs replacing. Make sure you get an LG filter, not some cheap knockoff.

Next, look at that water line. Is it all kinked up or frozen? If it’s bent, straighten it out gently. If it’s frozen, grab that hairdryer and melt that ice!

Check your water supply too. Is it turned on all the way? Is the water pressure okay? It should be between 40-120 psi. If it’s too low, you might have weak water flow.

Make sure that dispenser lock isn’t on. Sometimes we accidentally hit it, right? Just hold that lock button for a few seconds and it should unlock.

why is my ice maker not dumping ice: Troubleshooting Steps

Make sure the ice maker power switch is turned on. If off, turn it on and wait 18-30 hours for ice production.

Image of control panel make sure the ice maker power switch is turned on. If off, turn it on and wait 18-30 hours for ice production.

one of the first things you wanna check is the power switch on that ice maker itself. If that switch is off, just flip it on and then sit tight for a bit, you know?

It’ll take around 18 to 30 hours before that first batch of frozen gold comes tumbling out. Easy as that! Just a little patience is all it might need sometimes.

If no ice is produced when on, reset the ice maker by turning the power off and then back on.

Reset that sucker by shutting off the power and then turning it back on again. If that doesn’t get the ice cubes rolling, you can run a test mode to see what’s really going on under the hood.

To do that, just press and hold down the test button for like 3 seconds, that’ll force the whole ice-making process to restart and you can keep an eye on things from there.

Ensure the ice bin is properly positioned under the ice maker within the guides, with the cutout facing back.

Ensure the ice bin is properly positioned under the ice maker within the guides, with the cutout facing back.

Do you make sure that ice bin is lined up right under the ice maker? It needs to be sitting pretty within their guides.

And get this, the cutout part? That needs to be facing towards the back, you heard?

Verify the temperature at the ice maker is below 9°F for ice production. Higher temps may indicate a sealed system issue.

Verify the temperature at the ice maker is below 9°F for ice production. Higher temps may indicate a sealed system issue.
Image source: lg.com

we need to take a look at how cold it’s getting. Ideally, it should be less than 9°F for things to keep moving along smoothly.

If it ain’t that chilly though, could mean there’s an issue with the sealed system or some other parts. 

Mohammad Waseem
Mohammad Waseem

I'm Waseem, an appliance fixing expert since 2018. After years of repairing washers, dryers and fridges, I've seen it all. Socks in pumps, utensils jamming ice makers - you name it! But some elbow grease usually saves the day. I share handyman tips on this blog to help neighbors fix appliances and save cash instead of costly replacements.

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