How to Replace the Ice Maker Assembly on an LG Refrigerator

LG refrigerators use two distinct ice maker designs depending on the model and era. Standard models have a single ice maker in the freezer compartment that produces crescent-shaped cubes. Premium models including InstaView Door-in-Door units may include both a standard ice maker and the Craft Ice maker that produces large sphere ice. When the ice maker motor fails, the harvest arms freeze in position, or the mold heater burns out, replacing the complete assembly is the most reliable repair approach.

This guide covers replacement of the standard ice maker module on LG French Door refrigerators (LRMVS3006S, LRFXS2503S, LFXS26973S series and similar). The Craft Ice module follows the same general removal approach but mounts in a different position and has additional electrical connections for its sphere-forming mechanism.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, towel for water drips
• Parts needed: LG ice maker assembly (AEQ73110212 for most French Door models, varies by model) (~$95-$150)
• Time required: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Safety warning: Unplug the refrigerator and wait 5 minutes. Shut off the water supply valve behind the unit. The ice maker area contains sharp metal edges and cold surfaces. Wear work gloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Remove the Ice Bin and Access the Ice Maker

Open the freezer and remove the ice storage bin by lifting it up and pulling it forward off its rails. On French Door models with the ice maker in the upper left area of the freezer, you may need to remove the upper freezer shelf for better access. On models where the ice maker mounts on the ceiling of the freezer compartment, remove any shelf brackets that obstruct access. The ice maker module is now visible, mounted to the rear or left wall of the freezer with a single mounting plate.

Step 2: Disconnect the Wire Harness

Locate the wire harness connector that powers the ice maker motor and heater. On most LG models, this is a white multi-pin connector located either on the ice maker housing itself or running to a junction behind the freezer wall. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight apart. Do not pull by the wires. On some models, a second connector feeds the ice level sensor (optical or mechanical). Disconnect this as well.

Step 3: Remove the Ice Maker Mounting Screw

The LG ice maker module is secured to its mounting bracket with a single Phillips screw on most models, located on the right side or top of the ice maker housing. Remove this screw. Some models use an additional locking tab or clip instead of (or in addition to) the screw. Once the screw is removed, the ice maker slides to one side (typically right) and then lifts off the mounting bracket rails. The fill tube (a small copper or plastic tube entering the top of the ice maker) will separate as you pull the unit away from the wall.

Step 4: Inspect the Water Fill Tube

With the ice maker removed, examine the water fill tube protruding from the freezer wall. This tube delivers water from the inlet valve to the ice maker mold. Check for ice blockage inside the tube by shining a flashlight through it. A frozen fill tube is a common cause of ice maker failure that may be misdiagnosed as a bad module. If the tube is clear, proceed with replacement. If frozen, thaw with a hair dryer before installing the new module, and investigate why the fill tube heater may have failed.

Step 5: Prepare the New Ice Maker Module

Unpack the replacement module and verify the part number matches your model. Confirm the wire harness connector type matches your original. Align the new module with the mounting bracket rails. The fill cup on the new ice maker (the funnel that receives water from the fill tube) must line up directly under the fill tube opening. If misaligned, water will not enter the mold properly and will freeze on the bracket or drip into the bin.

Step 6: Mount the New Ice Maker

Slide the new module onto the mounting bracket rails and push it into position until the fill cup sits directly below the fill tube. Secure with the mounting screw. Connect the wire harness connector(s), pushing firmly until the locking tab clicks. Ensure no wires are pinched between the ice maker housing and the freezer wall. On models with an optical ice level sensor, verify the sensor window on the new module aligns with the emitter/receiver on the bin area.

Step 7: Restore Water Supply and Power

Turn the water supply valve behind the refrigerator back on. Plug in the refrigerator. The ice maker will not begin operation immediately. LG ice makers have a startup delay of 8-24 hours on initial power-up to allow the freezer to reach proper operating temperature (0 degrees F or below). Do not manually force a harvest cycle during this initial period as the mold must be at temperature for proper ice release.

Step 8: Verify First Harvest Cycle

After 24 hours, check for ice in the bin. You should find the first batch of crescent-shaped cubes. If no ice has been produced, press the Test/Reset button on the ice maker housing (underside or side, recessed button requiring a pen or small tool). This forces one harvest cycle. You should hear the motor activate, the ejector arms rotate, and water refill the mold. If the motor does not respond to the test button, recheck the wire harness connection. If ice is produced but cubes are small or hollow, water pressure may be low or the fill tube alignment is off.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the new ice maker does not produce ice properly after installation:

• If no harvest occurs after 24 hours and the test button produces no response, verify the wire harness is fully connected and the locking tab is engaged. A partially seated connector is the most common installation error. Also check that the ice maker arm (if present) is in the down (on) position
• If the ice maker harvests but produces hollow or thin cubes, the water fill volume is insufficient. Check water pressure at the supply valve (minimum 20 PSI required). Verify the fill tube is not partially obstructed. On LG models with a fill cup heater, ensure the heater wire is connected to prevent the cup from icing over between fills
• If ice cubes stick to the mold and do not eject cleanly, the mold heater may not be activating during the harvest cycle. This heater briefly warms the mold surface to release cubes into the ejector arms. A failed heater is typically integrated into the module and means the replacement unit may be defective
• If the ice maker produces ice but overfills the bin (does not stop when full), the optical sensor on the bin or the mechanical arm sensor is not detecting the full condition. Verify sensor alignment between the ice maker and the bin. Clean the optical sensor lenses with a dry cloth
• For Craft Ice modules specifically: the sphere ice maker requires 48 hours to produce its first batch. Craft Ice uses a separate water fill and a rotating mold mechanism. If the module runs but produces only partial spheres, the internal mold heater that releases spheres is not cycling properly, and the module should be exchanged under warranty if applicable

When to Call a Professional

Ice maker replacement is straightforward, but some scenarios indicate deeper issues:

• If the fill tube is repeatedly freezing (new ice maker stops producing within a week), the fill tube heater or the defrost system is not functioning correctly. The tube heater prevents residual water from freezing between fill cycles, and its failure requires accessing wiring behind the freezer wall
• If the water inlet valve is not opening during fill cycles (no buzzing sound from rear of fridge when ice maker calls for water), the valve solenoid or the control board relay driving it may have failed. This requires electrical diagnosis beyond simple module replacement
• If the new ice maker operates normally but ice tastes or smells bad, the water filter may be expired, the water supply line may have bacterial growth, or the ice bin itself is contaminated. Professional water line flushing and sanitation may be needed
• If your LG refrigerator has the Linear Compressor and the freezer temperature is not reaching 0 degrees F, the ice maker will not operate regardless of its condition. Temperature issues point to compressor, fan, or defrost system problems. The 10-year Linear Compressor warranty may cover this
• If error codes appear on the display related to the ice system (ER IS, ER IF, ER It), Smart Diagnosis through ThinQ can pinpoint which specific component in the ice system has failed beyond the module itself

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my LG ice maker needs replacement versus just a reset? A: Try the test/reset button first. If the motor responds and completes a harvest cycle but ice production stops again within 24 hours, the module may have an intermittent motor or sensor failure requiring replacement. If the test button produces no response at all (no motor sound), the module has failed. Always verify the wire harness connection and water supply before condemning the module.

Q: Can I replace the Craft Ice module myself? A: Yes, the Craft Ice module follows the same basic removal procedure: disconnect power, remove mounting screws, disconnect harness, and swap modules. However, the Craft Ice module is more expensive ($150-$250) and has additional connections for its sphere-forming heater and rotation motor. Ensure the replacement part number exactly matches your model.

Q: Will a new ice maker work immediately after installation? A: No. LG ice makers require 8-24 hours after initial power-up to begin producing ice. The control board waits until the freezer reaches 0 degrees F before initiating the first fill cycle. Do not force a test harvest during this temperature stabilization period. Craft Ice requires up to 48 hours for its first spheres.

Q: Why does my LG refrigerator make ice but the cubes are too small? A: Small cubes indicate insufficient water fill. The most common causes are low household water pressure (below 20 PSI), a clogged water filter reducing flow, a partially frozen fill tube restricting water entry, or a weakening water inlet valve not opening fully. Replace the water filter first as the cheapest diagnostic step.

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