LG Refrigerator Er IS: The Ice Maker Sensor Is Out of Range
Er IS means the ice maker's temperature sensor (thermistor) returned an impossible resistance value to the board. This sensor monitors the ice mold temperature to determine when water has frozen solid and when the mold is ready for ejection and refill. Without valid sensor data, the board cannot time the ice production cycle.
How the Ice Maker Cycle Depends on Er IS
The ice production sequence follows a precise temperature-triggered pattern:
- Water fills the mold (inlet valve opens for a timed duration)
- The sensor monitors mold temperature as it drops toward -10 to -15 degrees F
- When the sensor confirms the water is frozen (resistance hits the frozen threshold), the board commands the heater element under the mold to warm slightly (just enough to release ice from the mold surface)
- The ejection motor rotates, pushing ice cubes out of the mold into the bin
- The sensor confirms the mold temperature rose during harvest (verifying the cubes released)
- Cycle repeats after a short pause
With Er IS, the board cannot determine when water has frozen or when cubes have released. Ice production stops or runs erratically.
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Refrigerant gauges ($200+), vacuum pump ($250), leak detector ($150), and EPA-certified recovery equipment. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Testing the Ice Maker Sensor
The sensor is a small NTC thermistor attached to or embedded in the ice maker mold assembly.
- Unplug the refrigerator
- Remove the ice bin
- Locate the ice maker assembly. The sensor wires typically exit from the bottom or rear of the ice maker housing
- Disconnect the sensor connector (2 wires)
- Measure resistance:
- At freezer temperature (approximately 0 degrees F): expect 15,000-25,000 ohms
- Warmed to room temperature (remove and bring to room for 10 minutes): expect 5,000-7,000 ohms
- Infinite (open) or near zero (shorted) = sensor failed
The Replacement Decision: Sensor vs. Entire Ice Maker
On some LG models, the ice maker sensor is replaceable as a separate part (just the thermistor, $10-20). On other models, the sensor is molded into the ice maker assembly and cannot be replaced independently — you must replace the entire ice maker module ($80-150).
Check your model's parts diagram to determine if the sensor is a separate item or integrated. This distinction makes the repair cost difference between $10 and $150.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Refrigerant (R-134a/R-600a) requires EPA certification to handle. Improper discharge is a federal violation and health hazard. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Ice Maker Assembly Replacement
If the entire ice maker needs replacement:
- Unplug the refrigerator
- Remove the ice bin
- Disconnect the ice maker's wiring harness (single multi-pin connector)
- Disconnect the water fill tube from the inlet at the rear of the ice maker
- Remove the mounting screws (2-4 screws holding the ice maker bracket to the freezer wall)
- Pull the old ice maker out
- Mount the new assembly (AEQ73110210 or model-specific, $80-150) using the same screws
- Reconnect the water fill tube and the wiring harness
- Replace the ice bin. Plug in
- Wait 24-48 hours for the first batch of ice
Parts and Cost
| Part | Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker sensor (if separate) | model-specific | $10-20 |
| Complete ice maker assembly | AEQ73110210 (model-specific) | $80-150 |
| Repair | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor only | $10-20 | $90-160 |
| Ice maker assembly | $80-150 | $180-300 |
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The Real Cost of DIY
Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
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Er IS and Craft Ice
LG's Craft Ice mechanism is a separate module from the standard cube ice maker. Each has its own sensor. Er IS may apply to either one depending on the model. If Craft Ice stopped but standard cubes continue (or vice versa), the failed sensor is in the affected module specifically.
The Craft Ice module is more expensive to replace ($100-180) because it includes the sphere mold mechanism, dedicated heater, and slower fill system. Check which ice system is showing Er IS before ordering parts.
Before Replacing: Check Wiring
The ice maker sensor wiring runs from the freezer interior to the main board at the rear. This path is less prone to flex damage than door-mounted wiring but can still develop breaks from frost/thaw cycles that stress connectors. Clean and re-seat all connectors in the ice maker circuit before concluding the sensor itself has failed.
Also verify the ice maker is receiving power (the on/off switch or arm is in the ON position). Some LG models show Er IS when the ice maker is powered off because the board expects sensor data even in standby mode.
Don't Void Your Warranty
Opening your appliance yourself may void the manufacturer warranty. Our repair comes with a 90-day guarantee, and we document everything for warranty compliance.
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Living With Er IS
Er IS affects only ice production. The freezer, fridge, and all other refrigerator functions continue normally. If ice demand is low, Er IS can wait for scheduled service. Use ice trays as a temporary manual ice source.
LG ice maker stopped producing? We determine whether it is the sensor alone or the full assembly — no unnecessary parts. Book ice maker diagnosis.
