LG Refrigerator Er IT: The Ice Maker Motor Will Not Turn
Er IT means the ice maker's ejection motor failed its operational test. This motor rotates the ejection fingers that push formed ice cubes out of the mold tray and into the storage bin. When the motor stalls, cannot reach the target position, or does not respond to the board's command, Er IT appears and ice production stops.
The Ejection Cycle
After the mold sensor confirms water has frozen solid, the board commands this sequence:
- The mold heater warms slightly (releasing cubes from the mold surface)
- The ejection motor rotates, sweeping ejection fingers through the mold cavities
- Cubes fall into the bin
- The motor returns to its home position
- The water inlet valve refills the mold for the next cycle
Er IT can trigger at any point in this sequence — the motor does not start rotating, stalls mid-rotation, or fails to return to home position.
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Root Causes
Ice Jam in the Mold (40%)
Ice cubes that did not fully release from the mold block the ejection fingers. The motor tries to rotate but hits the stuck cubes, stalls, draws excessive current, and the board posts Er IT.
This often happens when the mold heater is weakening — it does not warm the mold surface enough for clean release, leaving cubes partially bonded to the tray. The motor struggles against the stuck cubes rather than sweeping freely.
Fix: Remove the ice bin. Manually pour a cup of warm (not hot — hot can crack the mold) water over the mold tray to release any stuck cubes. Remove the loosened cubes. Test the ice maker by pressing the test button (small button on the ice maker body or accessible with a pin). The ejection fingers should rotate one full cycle.
Ejection Motor Failure (30%)
The motor itself has failed — burned winding, worn gear train, or seized bearings. LG ice maker motors are small geared DC motors that operate in a freezer environment. Moisture intrusion and thermal cycling stress the motor over 5-10 years.
Test: Disconnect the motor connector (2 wires). Measure winding resistance: expect 150-500 ohms depending on motor type. Infinite = open winding. Apply 12VDC directly to the motor terminals — it should rotate. No rotation = dead motor.
Mold Heater Failure (15%)
The small heating element under the mold that warms it for cube release has failed. The motor is fine but cannot push cubes that are still frozen to the mold surface.
Test: Disconnect the heater wires. Measure resistance: expect 200-600 ohms. Infinite = burned out. The heater is integral to the ice maker assembly on most LG models — requiring full assembly replacement.
Position Sensor Failure (10%)
The motor's position sensor (optical or mechanical) tells the board where the ejection fingers are in their rotation. If this sensor fails, the board does not know when the cycle is complete and posts Er IT as a timeout error.
Board Output (5%)
The board does not send power to the ejection motor. Rare.
Ice Maker Test Button
Before ordering parts, use the ice maker's test button to force a harvest cycle:
- Some models: small recessed button on the ice maker body (press with a pen tip)
- Some models: press and hold the Ice Plus button on the control panel for 3 seconds
If the test cycle runs successfully (motor rotates, cubes eject, mold refills), Er IT may have been triggered by a transient jam that cleared itself. If the test cycle fails (motor does not move), the motor or its control circuit has failed.
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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Replacement
On most LG models, the ejection motor is integrated into the ice maker assembly. Replacing just the motor is possible on some models but most require full ice maker replacement:
- Unplug the refrigerator. Remove the ice bin
- Disconnect the wiring harness and water fill tube
- Remove mounting screws (2-4). Pull the ice maker out
- Install new assembly (AEQ73110210 or model-specific, $80-150)
- Reconnect water and wiring. Replace bin. Plug in
- First ice batch: 24-48 hours
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Parts and Cost
| Part | Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker assembly | AEQ73110210 (model-specific) | $80-150 |
| Ejection motor only (if separate) | model-specific | $25-50 |
| Repair | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Ice jam clearing | $0 | $80-130 |
| Ice maker assembly | $80-150 | $180-300 |
| Motor only (if available) | $25-50 | $120-200 |
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.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Preventing Er IT
Replace the water filter on schedule (every 6 months). Old filters pass sediment that contaminates the mold and affects cube release. Ensure the freezer maintains 0 degrees F — warmer temperatures cause partial freezing and sticky cubes that jam the ejection mechanism. If cubes are consistently undersized or stuck, the mold heater may be weakening — address before it causes Er IT.
LG ice maker motor stuck? We test the harvest cycle, clear jams, and carry replacement assemblies for same-visit repair. Book ice maker service.
