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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code Icemaker Sensor Malfunction

Icemaking sensor open or short-circuited wire indicated on ice maker water supply control panel.

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Icemaking sensor open or short-circuited wire indicated on ice maker water supply control panel.

First step from the service manual

Make sure that the wire on each sensor is connected.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
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What Icemaker Sensor Malfunction means on a LG refrigerator

The Icemaker Sensor Malfunction error on an LG refrigerator indicates that the control board has detected an open circuit or short circuit condition in the icemaking sensor circuit. This sensor monitors temperature within the ice maker assembly to regulate the ice production cycle, including freeze and harvest timing. When the sensor circuit falls outside expected resistance parameters, the ice maker water supply control panel flags the fault and halts normal icemaking operations to prevent component damage or flooding.

The most common electrical fault conditions are an open circuit, where the sensor or its wiring has lost continuity, and a short circuit, where two conductors in the circuit are making unintended contact. Both conditions cause the control board to receive a signal that falls outside the valid operating range for the sensor. Sensor failures of this type often correlate with physical damage to the wiring harness, corroded or loose connector pins at the sensor, or a failed sensor element itself.

Diagnosis begins with a physical inspection of the wiring connected to each sensor in the ice maker assembly. Loose connectors, pinched wire runs, or wiring that has been chafed against a cabinet edge are common culprits. If the connections are secure and undamaged, resistance testing of the sensor itself is the next step to determine whether the sensor element has failed internally. A sensor showing infinite resistance indicates an open circuit, while near-zero resistance indicates a short.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Icemaker Sensor Malfunction

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected sensor wiring connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness connector at the icemaking sensor may have come loose due to vibration or was not fully seated during a previous service. Check that each sensor connector is firmly clicked into place with no bent or pushed-back pins.

  2. 02

    Damaged or chafed wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wires running to the ice maker sensor can become pinched, cut, or worn through contact with sharp cabinet edges or moving components. Inspect the full length of the harness for visible insulation damage or breaks in the wire.

  3. 03

    Corroded sensor connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the freezer compartment can cause oxidation on the sensor connector pins, increasing resistance or breaking the circuit entirely. Look for green or white corrosion buildup on the metal contacts inside the connector.

  4. 04

    Failed icemaking sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor element itself may have failed internally, resulting in an open or shorted condition that cannot be corrected by reseating connections. If wiring and connectors check out, resistance testing of the sensor will confirm an internal failure.

  5. 05

    Faulty ice maker control board

    Part replacement

    In less common cases, the ice maker water supply control board may misread a functioning sensor circuit due to a board-level fault. This is typically only considered after the sensor and all wiring have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Icemaker Sensor Malfunction

What does Icemaker Sensor Malfunction mean on a LG refrigerator?
This error means the control board has detected an open or short circuit in the icemaking sensor circuit. The sensor monitors temperature to manage the ice production cycle, and when the circuit reads outside its expected range, ice making is halted. The fault is displayed on the ice maker water supply control panel. The issue may be in the sensor wiring, connectors, or the sensor itself.
How do I fix the Icemaker Sensor Malfunction error on my LG refrigerator?
Start by checking that all wiring connectors at the icemaking sensor are fully seated and free of corrosion or damage. If the connections look good, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the sensor to determine if it has an open or short circuit internally. A damaged harness or failed sensor will need to be replaced to clear the fault. If the sensor and wiring both test correctly, the ice maker control board may need evaluation.
Is it safe to keep using my LG refrigerator when this error is showing?
Yes, this error does not indicate a hazard to food safety for the rest of the refrigerator. The main fresh food and freezer compartments will continue to operate normally. However, the ice maker will not produce ice while the fault is active, so you should address the issue if you rely on the ice maker.
Will resetting my LG refrigerator clear the Icemaker Sensor Malfunction error?
A reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but if the underlying sensor or wiring fault is still present, the code will return once the control board runs its diagnostics again. A lasting fix requires identifying and repairing the open or short circuit in the sensor wiring or replacing the failed sensor.
How much does it cost to repair an Icemaker Sensor Malfunction on an LG refrigerator?
Repair costs vary depending on what component has failed. If only a connector needs reseating or cleaning, there may be no parts cost at all. Replacing the icemaking sensor itself is generally a lower-cost repair, typically in the range of $20 to $80 for the part, while a control board replacement can range from $80 to $200 or more. Adding a professional technician's labor will increase the total cost.

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