LG Refrigerator ER IS Error: Ice Maker Sensor Error
LG refrigerator error — here’s what you need to know. The Er IS error code on your LG refrigerator indicates a fault with the ice maker temperature sensor. This is a Medium severity issue. What Does Er IS Mean on an LG Refrigerator? The ice maker thermistor monitors the temperature of the ice maker tray […]
~50%
DIY Fixable
From $160
Typical Repair Cost
1–2 hours
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The refrigerator and freezer continue to cool normally. Only ice production is affected. Disable the ice maker to prevent it from cycling uselessly and turn it back on only after the sensor is replaced.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Turning the ice maker off and on, or performing a power reset, may temporarily clear the error after cleaning the connector. The error returns if the sensor itself has failed.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: The ice maker runs continuously, wasting water without producing ice, You hear mechanical grinding from the ice maker's ejector arms cycling repeatedly.
Symptoms You May Notice
Ice Production Stops or Becomes Irregular
The ice maker stops producing ice, produces ice very slowly, or makes hollow and malformed cubes. Without reliable temperature data, the harvest cycle either triggers too early (hollow ice) or never triggers at all.
Ice Maker Runs Constantly Without Completing Cycles
The ice maker motor cycles repeatedly without ejecting ice into the bin. You may hear the ice maker running through its cycle but no ice drops, as the sensor never confirms the water has fully frozen.
Water Dispenses but Ice Bin Stays Empty
The water supply line is working — you can dispense water normally — but the ice bin stays empty because the ice maker cannot complete its freeze-detect-harvest sequence without a functioning sensor.
Inconsistent temperature performance
The refrigerator runs too hot, too cold, or cycles erratically because the control board receives inaccurate temperature readings from the faulty sensor.
Possible Causes
Corroded Ice Maker Sensor Connector
Water from the fill cycle repeatedly splashes onto the sensor connector, causing mineral deposits and corrosion on the pins. This creates intermittent resistance that the control board interprets as a sensor fault.
DIY PossibleFailed Ice Maker Thermistor
The thermistor element inside the ice maker tray assembly has degraded. Given the wet environment and freeze-thaw cycling, ice maker thermistors have a shorter service life than other refrigerator sensors.
Requires ProfessionalDamaged Ice Maker Assembly
On models where the sensor is integrated into the ice maker module, damage to the assembly from a stuck ice cube, user error during manual defrost, or mechanical wear can cause the sensor error as part of broader ice maker failure.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Inspect the Ice Maker Sensor Connector
Turn off the ice maker using the on/off switch. Unplug the refrigerator. Locate the ice maker thermistor connector — typically a 2-pin connector near the ice maker tray. Check for white mineral deposits, green corrosion, or moisture inside the connector. Clean corroded pins gently with a dry toothbrush or electrical contact cleaner.
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2
Defrost the Ice Maker Compartment
If ice has built up around the sensor, leave the refrigerator unplugged with the freezer door open for 24 hours to fully defrost the ice maker compartment. Ice embedding the sensor causes false readings that clear once the ice melts.
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3
Test Ice Maker Operation After Reset
After defrosting and cleaning the connector, plug the refrigerator back in and turn the ice maker on. Allow 24 hours for the first batch of ice to complete. If the ice maker runs but does not produce ice, or if the error returns immediately, the sensor or assembly requires replacement.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Sensor connector is clean but thermistor tests out of range on multimeter
- Replacement sensor is only available as part of the full ice maker module
- Error persists after sensor replacement — control board ice maker input may have failed
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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