LG Ice Maker FL Error: Water flow or fill fault
LG ice maker error — here’s what you need to know. The FL error code on your LG ice maker indicates a water flow or fill fault. This is a Medium severity issue. What Does FL Mean on an LG Ice Maker? The FL code signals that the ice maker is not receiving the correct […]
~60%
DIY Fixable
From 10
Typical Repair Cost
30 min–2 hours
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. The refrigerator and freezer operate normally with an FL fault. Turn the ice maker off to stop repeated failed fill cycles until the water supply issue is corrected
Can I reset the code?
Yes. After fixing the water supply issue, press the ice maker test/reset button to clear the FL code and initiate a new fill cycle. The code will return if water flow remains insufficient
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: FL code persists after filter replacement and supply valve confirmation — stop ice maker use to prevent valve damage from dry cycling, You see water dripping from the fill tube area, indicating a frozen tube is starting to leak as it partially thaws.
Symptoms You May Notice
Ice cubes are very small or the mold fills only partially
Restricted water flow causes the ice mold to receive less water than needed, resulting in undersized, thin, or flat cubes that are smaller than normal
Ice maker runs a fill cycle but produces no ice
The fill valve opens but little or no water reaches the mold, so after the freeze cycle completes there is nothing to harvest and the FL code is logged
FL code on the appliance display
The FL fault code appears after the fill cycle times out without the control board detecting sufficient water in the mold
Extended cycle times
The ice maker takes significantly longer than normal to complete a cycle as it repeatedly tries to fill to the correct water level.
Possible Causes
Clogged or expired water filter
A water filter that has exceeded its service life has become clogged with sediment, reducing flow below the minimum needed for a complete mold fill
DIY PossibleFrozen fill tube
The small water fill tube that directs water into the ice mold has frozen solid, completely blocking flow — common when freezer temperature is set too low
DIY PossibleFaulty water inlet valve
The solenoid coil on the ice maker water inlet valve has weakened or partially failed, causing the valve to open only partially and restrict water flow
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Replace the water filter
Locate the water filter (usually inside the refrigerator compartment or in the base grille) and replace it with a genuine LG or LG-approved filter. After replacement, flush 2 gallons of water through the dispenser before restarting the ice maker
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2
Thaw the fill tube if frozen
Turn off the ice maker and use a hair dryer on low heat aimed at the fill tube (the small tube at the back of the ice maker mold entry) for 2–3 minutes to melt any ice blockage. Do not use high heat — the plastic fill tube can warp
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3
Verify water supply pressure and shut-off valve
Confirm the refrigerator's water supply shut-off valve (usually under the sink or behind the unit) is fully open. LG requires 20–120 psi at the inlet valve — very low household water pressure can cause FL faults
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Filter replaced and supply valve fully open but flow is still inadequate — inlet valve solenoid testing required
- Fill tube refreezes within 24 hours after thawing — freezer temperature calibration or tube insulation issue
- Water pressure at valve inlet tests below 20 psi — household supply or pressure regulator issue requiring plumber
Need Professional Help?
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