LG Craft Ice Not Working: Troubleshooting Guide

LG Craft Ice Not Working: Troubleshooting Guide
Quick Answer

LG Craft Ice produces only 3 spherical ice balls per day (6 in Craft Ice+ mode)—this slow rate is normal. First batch takes 48 hours after installation. The reset button is underneath the unit, often hard to see. Freezer must be below 19°F (-4°F recommended) for proper production.

Error Code EID / EIU
Meaning Craft Ice maker sensor (EID) or assembly (EIU) failure
Difficulty Easy to Moderate (2/5)
Time to Fix 30 minutes to 48 hours
Tools Needed None for basic troubleshooting
DIY Fixable Yes
Official Source LG Support

LG Craft Ice creates 2-inch slow-melting spherical ice balls using integrated molds in the freezer compartment. Many “problems” reported with Craft Ice are actually normal operation—the system produces far less ice than people expect.

Normal Craft Ice Operation

Production Rates

ModeIce Balls Per Day
Standard3 balls
Craft Ice+ mode6 balls

Important: These rates are much slower than regular ice makers. If you expected rapid production, the slow rate is by design, not a malfunction.

Initial Setup

  • First batch after installation: 48 hours
  • Ice bin holds up to 25 spheres
  • Production pauses when bin is full

Temperature Requirements

SettingEffect
Above 19°FProduction stops or slows
0°FStandard production
-4°FOptimal for fastest production

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: No Ice Production

Check these in order:

  1. ON/OFF switch — Verify Craft Ice is ON via control panel or ThinQ app
  2. Freezer temperature — Must be below 19°F; set to -4°F for best results
  3. Water supply — Valve fully open, water line not kinked
  4. Water pressure — Minimum 20 PSI, ideal 40-120 PSI
  5. Time since installation — First batch takes 48 hours

Run water dispenser test: If water dispenses, supply is working. If not, check water line and filter.

Problem: Frozen/Jammed Mechanism

Ice can build up around the molds, preventing the mechanism from cycling.

Quick fixes:

  1. Leave freezer door open for 8+ hours to defrost
  2. Use hair dryer on LOW to carefully thaw frozen areas around molds
  3. Spray warm water over molds using a turkey baster
  4. Press RESET button to release stuck ice balls
Pro Tip

The reset button is often hard to find—it’s underneath the Craft Ice maker unit, sometimes color-matched to the housing. Use your phone’s camera to look under the unit if you can’t see it directly.

Problem: Misshapen Ice Balls

LG officially states: “All shapes are normal but depend on water quality and conditions of use.”

Factors affecting shape:

  • Water quality (minerals, impurities)
  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Frequent door openings
  • Ice basket installed backwards

Misshapen ice is not considered a defect. If appearance matters, use filtered water and minimize door openings.

Problem: Production Too Slow

Even when working correctly, 3 balls per day may not be enough.

Maximize production:

  1. Switch to Craft Ice+ mode (6 balls/day)
  2. Set freezer to -4°F
  3. Replace water filter if clogged
  4. Minimize door openings
  5. Ensure vents aren’t blocked by food

Craft Ice Reset Procedure

Finding the Reset Button

  1. Remove the ice bin
  2. Look at the underside of the Craft Ice maker unit
  3. The button is often color-matched and hard to see
  4. May require phone camera to locate

Performing Reset

  1. Locate reset button
  2. Place towel below to catch ice/water
  3. Press and hold button for 3-10 seconds
  4. Ice maker will cycle (you’ll hear motor sounds)
  5. Stuck ice balls will drop
  6. Wait 24-36 hours for new ice production

Error Codes

CodeMeaningAction
EIDCraft Ice sensor failureReset, check wiring, may need service
EIUCraft Ice assembly failureReset, may need assembly replacement

If error codes persist after reset, professional service may be required.

Craft Ice Maintenance

Regular Care

  • Clean ice bin monthly
  • Don’t use ice scoop on spheres (they’re delicate)
  • Keep freezer at 0°F or below
  • Replace water filter as recommended

Preventing Freeze-Ups

  • Don’t overfill the ice bin
  • Ensure adequate freezer airflow
  • Check door gaskets for proper seal
  • Keep freezer organized (don’t block vents)

ThinQ App Features

If your refrigerator is ThinQ-connected:

  • Monitor ice production remotely
  • Receive alerts for issues
  • Run Smart Diagnosis
  • Check/update ice maker settings
  • Update firmware (can fix some issues)

Model Coverage

Craft Ice is available on:

  • LRMVS series: 4-door French Door with InstaView
  • Select LRFXS models: French Door with Craft Ice feature
  • InstaView models: Check specifications for Craft Ice inclusion

Not all LG refrigerators include Craft Ice—verify your model has this feature.

When to Call a Tech

Contact LG support (1-800-243-0000) if:

  • EID or EIU error codes persist after reset
  • Ice maker makes grinding noises
  • Water leaks from the Craft Ice area
  • Mechanism doesn’t cycle during reset
  • Production doesn’t resume after 48 hours

Sources

For official LG support:

HT

Written by HomeFixBasics Team

Our team of home maintenance experts provides practical, actionable advice to help homeowners tackle common repairs and maintenance tasks.