LG · small ice

LG refrigerator makes small, hollow or misshapen ice

LG refrigerator makes small, hollow or misshapen ice: low water flow, restricted filter and incorrect freezer temperature commonly change cube shape. Scoped to LRMVS3006*.

Small, cloudy or odd-shaped ice from the LG LRMVS3006 has an explanation in LG's manual before any fault: the first few batches of a new Craft Ice maker may be semicircular or have air bubbles, pressure below 20 psi or a reverse osmosis system can change the shape, cloudy ice can come from the local water, and after a short power cut the first batch is slower and may not be round. Ice that is smaller than usual is also LG's sign that the water filter needs replacing, which it recommends about every six months.

Differential

Likely causes of “LG refrigerator makes small, hollow or misshapen ice”, and how to tell them apart

  1. 1

    A new Craft Ice maker still settling in

    What separates it The first batches are semicircular or contain air bubbles

    How to confirm Wait through the first few batches; LG says the shape settles after that

  2. 2

    A water filter that is used up

    What separates it Ice pieces and water flow are smaller than before and the filter icon may be lit

    How to confirm Replace the filter if it has been about six months or the Replace Filter icon is on

  3. 3

    Low water pressure or a reverse osmosis system

    What separates it Ice varies in shape and size, and dispensed water is slow

    How to confirm Check the supply is 20 to 120 psi, or 40 to 120 psi on filtered models, and look for an RO unit

  4. 4

    Cloudy water or a short power outage

    What separates it Ice looks cloudy or the next batch is not round after a cut

    How to confirm LG says cloudy ice can come from water quality, and a short outage delays the first batch

Before you touch a setting

Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence

  • How old the water filter is and whether the Replace Filter icon is on
  • Whether the ice maker is Craft Ice or the in-door type and which ice mode is set
  • The measured water pressure and whether a reverse osmosis system is fitted

Try in this order

0 of 5 completed
  1. Check the filter age

    Reversible

    LG says replace the water filter about every six months, when the Replace Filter icon turns on, when dispenser output drops, or when ice pieces are smaller than normal.

  2. Check the water pressure

    Reversible

    The pressure must be 20 to 120 psi on models without a filter and 40 to 120 psi with one. A reverse osmosis system can drop it below the minimum and change the ice.

  3. Choose the Craft Ice mode

    Reversible

    For more ice select 6 ICE mode. For clearer ice select 3 ICE mode. Hold the Freezer button for 3 seconds, then press it to toggle between the two modes.

  4. Empty and clean the bin

    Reversible

    Empty the ice bin, wash it, discard old ice and dry it fully before reinstalling. LG says stored ice shrinks, turns cloudy and can taste stale over time.

  5. Wait and recheck

    Reversible

    After changing the filter, flush about 2.5 gallons (10 liters) of water in 30-second bursts with 60-second rests, then give the icemaker a day to make a fresh batch.

Model-specific

What is true of this model and not of its siblings

Filter details from the manual
Water filter: replace about every six months or when the icon lights; hold the Water Filter button 3 seconds to reset the icon; cartridges LT1000P, LT1000PC, LT1000PCS, ADQ747935**. Air filter: LT120F. Flush 2.5 gallons after a new filter.
Parts for this problem on the LRMVS3006 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
air filter cover, part number ADQ75493301, at $113.35; primary water valve, part number AJU75632502, at $135.11; in door ice maker boot seal, part number ADX73250607, at $42.49.
Other models this page answers
These steps also fit models LRFVS3006 refrigerator, LRFCS25 refrigerator, LG STUDIO SRFVC2406 refrigerator, LRSXS2706 side-by-side refrigerator, LF29S8330, LF21G6200.

Stop boundary

When this stops being a self-service repair

  • !If ice stays small after a fresh filter, correct pressure and 24 hours of settling, call LG customer service
  • !If a strange taste or odor comes with the ice, empty and wash the bin and call LG if it continues
  • !If water pressure is below the range, call a plumber before you call for service

Evidence ledger

Sources behind this answer

Exact questions

Common questions

Why is my ice cloudy?+

LG says the ice may look cloudy depending on the water quality in your area and the operating conditions.

Why is the ice semicircular?+

LG says for the first few batches after installation or a filter replacement the ice may be semicircular or contain air bubbles. The shape also varies if pressure is under 20 psi or a reverse osmosis system is used.

When should I replace the water filter?+

About every six months, when the Replace Filter icon turns on, when dispenser output drops, or when ice pieces are smaller than normal.

How do I change between 3 ICE and 6 ICE?+

Hold the Freezer button for 3 seconds until it beeps and the current mode shows, then press the Freezer button to toggle. After 5 seconds the last mode is saved.

Does stored ice go stale?+

Yes. LG says ice that has been stored too long will shrink, become cloudy and may develop a stale taste, so discard it and make fresh ice.

What replacement filter does LG list?+

The water filter cartridges LT1000P, LT1000P*, LT1000PC, LT1000PCS or ADQ747935** are listed, and the air filter is LT120F.

What if I find shards in the bin?+

Throw away any shards of ice, since LG says they may stick to the ice stored in the bin.

Does filter replacement leak?+

LG says replacing the water filter drains a small amount of water, about 1 oz (25 cc), so wrap a cloth around the front of the filter cover.

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