If your LG refrigerator is displaying a 1F or IF error code, it means the control board is detecting an issue with the ice maker, which is most likely caused by frost build-up around the ice maker fan. If you see no frost around the ice maker fan, then the fan motor, blades, or the refrigerator’s control board may need to be replaced or reset to fix the issue.

If frost build-up is responsible for the issue, the refrigerator door gasket or refrigerator vents may be responsible for causing the issue and the subsequent 1F error code. Keep reading to diagnose and fix the issue and to stop the error code from occurring again.

This guide applies to most LG refrigerator models, including the following:

LFC25760SB, LFC25760ST, LFC25760SW, LFC25760TT, LFX21960ST, LFX25950SB, LFX25950SW, LFX25950TT, LFX25960ST, LFX25976ST, LFX28968ST, LFX28978ST, LFX31925ST, LRDC22743ST, LRDC22744ST, LRFC25750TT, LRFD25850ST, LRSC26923TT, LRSC26925TT, LRSC26980SB, LSC26905TT

Frost Build-up

In most cases, an LG refrigerator error code 1F is caused by frost build-up around the ice maker fan. Assuming frost build-up is responsible for the 1F error code, to fix the issue, the affected areas need to be defrosted. Depending on the model, you may need to remove the back panel of the freezer compartment to access the ice maker fan (access instructions are listed further down).

How to defrost the ice maker fan

If the refrigerator has an auto-defrost function, you may opt to use that to defrost the affected areas. Another option is to locate and remove the ice maker fan from the refrigerator to defrost it and check for any other issues that may be causing the problem. Removing items from the freezer and leaving the door open for 8 hours also removes the frost build-up.

Defective Ice Maker Fan

The 1F error code can also be caused by a defective ice maker fan motor or fan blades. Depending on where the ice maker fan is with your model, you’ll likely need to remove the back panel of the freezer to access and check the ice maker fan to determine if the motor or blades are causing the 1F error code.

To determine if the ice maker fan motor has failed, it needs to be removed from the refrigerator and tested with a multimeter for continuity (a continuous electrical path). If a fan blade is broken, the blade needs to be replaced. If the fan can’t turn, it needs to be adjusted so that it can turn, or the motor may be defective and will need to be replaced.

How to access and remove the ice maker fan

Depending on the model and issue, the rear panel of the freezer compartment may need to be removed. The panel may be secured with screws or tabs. Either remove the screws or depress the tabs to open the panel. If neither option is available on your model, you may need to find a way to pull the panel off the back of the freezer compartment, such as using the vent holes and a screwdriver to leverage the panel of the tabs that secure it. Of course, if the refrigerator is still under warranty, you shouldn’t not take any steps that risk damaging the appliance.

Follow these steps to remove and access the ice maker fan:

(note that access instructions vary depending on the refrigerator model).

1. Disconnect the power to the refrigerator.
2. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
3. Remove items from the freezer compartment.
4. Remove trays and drawers as needed to access the ice maker fan.
5. If you can see frost build-up, defrost the affected areas. You can then check if the error code has been resolved. If not, continue with the following steps.
6. Remove the rear panel of the freezer compartment that covers the ice maker fan. Be careful as the panel may be attached to wires that need to be disconnected before the panel can be lifted away from the freezer.
7. Before unplugging the wiring harness, take note of how the wires are connected so that you know where to reconnect them later. Take a picture if necessary.
8. Disconnect the wiring harness so that the panel and fan can be removed from the freezer.
9. Inspect the fan and panel for signs of damage and frost build-up.
10. Defrost any part that has frost build-up.
11. Test the ice maker fan motor for continuity with a multimeter. If the motor has no continuity, it needs to be replaced.

Hopefully, you have now diagnosed and fixed the issue that caused the 1F error code. However, you should check your refrigerator regularly to make sure that the issue doesn’t recur.

What caused frost to build-up or the motor failure?

Frost build-up around the fan or a defective fan motor is most likely caused by the temperature in the freezer compartment not remaining stable, which causes frost to form or the fan to work harder. Typically, the temperature issue is caused by blocked vents preventing air from flowing freely or a tear in the door gasket, which prevents the door from sealing completely, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to escape the freezer.

Make sure that all refrigerator and freezer vents are clear and not blocked to stop temperature issues from happening. Also, clean the entire door gasket and check for any tears or other damage. If the door gasket is damaged, it needs to be replaced to prevent the 1F error code and other temperature issues from occurring.

Control Board Glitch

Occasionally, the LG refrigerator’s control board may have a glitch that falsely causes the 1F error code. If you determine that a glitch is probably responsible for the 1F error code, disconnect the power to the refrigerator for 30 seconds. Disconnecting the power allows the electrical charge to dissipate and reset the control board. Once the power is restored, the error code should have cleared. However, if the error code returns, the possibility of a glitch can be eliminated and other causes of the issue need to be checked.

Defective Control Board

A defective control board is unlikely to be the cause of the 1F error code; however, if you have tried everything else and the error code persists, the control board may be damaged. Diagnosing and repairing the refrigerator’s control board usually requires a trained technician, and in most cases, the control board will need to be replaced.