LG Fridge Icemaker Cooling Fan 5209JA1044A DIY Replacement

Struggling with an LG refrigerator that’s refusing to make ice? The culprit might be your ice maker’s cooling fan, and replacing it doesn’t require a pro. Dive into our step-by-step guide complete with a handy how-to video right below to learn how you can fix it yourself with just a screwdriver and a little elbow grease!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If your LG refrigerator’s ice maker is slow or not making ice at all, the cooling fan could be the issue. The fan, part number 5209JA1044A, helps keep the ice maker cold enough to freeze water into ice. When it fails, the temperature might not stay low enough for proper ice production. The good news is that replacing the ice maker cooling fan is a manageable DIY job if you’re comfortable using a screwdriver and working with a few wires. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove the faulty fan and install a new one to get your ice maker working again. Let’s get started.

Watch here: How to replace the ice maker cooling fan on a refrigerator

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Why is this fan important?

The ice maker cooling fan sits inside your freezer and circulates cold air up into the ice maker area. If your ice maker has stopped producing ice, this fan could be the culprit. This repair replaces the entire fan assembly.

Safety first 

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Tools and materials needed

• Phillips screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Ice maker cooling fan assembly Part # 5209JA1044A– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part number for your unit.

Step-by-step replacement 

Disassembly and Removal Steps

Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure there’s no electrical risk while working.

1. Fully open the freezer to give yourself space to work.
2. Lift the rear of the lower bin to release the tabs.
3. Angle it up, pull it out, and set it aside.
4. Remove the screws on each side of the door frame using a Phillips screwdriver.
5. Lift the frame to release the front tabs and unhook it from the back brackets.
6. Carefully set the frame aside.
7. Slide the upper basket out completely.
8. Press the locking tabs on both sides, then lift and angle it out.
9. Set it aside and push the rails back in.
10. Remove the screws securing the upper rails.
11. Pull the rails forward and then detach the back tabs from the liner.
12. Pull out the lower rails.
13. On one side, press the locking tab and lift the rod off the gear.
14. Slide the other end out and set the rod aside.
15. Remove the screws holding the lower rails.
16. Lift and remove each rail from the freezer.
17. Use a putty knife to release the locking tabs (bottom first, then top).
18. Pull off the access panel and set it aside.
19. Reach behind the upper opening and release a locking tab.
20. Gently pull the panel forward while releasing the rest of the tabs.
21. Disconnect the two wire harnesses (white on top, red on bottom).
22. Remove the panel from the freezer.
23. Remove the two screws securing the fan assembly.
24. Pull out the fan and dislodge any screws stuck in the housing.

Installation and Reassembly Steps

1. Route the wiring harness through the retaining clip on the new fan.
2. Line up the screw holes with the panel’s openings.
3. Secure it using the two screws.
4. Plug in the red (bottom) and white (top) wire harnesses.
5. Align the three bottom tabs with the slots in the back wall.
6. Push the panel into place and snap in all locking tabs.
7. Snap one side in, then press the other side down until it clicks into place.
8. For both upper and lower rails, align the tabs with the liner slots.
9. Push the rails in and secure them with screws.
10. Extend the lower rails.
11. Insert the square end into the gear, then lock the opposite end using a screwdriver to rotate the tab to the 9 and 3 o’clock position.
12. Snap it in. Both rails should move together now.
13. Line up the tabs on the door frame with the freezer rails.
14. Lower the door into place and secure it with screws on both sides.
15. Align it with the rails and slide it in until the back and front tabs snap into place.
16. Open the door fully, feed the back end of the basket into place, and snap the rear and front tabs in.
17. Plug the refrigerator back in or flip the breaker back on.
18. Let the unit begin cooling again and monitor the ice maker for proper function.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the ice maker cooling fan in your LG refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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