LG LFX28978ST/00 refrigerator Parts

A bottom-mount refrigerator is a design where the freezer is on the bottom and the fresh-food section is on top, so everyday refrigerated items sit at eye level. Your LG LFX28978ST is a bottom-mount (French door) refrigerator; see the LFX28978ST owner’s manual for feature and layout details.

How a bottom-mount layout works

In a bottom-mount refrigerator like the LG LFX28978ST, you typically get:

• Fresh-food compartment on top for frequent access
• Freezer storage in a lower drawer
• Better visibility for refrigerated groceries (less bending)
• More organized freezer storage with baskets/tiers (varies by model)

Bottom-mount vs. top-mount: quick comparison

Feature	Bottom-mount	Top-mount
Fresh-food access	Higher, easier reach	Lower, more bending
Freezer access	Lower drawer	Upper door
Best for	People who use fresh food most	People who use freezer most

Why it matters

Choosing a bottom-mount refrigerator is mainly about convenience and ergonomics. Since most households access refrigerated foods more often than frozen foods, keeping the refrigerator section on top can make daily use faster and more comfortable.

Helpful tip for LG French door bottom-mount models

If your doors ever feel uneven or don’t close smoothly, the leveling and door-alignment steps in the LFX28978ST owner’s manual are the right place to start.

Last updated: January 2026

On the LG LFX28978ST, we turn the ice maker on by setting the ice maker power switch to ON (I). On this model, the switch is on the ice maker assembly (not a menu setting), and it can take 12 to 24 hours to start making ice after turning it on.

Where the ON/OFF switch is on this model

For the LFX28978ST, the manual describes an icemaker power switch on the ice maker itself.

• Open the left refrigerator door and access the in-door ice compartment.
• Pull out the ice bin if needed to see the ice maker clearly.
• Locate the ice maker power switch on the ice maker.
• Move the switch to ON (I).
• Reinstall the bin fully and close the ice compartment door tightly.

For diagrams and the exact callouts, use the LFX28978ST owner's manual.

Quick checks if it still will not make ice

If the switch is ON but you are not getting ice, these are the most common setup issues:

• Confirm the refrigerator has been running long enough; new installs typically need 12 to 24 hours for ice.
• Make sure the water supply valve is open and the water line is not kinked.
• Verify freezer temperature is cold enough; the ice maker typically will not operate until the freezer reaches about 15°F (-9°C).
• Discard the first batches of ice (about 20 cubes) after turning on or after a new water hookup.
• If the ice bin is jammed or overfilled, empty it and reinstall it correctly.

Water pressure and temperature targets (what to expect)

These model-specific targets help explain slow or no ice production:

Item	Typical target for LFX28978ST	Why it matters
Time to first ice	12 to 24 hours	Normal startup time
Freezer temp to begin operation	About 15°F (-9°C)	Ice maker needs a cold mold
Water pressure (with filter)	40 to 120 psi	Low pressure reduces fill and output

When a part may be involved

If the switch is ON, temperatures are correct, and water supply is good, the ice maker itself can be the failed component. For a compatible replacement for this model, use refrigerator ice maker assembly AEQ73110205.

Why it matters

Turning the ice maker on at the switch (and keeping the ice room door closed tightly) prevents warm air leaks, improves ice production, and helps avoid melting and leaking from the dispenser.

Last updated: January 2026

On LG model LFX28978ST, ice building up on the freezer floor is most often caused by a defrost drain that is partially or fully blocked; defrost water cannot flow to the drain pan, so it refreezes at the bottom. Use the steps below to clear the drain and prevent repeat icing (see the LFX28978ST manual).

What to check first (fast diagnosis)

• Sheet of ice on the freezer floor: points to a clogged/iced defrost drain.
• Water under the freezer basket: usually drain water backing up and refreezing.
• Heavy frost plus warm temps: can also indicate a defrost system problem.
• Door not sealing: warm, moist air increases frost and can worsen drain icing.

How to clear the drain safely

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove freezer drawer/baskets and manually defrost the ice (towels, warm air, or a pan of hot water placed safely in the compartment).
3. Once the ice softens, locate the drain opening under/behind the evaporator cover area and flush with warm water (a turkey baster works well).
4. If water will not flow, clear the drain tube from the rear drain end if accessible.
5. If the drain tube is cracked, kinked, or will not stay clear, replace the refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D.

When it is not just a clogged drain

If the drain keeps freezing over again within days, we typically look at these causes:

• Defrost heater not melting frost fully
• Defrost sensor not reading temperature correctly
• Door gasket leaking air into the freezer

Common parts related to repeat icing (for this model)

Symptom you see	Most likely area	Example compatible part
Ice sheet returns quickly after clearing	Drain system	5251JA3003D
Heavy frost on back wall, poor airflow	Defrost system	6615JB2005H
Frost near door edges, moisture inside	Door seal	MDS64172919

Why it matters

A blocked drain can lead to recurring ice buildup, reduced freezer space, harder drawer operation, and temperature swings that affect food quality. Clearing the drain early helps prevent damage to bins, rails, and seals.

Last updated: January 2026