I cannot adequately express how thankful I am for this video. Pliers didn’t work, screwdriver didn’t work, but whittling the tabs off with my leatherman and using the old filter worked perfectly. So grateful! Thank you!!!
I had already tossed the old filter, so I sacrificed a new filter and used a Pampered Chef cheap knife to "whittle" the tabs off. We've marked with a sharpie to SAVE the filter I whittled to use again if needed. :)
I never comment on videos, but can't say enough about this guy doing us all a huge solid. I couldn't get the "old filter to work, but some tweezers helped me get the tabs back at 3 and 9 o'clock which worked like a charm. I owe this man a few beers when I meet him
You are a LEGEND. I have been fumbling with this filter for 30 minutes. I was on the phone with a repair man getting ready to make an appointment when I stumbled on this video and figured I’d try it. I filed down the edges and will keep this old filter from now on. Cancelled the appointment right after. I don’t leave comments often but this video saved me time and headache. THANK YOU.
You've probably saved people a combined $1 million or more with this video. $400 for a would-be repair times I'm guessing 2,500+ people with this stupid problem who solved it with your help, since surely not everyone who succeeded left a comment. Hats off. I have a fridge with the door filter model (LRMDS3006S), and I'm about to try your method when I get home. My temporary solution was to fold a couple of paper towels and hold the filter in place with pressure so it wouldn't unscrew itself. This works, but I don't think it's a stable permanent solution. I may update this comment after trying your solution.
I have to add my voice to the chorus: THANK YOU! I was so frustrated (multiple filter orders, wasted time with LG chat, very close to calling in for service) and your solution worked perfectly!
Just adding my confirmation that this works! Paid $90 for service call and told it would cost another $265 to replace the “broken” part in the refrigerator. At that point, I filed down one of the filters and “fixed” it. Thanks!!!
Solved my problem by watching this video. Thank you for explaining exactly what it was. Aqua Crest who sales generic filters on Amazon actually has a tool designed exactly for this problem and sent me one free of charge. I’d recommend to anybody to contact them directly and ask for the fix tool that they offer in order to fix this problem more easily.
@@mariariefstahl2122 there is no link, I googled aqua crest filters and called them directly because I originally thought it was design flaw in the filter
Robert- just called them. Super nice CSR. Knew exactly what I was talking about. Found my Amazon order and will ship out a tool. This has been a nightmare every time we change the filter. Our water is so bad we actually also have an in line filter to keep this filter semi clean. Hopefully this tool will stop the madness. Thanks for the tip.
Outstanding solution to a common problem. Loved the suggestion to file down the locking tabs on the old filter to use it as a tool to obtain access to the inside tabs of the housing/connector. Just keep the old filter as your permanent tool. Thanks again.
You are an absolute lifesaver!!! We purchased four or five different filters over time and returned them all. Pretty much had given up on replacing the water filter because we were convinced we were putting so much pressure on the housing that we were going to break it. This has gone on for four years now and LG service is absolutely worthless!
I was in the middle of submitting a request for a technician to come out to service this and then saw they were gonna charge a minimum of $150 so I looked it up on RUclips to see if there was a manageable solution. This was the first video I found and voila! Solved!!! Seriously man... Thank You!
Now I understand that the filter is designed to move the plastic lock inside the housing. I used the old filter, the way you suggested, to reset the lock horizontally and installed the new filter. Thank you much.
Thank you! Worked great, could only turn counter clock wise. Was on phone with LG tech support for 90 mins, they said that the housing components needed to align properly, but had no solution for actually turning them or adjusting them. Your video saved me from paying repair bill. Judging by the amount of people having the same problem, it seems this is a manufactures defect, and LG should be held accountable. I was able to get a supervisor on the phone from LG and they agreed to cover the cost for a repairman to come out even though my unit was out of warranty. I suggested that there should be a recall on these refrigerators, and that a change in the design for manufacturing should be put in place. I can only imagine how many people unknowingly paid a repair man to resolve this issue. LG should not be allowed to get away with this, knowing there is an issue and continuing to irresponsibly pass the costs for repair onto their customers.
Immense thanks, I was set to carry this fridge back to Lowes and get my money back! I called their service provider from the extended warranty and they said filter replacement is not covered and an onsite visit would $250 BEFORE any diags were done! I had replaced the filter twice before without issues but this time it had my blood boiling. Again thanks for this
I spent a frustrating hour with LGs Customer Support as they refused to cover their design flaw under an expired warranty. Your method saved my day!!! Cant thank you enough! LG should really change their design and fix this flaw.
This is the answer. I watched other videos where they used a screw driver or long nose pliers to turn the housing. I tried those methods but I was afraid I would end up damaging the housing. I followed your suggestion and shaved off the notches on the filter. Once I did that, I was able to insert it and turn the housing to the correct 3 & 9 o'clock position. I was then able to install a new filter with no problems. I saved that modified filter in case I need it again. Thanks a bunch!
You sir are a true hero. I was struggling with this for a while and never would’ve figured this out. Your little trick with using the old filter worked like a charm
I had bought a 3 pack of filters last year and had no problem installing the first one. This year I was not able to replace it with either of the remaining two filters, much to my confusion. I'm glad I looked into this again, as I was was finally able to solve LG's lockout mechanism thanks to this video!
Didn't have a spade bit, so tried a flat screwdriver, but wasn't able to turn it without fear of damaging the tabs. Turned counter clockwise as another person mentioned. Tried the old filter trick you showed and it worked like a charm. Turned counter clockwise from about 11/5 o'clock position to correct position. I also had contacted LG and found no help. First was told I had the wrong filter, then that I needed service. Thank you so much for this video! LG should have it in their Help section! You are indeed a legend, as Andrew said in his comment.
This was perfect. I had spent three hours on the phone with LG trying to get a warranty repair person out to my house to fix this problem. After watching your video I fix the problem in five minutes. I can’t thank you enough
Agreed!!! Can't tell you how frustrated we were - as ALL of the other vids make it look, so easy - and do NOT mention the design flaw... We followed your instructions exactly, and it popped right in perfectly... You are absolutely brilliant, and we really appreciate you sharing your wisdom... Keep up the fine work! !!🙂
I wish I found this video sooner. I saw the pliers method, and I chipped a little part of the plastic housing. Then saw this video, you’re a genius!! I sacrificed a new filter and shaved off the sides, and it works perfectly! Thank you SO much for this video… and LG should pay you for this. Just saying.
I just want to thank you kind sir for this video! Just had to replace my water filter for the first time and was getting beyond frustrated and came VERY close to having an LG "Service Guy" come and help me at the cost of $450! I ordered a factory , genuine replacement filter tried to install it myself and it just kept popping out and leaking water all over the top shelf of my fridge. I just searched on RUclips to try to find a solution while on the phone with an LG Technician and quickly got off the phone with him when I found your video before giving them my credit card number! I did not have a file in my house so I used a drill and good sized drill bit and just filed the parts off that you suggested...worked like a charm! Like other commenters here have said, if we were neighbors I would gladly bring you a 12 pack of whatever beer you love! Now I wish I could charge LG for all the paper towels I had to use to keep wiping the spilled water from the filter ! God bless you sir and thanks again from Los Angeles , CA!
I want to add my voice to the praise that others have given you for solving this problem. I've replaced the water filter on my LG refrigerator many times and have never run into this problem. As we say in the US. Navy: "Bravo Zulu" for a job well done!
This is a marriage saver. I wasn't a fan of the French door refrigerator to begin with and this water filter issue had just about pushed me over the edge. Thanks for posting the clear and concise video of your solution.
Worked perfectly. Husband and I fiddled for an hour. Went out and bought a LG filter because I replaced with after market and although it was fine for two months I knew if LG was called and it wasn't original they would blame the part. Called LG support, useless. They are sending a service person in two weeks! Finally convinced hubby to try your fix. It was working in 5 minutes. Thanks so much.
This video worked perfectly. Yes, need to file down tabs on old filter and use to "align" those tabs on the inner frig fitting. Note that I took out my old filter and tried to put a new one in. It didn't work, so I just tried to use the filter that had just came out and it didn't work any more. After a month of trying to figure the problem out, I found this video and it worked great! Thank you!
Excellent solution to an LG inherent problem created by the manufacturer. Thanks, you saved me a repair technician bill. Worked like a charm and have a tool going forward.
you rock!!!!!! I'm wide awake at almost 11pm trying to fix this thing and i stumbled upon your video. just saved me $$. I was about to call someone 😅. thank you 💞
Thank you for this, worked great. Do not try any other method on other videos (screwdrivers, pliers, etc), they might damage the fridge as you try to rotate the part (the plastic parts aren’t very sturdy). The tabs are easy to file off, and it works quick and easy. Thanks for this video. Time and money saver
Thank you!! I’ve changed my filter a few times with no issues until now!! I whittled down all of the external tabs on the sides but also needed to remove the two black washers. To remove the tabs I started with pliers. I clipped the larger sections off & then used the ridges on the jaws of the pliers to smooth off the rest by moving the pliers back & forth around the neck of the filter. I also used a lighter to smooth out the entire neck by heating up the bumpy areas & the quickly using a paper towel to smooth the heated plastic. It sounds more complicated than it sounds. It took a few tries to align everything up but IT DOES WORK!! Thank you again!! 😊👍🏼💧
I tried the screwdriver/pliers and was convinced I was doing more harm than good. I was loath to sacrifice the only filter that I had on-hand that would work in the fridge... but I bit the bullet and filed down those tabs. It worked like a charm. Many thanks to you!
So thankful for this video. Saved me a ton of time and money! Thank you so much for posting this solution, I really appreciate this video. I was going through multiple filters as well thinking it was a cheap filter problem. But when my LG filter fell out, I realized something else must be going on. Tried pliers, which didn't work for me either, and I broke one of the tabs. But with careful twisting I was able to rotate it enough for the filter to recess fully. Stopped the leaking. The next filter I replace I'll save the old one to remove the tabs like you did for re-orienting the alignment tabs. That looks like it gives you the best leverage. Excellent video and perfect solution. Thanks again!
So I was having the same problem, screwing it in. I called my local appliance repairman. He came out right away, inserted a small tool into the inner circle, and turned it a little bit and inserted the new water filter. He refused to charge me for the service as it only took less than a minute. JUST KIDDING. After getting so frustrated and pushing the cartridge and twisting so hard into the housing, I broke the housing, stripped it out. I called up the local repairman and he said it would cost $500 to replace it. He suggested I just go without water and ice if I didn’t want to pay that much. Fortunately, I found the housing assembly on eBay for I believe $60 and was able to replace it myself and put a new filter in. Well now a year later I come to replace the water filter again and the same dang problem. I found myself pushing way too hard again and just about to break the thing again and then I found your post. thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you , using the old filter works like a charm. What an awful design by LG.
I was so frustrated trying to replace the water filter in my LG refrigerator. It should be so easy! Thanks so much for sharing this tip. I used a big 3/8" screwdriver to align the inner nipple, and the new filter went right in. Cheers!
Thank you. I fought the notion of "sacrificing" a new filter but my original was too worn inside ("chewed up" as others said) to use as a tool. I tried the screwdriver and everything else I could think of, finally took your suggestion and it worked. I was about to take the valve assembly apart so this saved me a lot of trouble. Thanks again!!
What a mess. I used a Dremel to cut the tabs off the old filter and now use that as a tool to align the internal circle thingy before replacing the new filter. I couldn’t done it without you. Thanks for your video.
This is so helpful and fixes the problem. To anyone still having issues with the old filter trick - turn it counterclockwise to line the tabs at three and nine.
You are a Godsend. I cannot thank you enough for making up for LG and their inadequate instructions and solution. I called support and they didn’t even understand the problem. When I saw your video I hung up on them. Just like you I filed off the tabs on the old filter, inserted it and turned it so they were in the right position and the new one went in beautifully. I cannot thank you enough.
Thank you so much for this brilliant video. Easily sawed off those two filter tabs with hacksaw and then was able to move the inner housing. You've made our day!
Thank you so much. I trimmed the ears from my old filter with a rotary tool. Made the adjustment. New filter went right in. Worked perfectly! Thank you.
This was exactly what I needed. Thank you for putting this quick, and easy to understand video together. We can finally use the fridges ice machine again.
Brilliant. Thank you. I did have to sacrifice a new filter to create the tool. The tabs on the old filter had sheared off. Still cheaper and faster than dealing with service. Removing the black gaskets was another good tip. What’s craziest is that LG chat sent me to your video as their support answer!
Wow! Yes. Used a hacksaw blade. Took me 5 minutes to saw off the nubs on the sides of the older filter. Inserted old filter and Turned the housing down. Worked perfectly. Thank you so much....and I now have the old filter under my sink with "DO NOT THROW AWAY" written on it!
OMG. You are a genius. I was afraid I might just wreck the housing and this method was perfect. I can’t thank you enough. Not only was I able to get the new filter to work, but now I have a ready tool to fix the problem when it happens next time. 😊
THIS WAS AMAZING! I took the old filter, used my dremel to remove the tabs - didn't work, then realized that the 2-tabs on the inside of the filter were all messed up. I had a package of 2 new generic filters from Amazon, had to sacrifice one of them to make the "tool", and it worked! Old filter had been on there for nearly 2-years and we were starting to use it a lot more - had to get it off!
Thank you so much for the video. A Brilliant solution! Before trying it, I went to an LG website chat to see if there were any other solutions. They sent me a link to this video - which worked great. Thank you for mentioning that the tabs should be at 6:00 and 12:00 for the filters in the doors. Apparently Ice Pure has a reset tool to align the tabs but is $15 and it has to be mailed to you. It is unfortunate that LG does not offer such a tool or better solutions to this known design defect.
You have no idea how frustrated I became with changing out the filter. I knew it wasn't the filter or me doing it wrong. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. Thanks for the video and now I can tell my wife told you I was doing it right 😂👍🏽
Thank you so much, I knew the alignment with those tabs was the issue but didn't want to jack my dads fridge up messing with them with a screwdriver or pliers. Your video made it as simple as cutting off the tabs of the old filter with a razor knife (be careful and cut away from yourself!) and inserting it and wiggling it back and forth to get it properly aligned. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank you for sharing this tip! I'm having this exact problem and I've only had this newer fridge for less than a year. I'm on my second LG fridge in 5 years and it seems like constant problems and customer service is such a pain. If it doesn't work I have a technician coming next week to fix another problem I called them about :-(
You’re a hero, man. I actually did get the tool and instructions, but those instructions didn’t work because my filter is in the door. You’re the first person to explain this in a sensible way.
Can't thank you enough. My wife and I were going crazy trying to figure out why several new replacement filters would not lock in place and kept falling out. Your video and solution has worked for us too. Thank you so much!
Adding our wholehearted appreciation to you for this video! We've been unable to use our water and ice dispenser for nearly two weeks, and LG customer service ended up being no help at all! Thanks so much - problem solved!
Tried, tested, and confirmed. Mine were between 11 and 5 & 10 and 4. Used this trick to gently rotate it back to normal. Saved the filed filter as new permanent tool.
I can't thank you enough for posting this. One would think LG would post a solution for folks like us that encounter the same problem! I had buggered up my old filter so much that it would not work as a "Tool" to move the tabs, so I ended up sacrificing a NEW filter just to be done with it. Shame on LG.
This comment was the key for me! Old filter was chewed up and had given up and made some calls to get estimates until I saw this. Unfortunate to sacrifice a brand new filter as a “tool” but much so much cheaper than the alternative
Great video. I tried this, but as incompetent as I am around the house I removed the tabs but stripped interior edges in the old filter and it would not reset the refrigerator housing piece. So I took a chance and ordered a 3 piece set of Filterlogic filters ( I was going to cut off the tabs of one of them) for around $20. Unbeknownst to me it included an "adjustment tool" that enabled me to reset the refrigerator housing piece in about 10 seconds!! It appears that customer service is not completely dead! Thanks Filterlogic!
Thank you so much for posting this! I could see it needed to be turned and tried everything unsuccessfully. This worked like a charm and we are saving the filter we used for a "tool" for next time!!! We spent more time trying to find a video to help us than it took for us to fix it with yours!
I add my utmost thanks for your solution!! Had 2 aftermarket filters, filed one down as you indicated. 5 minutes later new filter installed. Congressional Order of Refrigerators awarded!!
This video should be on the top when people search for resolving this problem here. It’s the best plus it’s the safest way to do it. I tried the screwdriver/pliers and it wouldn’t budge. Filed the sides on my old one and voila! You are awesome! Thank you.
I went a different route. I drilled out the plastic in the center of the filter.. so far no issues. Not positive, but the insert from the filter mount might be part of a timer to let you know when to replace filter. Just a wild guess!
I did that too: just used a thin fork to destroy the inner tabs of my new filter because could not get the housing inner tabs to turn since they were destroyed on the filter that the tech had installed last time. But your solution is much more elegant! I will try it next time after I buy 2 more generic filters. They wanted me to pay 350$ for another tech install!?!😮
Another huge thanks for this - worked perfectly. I can confirm that the in-door version of the LG (I have the ThinQ LG LRFXC2416s) notches do need to be at 12 and 6. Much appreciated!!
WOW Thank you! My brother moved into his new house with this Refrigerator 3 years ago and no one could figure out why the filter wouldn't work. I just ordered 4 different filters hoping one would work, but they didn't. Spent all day trying to figure it out and chatted with LG customer support which didn't give any helpful information. But they did send me a link to a video that didn't help, but that link led me to THIS VIDEOOOOO and It worked!! Thank you!!
Dude! Thanks so much. Your exasperation and world weary sounding delivery captured exactly how I was feeling. I’m pretty sure I’ve watched your video on previous installation misadventures, but forget the trick every time. Thankfully, it also explained why I had a modified (ears removed) filter in my replacement filter box. 🎉
Ok, you saved our marriage. Hubby bought two new filters after tying to put another one in that we had purchased. Returned the two new ones, bought the expensive ones, they were not working 😕 frustration set in, I RUclipsd, and yours came up. Thank you!!! Took a few tries but got it. Counter clockwise was the winner 🏆. Thank you!!!
Thank you very much for sharing this solution! We found that we had to file down a new filter because the old filter's head was 'chewed up' and not connecting properly. Thank you to the commenter who suggested this work-around!
Spectacular! I sent a photo of the misaligned tabs to LG customer support - they said everything looked fine, but recommended I use the full price LG filter. The LG customer support folks should watch this video.
Thank you for making my day, was frustrated and had water all over my kitchen until I finally saw your video. Hopefully I can help another person down the road.
Dude. You are an emmereffing hero. I tried EVERYTHING to get that dang piece to move. Unfortunately, I already threw away my old filter, but it was worth it to sacrifice one of the new ones just to make this finally work. I just cut the tabs off with a sharp box knife and within seconds, I was off to the races. I’m voting for you for president.
Thank you so much for this! Been battling this problem for the last 2 hours and was ready to give up. Other RUclips videos said to have the tabs in a 9-3 o’clock orientation, but you stated 12-6 for filters in-door. This was the solution for me. Thanks once again!!!
Thank you so much!!!! I had this same problem and this worked like a charm. LG customer service was useless and just told me to buy another replacement filter from their distributor instead of Amazon. Bunch of nonsense.
Thank you so much on your video, worked like a charm. I have always had trouble replacing the water filter, it always took a lot of force to install. I always wondered why the plastic was always chewed up on the center of the filter where it had to be clocked properly. Thank you so much. No more water on the floor.
Thank you so much. This worked. Last May I tried to replace it and it wouldn't lock in place. I was still under warranty and they installed a entire new water filter assembly. Now this is the second time to replace the filter and I had the same problem. Wouldn't lock in place. I just did what you said and now it's locked in place and working. Thank you so so much for your experience and great explanation
I am so glad you posted this video. There are not that many videos that even address the issue. You are the only one who did not suggest using a screwdriver of needle nose pliers, which did not work for me. I cannot express my gratitude to you, you are awesome thanks for posting the video.
I never comment on videos. But I spent about forty minutes fiddling with my fridge and filter wondering why in Hell it wouldn’t install correctly. Your video saved what would have been another hour of my life of confusion and frustration. Thank you, random internet person, for making a random video on a niche problem I was having.
Thank you for saving me a service call fee from LG! This is the best “hack” and solved my problem in 10 seconds (plus the 20 min. to sand the old filter). The LG customer service wanted me to use pliers to twist the housing but it wouldn’t budge. This was much safer and much less chance of breaking the plastic.
I Seriously appreciate you making & posting this video! I had the same problem and was so frustrated. I appreciate that your video was clear, quick, and the commenting concise! Thank you.
Thank you sir!! Yesterday was very stressful and unhappy! Momma not pleased with me. Today I watched your video, carved the ears off the old filter with my pocket knife, realigned the inner circle and bingo! the new filter was in and working in less than a minute....
VERY GRATEFUL! This worked perfectly. i also tried the screwdriver technique and kept fearing that i would break the plastic. all working now just fine. THANK YOU!
Duuuuuuude! I woke up to my wife telling me that the in laws flooded their fridge trying to change out the stupid filter. With only half a cup of coffee in me, I struggled to replace that thing. With frustration quickly beginning to overwhelm, I thankfully found this video! The 3/8 spade bit didn't work, but grinding the nubs off an old filter did. Thank you for saving my Saturday!
OMG! This freaking worked for me too! I ended up burning a good filter just because I didn't want to destroy the only old filter that I could get in the fridge but now I have the "tool" for the next time. Thanks for posting this!
Great hack! LG told me to use a flat head screw driver but I knew if I used that it would have broke that piece and if it broke then they were going to send someone out to fix it. I sped things up and used a dremel with the sanding drum attachment to remove the tabs on the filter. It still took some force to turn and get that 9 and 3! Mission completed but at the sacrifice of a filter that LG now doesn't want to send me to replace....whatever.
Thank you very much for taking the time to post this video! BTW, aligning the inside piece with a filed down filter worked much better than the spade bit.
Thank you! I was losing my mind! I couldn’t find my spade bits but I happened to have a broken spoon (kids 🙄) on the counter. The part closest to the part you eat from was small enough to fit. It took some force but it turned! New filter went in like a charm!
Thank you so much for your suggestions!! Finally, I was able to fix the water filter issue after a year of bad tasting water and not being able to use it! Our refrigerator is only a year and a half old... At the beginning, it worked perfectly fine, but after six months, when we had to replace the water filter for the first time, it just didn't work at all no matter what we tried! We even bought two more original filters thinking that the filters where defective... The filters fit perfectly and there was no indication of them not working, besides the chlorine taste (tasting like our tap water). Out of frustration, I gave up trying for several months, until today, when I decided to give it one more try and I was able to find your video. Turning the housing inside circular piece, to the 3 and 9 o'clock worked like a charm! After doing that, when I pushed in the filter, I heard a whooshing sound and at that moment I new that the water was going through the filter and not just bypassing it. Thank you, thank you , thank you!!
I cannot adequately express how thankful I am for this video. Pliers didn’t work, screwdriver didn’t work, but whittling the tabs off with my leatherman and using the old filter worked perfectly. So grateful! Thank you!!!
I had already tossed the old filter, so I sacrificed a new filter and used a Pampered Chef cheap knife to "whittle" the tabs off. We've marked with a sharpie to SAVE the filter I whittled to use again if needed. :)
Best resolution I have found, too.
@katesaeli3788 I used a good ole box cutter. Sliced the tabs off like butter.
I never comment on videos, but can't say enough about this guy doing us all a huge solid. I couldn't get the "old filter to work, but some tweezers helped me get the tabs back at 3 and 9 o'clock which worked like a charm. I owe this man a few beers when I meet him
You are a LEGEND. I have been fumbling with this filter for 30 minutes. I was on the phone with a repair man getting ready to make an appointment when I stumbled on this video and figured I’d try it. I filed down the edges and will keep this old filter from now on. Cancelled the appointment right after. I don’t leave comments often but this video saved me time and headache. THANK YOU.
Me too! I refuse to pay for someone to come out here to fix this!
You've probably saved people a combined $1 million or more with this video. $400 for a would-be repair times I'm guessing 2,500+ people with this stupid problem who solved it with your help, since surely not everyone who succeeded left a comment. Hats off. I have a fridge with the door filter model (LRMDS3006S), and I'm about to try your method when I get home. My temporary solution was to fold a couple of paper towels and hold the filter in place with pressure so it wouldn't unscrew itself. This works, but I don't think it's a stable permanent solution. I may update this comment after trying your solution.
I have to add my voice to the chorus: THANK YOU! I was so frustrated (multiple filter orders, wasted time with LG chat, very close to calling in for service) and your solution worked perfectly!
Just adding my confirmation that this works! Paid $90 for service call and told it would cost another $265 to replace the “broken” part in the refrigerator. At that point, I filed down one of the filters and “fixed” it. Thanks!!!
Solved my problem by watching this video. Thank you for explaining exactly what it was. Aqua Crest who sales generic filters on Amazon actually has a tool designed exactly for this problem and sent me one free of charge. I’d recommend to anybody to contact them directly and ask for the fix tool that they offer in order to fix this problem more easily.
Robert, can you post the link to that tool?
@@mariariefstahl2122 there is no link, I googled aqua crest filters and called them directly because I originally thought it was design flaw in the filter
Robert- just called them. Super nice CSR. Knew exactly what I was talking about. Found my Amazon order and will ship out a tool. This has been a nightmare every time we change the filter. Our water is so bad we actually also have an in line filter to keep this filter semi clean. Hopefully this tool will stop the madness. Thanks for the tip.
Outstanding solution to a common problem. Loved the suggestion to file down the locking tabs on the old filter to use it as a tool to obtain access to the inside tabs of the housing/connector. Just keep the old filter as your permanent tool. Thanks again.
You are an absolute lifesaver!!! We purchased four or five different filters over time and returned them all. Pretty much had given up on replacing the water filter because we were convinced we were putting so much pressure on the housing that we were going to break it. This has gone on for four years now and LG service is absolutely worthless!
I was in the middle of submitting a request for a technician to come out to service this and then saw they were gonna charge a minimum of $150 so I looked it up on RUclips to see if there was a manageable solution. This was the first video I found and voila! Solved!!! Seriously man... Thank You!
Now I understand that the filter is designed to move the plastic lock inside the housing. I used the old filter, the way you suggested, to reset the lock horizontally and installed the new filter. Thank you much.
Thank you! Worked great, could only turn counter clock wise. Was on phone with LG tech support for 90 mins, they said that the housing components needed to align properly, but had no solution for actually turning them or adjusting them. Your video saved me from paying repair bill. Judging by the amount of people having the same problem, it seems this is a manufactures defect, and LG should be held accountable. I was able to get a supervisor on the phone from LG and they agreed to cover the cost for a repairman to come out even though my unit was out of warranty. I suggested that there should be a recall on these refrigerators, and that a change in the design for manufacturing should be put in place. I can only imagine how many people unknowingly paid a repair man to resolve this issue. LG should not be allowed to get away with this, knowing there is an issue and continuing to irresponsibly pass the costs for repair onto their customers.
Immense thanks, I was set to carry this fridge back to Lowes and get my money back! I called their service provider from the extended warranty and they said filter replacement is not covered and an onsite visit would $250 BEFORE any diags were done! I had replaced the filter twice before without issues but this time it had my blood boiling. Again thanks for this
I spent a frustrating hour with LGs Customer Support as they refused to cover their design flaw under an expired warranty. Your method saved my day!!! Cant thank you enough! LG should really change their design and fix this flaw.
This is the answer. I watched other videos where they used a screw driver or long nose pliers to turn the housing. I tried those methods but I was afraid I would end up damaging the housing. I followed your suggestion and shaved off the notches on the filter. Once I did that, I was able to insert it and turn the housing to the correct 3 & 9 o'clock position. I was then able to install a new filter with no problems. I saved that modified filter in case I need it again. Thanks a bunch!
You sir are a true hero. I was struggling with this for a while and never would’ve figured this out. Your little trick with using the old filter worked like a charm
I had bought a 3 pack of filters last year and had no problem installing the first one. This year I was not able to replace it with either of the remaining two filters, much to my confusion. I'm glad I looked into this again, as I was was finally able to solve LG's lockout mechanism thanks to this video!
Same issue here. Filing down old filter just saved the day. :)
Didn't have a spade bit, so tried a flat screwdriver, but wasn't able to turn it without fear of damaging the tabs. Turned counter clockwise as another person mentioned. Tried the old filter trick you showed and it worked like a charm. Turned counter clockwise from about 11/5 o'clock position to correct position. I also had contacted LG and found no help. First was told I had the wrong filter, then that I needed service. Thank you so much for this video! LG should have it in their Help section! You are indeed a legend, as Andrew said in his comment.
This was perfect. I had spent three hours on the phone with LG trying to get a warranty repair person out to my house to fix this problem. After watching your video I fix the problem in five minutes. I can’t thank you enough
You are a lifesaver. You saved me $120 for the guy to just show up. Thank you for making this video.
Agreed!!! Can't tell you how frustrated we were - as ALL of the other vids make it look, so easy - and do NOT mention the design flaw... We followed your instructions exactly, and it popped right in perfectly... You are absolutely brilliant, and we really appreciate you sharing your wisdom... Keep up the fine work! !!🙂
I wish I found this video sooner. I saw the pliers method, and I chipped a little part of the plastic housing. Then saw this video, you’re a genius!! I sacrificed a new filter and shaved off the sides, and it works perfectly! Thank you SO much for this video… and LG should pay you for this. Just saying.
I just want to thank you kind sir for this video! Just had to replace my water filter for the first time and was getting beyond frustrated and came VERY close to having an LG "Service Guy" come and help me at the cost of $450! I ordered a factory , genuine replacement filter tried to install it myself and it just kept popping out and leaking water all over the top shelf of my fridge.
I just searched on RUclips to try to find a solution while on the phone with an LG Technician and quickly got off the phone with him when I found your video before giving them my credit card number! I did not have a file in my house so I used a drill and good sized drill bit and just filed the parts off that you suggested...worked like a charm! Like other commenters here have said, if we were neighbors I would gladly bring you a 12 pack of whatever beer you love! Now I wish I could charge LG for all the paper towels I had to use to keep wiping the spilled water from the filter ! God bless you sir and thanks again from Los Angeles , CA!
I want to add my voice to the praise that others have given you for solving this problem. I've replaced the water filter on my LG refrigerator many times and have never run into this problem. As we say in the US. Navy: "Bravo Zulu" for a job well done!
This is a marriage saver. I wasn't a fan of the French door refrigerator to begin with and this water filter issue had just about pushed me over the edge. Thanks for posting the clear and concise video of your solution.
Worked perfectly. Husband and I fiddled for an hour. Went out and bought a LG filter because I replaced with after market and although it was fine for two months I knew if LG was called and it wasn't original they would blame the part. Called LG support, useless. They are sending a service person in two weeks! Finally convinced hubby to try your fix. It was working in 5 minutes. Thanks so much.
Came to be the hundredth person to thank you for the filing off tabs and making an old filter the tool. Worked awesome. Thanks
This video worked perfectly. Yes, need to file down tabs on old filter and use to "align" those tabs on the inner frig fitting. Note that I took out my old filter and tried to put a new one in. It didn't work, so I just tried to use the filter that had just came out and it didn't work any more. After a month of trying to figure the problem out, I found this video and it worked great! Thank you!
Thank you for taking your time to explain the perfect solution to a common problem.
Excellent solution to an LG inherent problem created by the manufacturer. Thanks, you saved me a repair technician bill. Worked like a charm and have a tool going forward.
you rock!!!!!! I'm wide awake at almost 11pm trying to fix this thing and i stumbled upon your video. just saved me $$. I was about to call someone 😅. thank you 💞
Thank you for this, worked great. Do not try any other method on other videos (screwdrivers, pliers, etc), they might damage the fridge as you try to rotate the part (the plastic parts aren’t very sturdy). The tabs are easy to file off, and it works quick and easy. Thanks for this video. Time and money saver
Thank you!! I’ve changed my filter a few times with no issues until now!! I whittled down all of the external tabs on the sides but also needed to remove the two black washers. To remove the tabs I started with pliers. I clipped the larger sections off & then used the ridges on the jaws of the pliers to smooth off the rest by moving the pliers back & forth around the neck of the filter. I also used a lighter to smooth out the entire neck by heating up the bumpy areas & the quickly using a paper towel to smooth the heated plastic. It sounds more complicated than it sounds. It took a few tries to align everything up but IT DOES WORK!! Thank you again!! 😊👍🏼💧
I tried the screwdriver/pliers and was convinced I was doing more harm than good. I was loath to sacrifice the only filter that I had on-hand that would work in the fridge... but I bit the bullet and filed down those tabs. It worked like a charm. Many thanks to you!
So thankful for this video. Saved me a ton of time and money! Thank you so much for posting this solution, I really appreciate this video. I was going through multiple filters as well thinking it was a cheap filter problem. But when my LG filter fell out, I realized something else must be going on. Tried pliers, which didn't work for me either, and I broke one of the tabs. But with careful twisting I was able to rotate it enough for the filter to recess fully. Stopped the leaking. The next filter I replace I'll save the old one to remove the tabs like you did for re-orienting the alignment tabs. That looks like it gives you the best leverage. Excellent video and perfect solution. Thanks again!
So I was having the same problem, screwing it in. I called my local appliance repairman. He came out right away, inserted a small tool into the inner circle, and turned it a little bit and inserted the new water filter. He refused to charge me for the service as it only took less than a minute.
JUST KIDDING. After getting so frustrated and pushing the cartridge and twisting so hard into the housing, I broke the housing, stripped it out. I called up the local repairman and he said it would cost $500 to replace it. He suggested I just go without water and ice if I didn’t want to pay that much. Fortunately, I found the housing assembly on eBay for I believe $60 and was able to replace it myself and put a new filter in. Well now a year later I come to replace the water filter again and the same dang problem. I found myself pushing way too hard again and just about to break the thing again and then I found your post. thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you , using the old filter works like a charm. What an awful design by LG.
I was so frustrated trying to replace the water filter in my LG refrigerator. It should be so easy! Thanks so much for sharing this tip. I used a big 3/8" screwdriver to align the inner nipple, and the new filter went right in. Cheers!
Thank you. I fought the notion of "sacrificing" a new filter but my original was too worn inside ("chewed up" as others said) to use as a tool. I tried the screwdriver and everything else I could think of, finally took your suggestion and it worked. I was about to take the valve assembly apart so this saved me a lot of trouble. Thanks again!!
What a mess. I used a Dremel to cut the tabs off the old filter and now use that as a tool to align the internal circle thingy before replacing the new filter. I couldn’t done it without you. Thanks for your video.
This is so helpful and fixes the problem. To anyone still having issues with the old filter trick - turn it counterclockwise to line the tabs at three and nine.
Saw this solution on a blog and came here to do just what you did. Great work on such a simple solution to a major prpblem.
Fantastic! Thought we’d need a repairman and end up with a huge bill. No wasted words, everything explained and all is working! Thank you!!
You are a Godsend. I cannot thank you enough for making up for LG and their inadequate instructions and solution. I called support and they didn’t even understand the problem. When I saw your video I hung up on them. Just like you I filed off the tabs on the old filter, inserted it and turned it so they were in the right position and the new one went in beautifully. I cannot thank you enough.
Thank you so much for this brilliant video. Easily sawed off those two filter tabs with hacksaw and then was able to move the inner housing. You've made our day!
Thank you so much. I trimmed the ears from my old filter with a rotary tool. Made the adjustment. New filter went right in. Worked perfectly! Thank you.
This was exactly what I needed. Thank you for putting this quick, and easy to understand video together. We can finally use the fridges ice machine again.
Brilliant. Thank you. I did have to sacrifice a new filter to create the tool. The tabs on the old filter had sheared off. Still cheaper and faster than dealing with service. Removing the black gaskets was another good tip. What’s craziest is that LG chat sent me to your video as their support answer!
Wow! Yes. Used a hacksaw blade. Took me 5 minutes to saw off the nubs on the sides of the older filter. Inserted old filter and Turned the housing down. Worked perfectly. Thank you so much....and I now have the old filter under my sink with "DO NOT THROW AWAY" written on it!
OMG. You are a genius. I was afraid I might just wreck the housing and this method was perfect. I can’t thank you enough. Not only was I able to get the new filter to work, but now I have a ready tool to fix the problem when it happens next time. 😊
THIS WAS AMAZING! I took the old filter, used my dremel to remove the tabs - didn't work, then realized that the 2-tabs on the inside of the filter were all messed up. I had a package of 2 new generic filters from Amazon, had to sacrifice one of them to make the "tool", and it worked! Old filter had been on there for nearly 2-years and we were starting to use it a lot more - had to get it off!
Life saver. I knew I could find a RUclips warrior out there to solve my problem! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for the video. A Brilliant solution! Before trying it, I went to an LG website chat to see if there were any other solutions. They sent me a link to this video - which worked great. Thank you for mentioning that the tabs should be at 6:00 and 12:00 for the filters in the doors. Apparently Ice Pure has a reset tool to align the tabs but is $15 and it has to be mailed to you. It is unfortunate that LG does not offer such a tool or better solutions to this known design defect.
You have no idea how frustrated I became with changing out the filter. I knew it wasn't the filter or me doing it wrong. This is clearly a manufacturer defect. Thanks for the video and now I can tell my wife told you I was doing it right 😂👍🏽
Thank you so much, I knew the alignment with those tabs was the issue but didn't want to jack my dads fridge up messing with them with a screwdriver or pliers. Your video made it as simple as cutting off the tabs of the old filter with a razor knife (be careful and cut away from yourself!) and inserting it and wiggling it back and forth to get it properly aligned.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Thank you for sharing this tip! I'm having this exact problem and I've only had this newer fridge for less than a year. I'm on my second LG fridge in 5 years and it seems like constant problems and customer service is such a pain. If it doesn't work I have a technician coming next week to fix another problem I called them about :-(
You’re a hero, man. I actually did get the tool and instructions, but those instructions didn’t work because my filter is in the door. You’re the first person to explain this in a sensible way.
Can't thank you enough. My wife and I were going crazy trying to figure out why several new replacement filters would not lock in place and kept falling out. Your video and solution has worked for us too. Thank you so much!
Such an incredible help. My new filter was shooting off inside my fridge and water was everywhere. Thanks so much!
Adding our wholehearted appreciation to you for this video! We've been unable to use our water and ice dispenser for nearly two weeks, and LG customer service ended up being no help at all! Thanks so much - problem solved!
Tried, tested, and confirmed. Mine were between 11 and 5 & 10 and 4. Used this trick to gently rotate it back to normal. Saved the filed filter as new permanent tool.
I can't thank you enough for posting this. One would think LG would post a solution for folks like us that encounter the same problem! I had buggered up my old filter so much that it would not work as a "Tool" to move the tabs, so I ended up sacrificing a NEW filter just to be done with it. Shame on LG.
This comment was the key for me! Old filter was chewed up and had given up and made some calls to get estimates until I saw this.
Unfortunate to sacrifice a brand new filter as a “tool” but much so much cheaper than the alternative
Thank you for taking the time to help me and apparently over 40,000 other people with a frustrating problem!
Worked great for me. I used a hacksaw blade. Cut it like butter.
Great video. I tried this, but as incompetent as I am around the house I removed the tabs but stripped interior edges in the old filter and it would not reset the refrigerator housing piece. So I took a chance and ordered a 3 piece set of Filterlogic filters ( I was going to cut off the tabs of one of them) for around $20. Unbeknownst to me it included an "adjustment tool" that enabled me to reset the refrigerator housing piece in about 10 seconds!! It appears that customer service is not completely dead! Thanks Filterlogic!
Thank you so much for posting this! I could see it needed to be turned and tried everything unsuccessfully. This worked like a charm and we are saving the filter we used for a "tool" for next time!!! We spent more time trying to find a video to help us than it took for us to fix it with yours!
I add my utmost thanks for your solution!! Had 2 aftermarket filters, filed one down as you indicated. 5 minutes later new filter installed. Congressional Order of Refrigerators awarded!!
This video should be on the top when people search for resolving this problem here. It’s the best plus it’s the safest way to do it.
I tried the screwdriver/pliers and it wouldn’t budge.
Filed the sides on my old one and voila!
You are awesome!
Thank you.
I went a different route. I drilled out the plastic in the center of the filter.. so far no issues. Not positive, but the insert from the filter mount might be part of a timer to let you know when to replace filter. Just a wild guess!
I did that too: just used a thin fork to destroy the inner tabs of my new filter because could not get the housing inner tabs to turn since they were destroyed on the filter that the tech had installed last time. But your solution is much more elegant! I will try it next time after I buy 2 more generic filters. They wanted me to pay 350$ for another tech install!?!😮
Another huge thanks for this - worked perfectly. I can confirm that the in-door version of the LG (I have the ThinQ LG LRFXC2416s) notches do need to be at 12 and 6. Much appreciated!!
WOW Thank you! My brother moved into his new house with this Refrigerator 3 years ago and no one could figure out why the filter wouldn't work. I just ordered 4 different filters hoping one would work, but they didn't. Spent all day trying to figure it out and chatted with LG customer support which didn't give any helpful information. But they did send me a link to a video that didn't help, but that link led me to THIS VIDEOOOOO and It worked!! Thank you!!
Dude! Thanks so much. Your exasperation and world weary sounding delivery captured exactly how I was feeling. I’m pretty sure I’ve watched your video on previous installation misadventures, but forget the trick every time. Thankfully, it also explained why I had a modified (ears removed) filter in my replacement filter box. 🎉
Ok, you saved our marriage. Hubby bought two new filters after tying to put another one in that we had purchased. Returned the two new ones, bought the expensive ones, they were not working 😕 frustration set in, I RUclipsd, and yours came up. Thank you!!! Took a few tries but got it. Counter clockwise was the winner 🏆. Thank you!!!
Thank you very much for sharing this solution! We found that we had to file down a new filter because the old filter's head was 'chewed up' and not connecting properly. Thank you to the commenter who suggested this work-around!
Spectacular! I sent a photo of the misaligned tabs to LG customer support - they said everything looked fine, but recommended I use the full price LG filter. The LG customer support folks should watch this video.
Thank you for making my day, was frustrated and had water all over my kitchen until I finally saw your video. Hopefully I can help another person down the road.
Dude. You are an emmereffing hero. I tried EVERYTHING to get that dang piece to move. Unfortunately, I already threw away my old filter, but it was worth it to sacrifice one of the new ones just to make this finally work. I just cut the tabs off with a sharp box knife and within seconds, I was off to the races. I’m voting for you for president.
Thank you! Not only it saved us a lot of money, it saved a us a lot of time having to wait for service technician to come!
Thank you so much for this! Been battling this problem for the last 2 hours and was ready to give up. Other RUclips videos said to have the tabs in a 9-3 o’clock orientation, but you stated 12-6 for filters in-door. This was the solution for me. Thanks once again!!!
Thank you so much!!!! I had this same problem and this worked like a charm. LG customer service was useless and just told me to buy another replacement filter from their distributor instead of Amazon. Bunch of nonsense.
Thank you so much on your video, worked like a charm. I have always had trouble replacing the water filter, it always took a lot of force to install. I always wondered why the plastic was always chewed up on the center of the filter where it had to be clocked properly. Thank you so much. No more water on the floor.
Thank you so much. This worked. Last May I tried to replace it and it wouldn't lock in place. I was still under warranty and they installed a entire new water filter assembly. Now this is the second time to replace the filter and I had the same problem. Wouldn't lock in place. I just did what you said and now it's locked in place and working. Thank you so so much for your experience and great explanation
Literally saved our Sunday night. We were going crazy! My husband made a “tool” by filing off those tabs. Worked perfectly. Thanks!
I am so glad you posted this video. There are not that many videos that even address the issue. You are the only one who did not suggest using a screwdriver of needle nose pliers, which did not work for me. I cannot express my gratitude to you, you are awesome thanks for posting the video.
This worked perfectly! We filed down the old filter and were able to adjust the housing with it and then the new filter went in as usual.
I never comment on videos. But I spent about forty minutes fiddling with my fridge and filter wondering why in Hell it wouldn’t install correctly.
Your video saved what would have been another hour of my life of confusion and frustration.
Thank you, random internet person, for making a random video on a niche problem I was having.
Thank you for saving me a service call fee from LG! This is the best “hack” and solved my problem in 10 seconds (plus the 20 min. to sand the old filter). The LG customer service wanted me to use pliers to twist the housing but it wouldn’t budge. This was much safer and much less chance of breaking the plastic.
Just what everyone else has said. Super nice of you to take the time out of your day to help everyone out. I owe you a beer kind sir!
One more relieved and grateful LG customer, thank you!
I Seriously appreciate you making & posting this video! I had the same problem and was so frustrated. I appreciate that your video was clear, quick, and the commenting concise! Thank you.
Thank you sir!! Yesterday was very stressful and unhappy! Momma not pleased with me. Today I watched your video, carved the ears off the old filter with my pocket knife, realigned the inner circle and bingo! the new filter was in and working in less than a minute....
VERY GRATEFUL! This worked perfectly. i also tried the screwdriver technique and kept fearing that i would break the plastic. all working now just fine. THANK YOU!
Duuuuuuude! I woke up to my wife telling me that the in laws flooded their fridge trying to change out the stupid filter. With only half a cup of coffee in me, I struggled to replace that thing. With frustration quickly beginning to overwhelm, I thankfully found this video! The 3/8 spade bit didn't work, but grinding the nubs off an old filter did. Thank you for saving my Saturday!
OMG! This freaking worked for me too! I ended up burning a good filter just because I didn't want to destroy the only old filter that I could get in the fridge but now I have the "tool" for the next time. Thanks for posting this!
Great hack! LG told me to use a flat head screw driver but I knew if I used that it would have broke that piece and if it broke then they were going to send someone out to fix it. I sped things up and used a dremel with the sanding drum attachment to remove the tabs on the filter. It still took some force to turn and get that 9 and 3! Mission completed but at the sacrifice of a filter that LG now doesn't want to send me to replace....whatever.
Thank you very much for taking the time to post this video! BTW, aligning the inside piece with a filed down filter worked much better than the spade bit.
Thank you! I was losing my mind! I couldn’t find my spade bits but I happened to have a broken spoon (kids 🙄) on the counter. The part closest to the part you eat from was small enough to fit. It took some force but it turned! New filter went in like a charm!
Thank you! I don’t know why I didn’t try a needle nose pliers, but I like the broken spoon idea. Much easier.
Thank you-Thank you-Thank you! You saved me some money, as I didn't have to call a service technician out!
Thank you! This is so much nicer than the needle nose plier / screwdriver method that I feared would damage the connecting mechanism.
This is the BEST SOLUTION! I repeat, this is the BEST SOLUTION. This solution prevented untold grief, delay, and cost.
Thank you so much for your suggestions!! Finally, I was able to fix the water filter issue after a year of bad tasting water and not being able to use it! Our refrigerator is only a year and a half old... At the beginning, it worked perfectly fine, but after six months, when we had to replace the water filter for the first time, it just didn't work at all no matter what we tried! We even bought two more original filters thinking that the filters where defective... The filters fit perfectly and there was no indication of them not working, besides the chlorine taste (tasting like our tap water). Out of frustration, I gave up trying for several months, until today, when I decided to give it one more try and I was able to find your video. Turning the housing inside circular piece, to the 3 and 9 o'clock worked like a charm! After doing that, when I pushed in the filter, I heard a whooshing sound and at that moment I new that the water was going through the filter and not just bypassing it.
Thank you, thank you , thank you!!