Combustion process with citrate was used to produce the LiMn$_2$O$_4$powder. Precursors are pre-ignited in open air followed by post-heating in the range from $600^{circ}C$ to 80$0^{circ}C$ for 4h. With varying the molar ratio (R) of ethylene glycol (EG) to citric acid (CA) from 0 to 4, the effect of EG content on powder characteristics is evaluated. Vacuum drying promote the auto-ignition at room temperature. With small addition of EG metal ion was selectively segregated with organic substances and undesired lithium evaporation occurred during post-heating. LiMn$_2$O$_4$phase which is produced by combustion reaction was decomposed back to Mn$_3$O$_4$because the reaction temperature was higher than 95$0^{circ}C$. With increasing EG content, the homogeneity of LiMn$_2$O$_4$powder increased and specific surface area increased. And lithium evaporation during vacuum drying and/or ignition also increased.