clean light is flashing and it won't start making ice, how do i reset it?

Diagnosis

The flashing "Clean" light on the Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S is not a malfunction, but a programmed service lockout. The onboard controller tracks total operation hours and triggers this alert approximately every 30 to 50 hours of active ice production. Once this threshold is hit, the machine enters a protective state where the cooling compressor and water pump are disabled to prevent mineral buildup and biofilm accumulation from contaminating the ice. You can confirm the unit is in this lockout state if the "Clean" indicator is blinking and the "Ice Full" sensor is not triggered, yet the machine refuses to initiate a new freeze cycle. This is a hard-coded safety feature; simply unplugging the unit and plugging it back in will not clear the memory, as the timer is stored in the non-volatile memory of the control board.

How to Fix It

To reset the cleaning timer and restore ice production, you must execute a full automated cleaning cycle. Follow these exact steps to ensure the reset registers:

1. Empty the ice basket completely and remove any remaining cubes from the freezing pins.
2. Drain the water reservoir entirely by removing the drain plug at the bottom of the unit to ensure no old, stagnant water remains.
3. Fill the reservoir with fresh, clean water up to the "Max" fill line. For a deeper clean, you can use a mixture of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts water.
4. Ensure the unit is plugged into a grounded 120V outlet and the power switch is ON.
5. Press and hold the 'Power' button for exactly 5 seconds. You will hear a beep, and the 'Clean' light will change from flashing to a solid, steady glow.
6. Allow the machine to run the cycle uninterrupted. The unit will circulate water and run the pump for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Once the cycle is complete, the machine will automatically power off or the light will extinguish.
8. If you used vinegar, run one additional cycle with plain water to remove any lingering acidic scent before resuming normal ice production.

If That Didn't Work

• Hard Power Cycle: If the button press doesn't trigger the cycle, unplug the unit from the wall for at least 10 full minutes. This clears the temporary capacitors on the logic board. Plug it back in and immediately attempt the 5-second power button hold again.
• Sensor Obstruction: Check the "Ice Full" infrared sensor (the small window near the top of the basket area). If there is a piece of ice or a smudge of grime blocking this sensor, the machine may refuse to start the cleaning cycle because it "thinks" the basket is full. Wipe the sensor lens with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Water Level Trigger: The AB-ICE26S will not initiate a cleaning cycle if the water level is too low. Ensure the water is filled precisely to the Max line; if it is even half an inch too low, the pump may suck air, causing the cycle to fail and the light to keep flashing.
• Button Contact Issue: If the power button feels "mushy" or doesn't click, the internal tactile switch may be failing. Try pressing the button firmly in the center while holding it for 5 seconds to ensure a complete electrical connection.

Heads Up

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or abrasive scrubbing pads inside the ice bay. This can degrade the Teflon-style coating on the freezing pins, causing ice to stick and potentially damaging the cooling fins.
• Water Quality Matters: If you have hard water (high calcium/magnesium), the cleaning light will trigger more frequently. Using filtered or distilled water can extend the time between required cleanings.
• Preventative Maintenance: Don't wait for the light to flash. Run a manual cleaning cycle once every two weeks to prevent the "lockout" from happening during a party or high-use period.
• Drainage Tip: Always clean the unit on a flat, level surface. If the unit is tilted, the water pump may not circulate the cleaning solution evenly, which can lead to the cycle timing out without actually clearing the error.