ice maker is running but it's not making any ice, just a humming sound and the basket is empty

Diagnosis

The humming sound you hear is the compressor and the cooling fan operating normally, but the absence of ice indicates a failure in the water delivery system. In the Igloo ICEB26AQ, the "hum" confirms that the refrigeration cycle is active and the evaporator plate is getting cold. However, if the water pump cannot move liquid from the reservoir to the freezing pins, the machine will continue to run its cycle indefinitely without ever producing a cube. This typically happens due to one of three reasons: an air lock in the internal plumbing, a depleted water reservoir, or a mineral blockage in the small-diameter intake hose. If the unit is humming but the ice basket is empty, the machine is essentially "dry firing." You can confirm this by checking the reservoir level; if the water level hasn't dropped after several hours of humming, the water is not reaching the freezing tray.

How to Fix It

To restore water flow and restart ice production, follow these precise steps to prime the system and clear the lines:

1. Power down the unit by pressing the Power button and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to reset the internal control board.
2. Locate the water reservoir at the rear of the unit. Lift the lid and check the water level. If it is below the "MIN" line, fill it with filtered, potable water up to the "MAX" line. Do not overfill, as this can cause leakage into the electrical housing.
3. Ensure the reservoir is seated firmly. If the tank is slightly skewed, the intake valve will not engage. Press down firmly on the tank to ensure a watertight seal.
4. Check the "Select" button settings. Ensure the machine is set to "Fast" or "Standard" mode. If it was accidentally set to a mode that requires a specific temperature threshold not yet met, it may delay the pump.
5. Plug the unit back in and press the Power button. Wait 5-10 minutes. You should hear a distinct "clicking" sound followed by a splashing noise; this is the pump engaging to move water onto the evaporator pins.
6. Observe the freezing pins. If you see water clinging to the pins but no ice forming, allow the unit to run for a full 2-hour cycle without opening the lid, as opening the lid introduces warm air that disrupts the flash-freeze process.

If That Didn't Work

• Clear Mineral Scale: If you have hard water, calcium deposits can clog the narrow intake port. Mix a solution of one part white distilled vinegar to three parts warm water. Fill the reservoir with this solution and run the machine for 2 hours. This dissolves the scale blocking the pump. Drain the reservoir completely and rinse with fresh water before resuming normal use.
• Clear Air Locks: Sometimes an air bubble gets trapped in the pump head. With the unit powered on, gently tilt the machine forward and backward by about 5-10 degrees. This movement can dislodge air pockets and allow the pump to prime itself and draw water from the reservoir.
• Inspect the Pump Impeller: If the humming is louder than usual but no water moves, the pump impeller may be jammed with debris. Unplug the unit, remove the reservoir, and use a flashlight to look into the intake hole. If you see debris, use a pipe cleaner or a small zip-tie to gently clear the obstruction.
• Check Ambient Temperature: If the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the compressor may struggle to cool the pins enough to freeze the water, even if the pump is working. Move the unit to a cooler location with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.

Heads Up

• Always use filtered water to prevent the buildup of calcium and magnesium, which are the primary causes of pump failure in the ICEB26AQ model.
• Clean the unit weekly by wiping the interior with a damp cloth and running a vinegar descale cycle every 30 days if you live in a hard-water area.
• Never operate the unit without water in the reservoir; running the pump dry for extended periods can overheat the motor and lead to permanent pump failure.
• Avoid placing the unit directly in sunlight or next to a heat source, as this forces the compressor to work harder and reduces the ice-making speed significantly.