it keeps giving me the 'E1' error code and shuts off. what does that mean?

Diagnosis

The E1 error code on the Olixis Countertop Ice Maker is a specific trigger indicating a "Water Shortage" or "Water Level Sensor Failure." This occurs when the internal control board does not receive a signal from the water level sensor (typically a magnetic float switch) confirming that there is enough liquid to fill the evaporator plates for a new batch of cubes. In many cases, the reservoir may actually be full of water, but the E1 code persists. This happens because of mineral scale buildup (calcium and magnesium) from hard water, which creates a "crust" around the float switch, pinning it in the "down" position. When the float cannot rise with the water level, the machine assumes the tank is empty and shuts down the cooling system to prevent the pump from running dry and burning out. You can confirm this by looking at the float—a small plastic cylinder in the reservoir—and seeing if it remains stuck at the bottom even when water is added.

How to Fix It

To clear the E1 error and restore ice production, follow these precise steps to reset the sensor and clean the reservoir:

1. Power Cycle: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for exactly 60 seconds. This clears the temporary memory of the control board and resets the error state.
2. Drain and Inspect: Empty all remaining water from the reservoir using the drain plug at the bottom. Reach into the reservoir and locate the small plastic float. Gently tap it up and down with your finger to see if it moves freely. If it feels sticky or rigid, it is clogged with mineral deposits.
3. Manual Descaling: Mix a solution of 2 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar with 1 quart of warm water. Pour this into the reservoir and let it sit for 30 minutes. This dissolves the calcium buildup holding the float switch in place.
4. Flush the System: Run a "Clean" cycle if your model supports it, or simply fill the tank with fresh water and let the machine run one full cycle, then discard those first few batches of ice.
5. Correct Filling: Refill the reservoir using filtered water. Ensure the water level is clearly above the "Min" line but stays 1/4 inch below the "Max" line. Overfilling can sometimes cause the float to jam against the top of the housing, triggering a false error.
6. Secure Placement: Ensure the machine is on a perfectly level surface. If the unit is tilted, the float may lean against the side wall of the reservoir, preventing it from rising vertically and triggering the E1 code.

If That Didn't Work

• Deep Clean the Sensor Well: Use a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar to scrub the narrow vertical channel where the float resides. Sometimes a thin film of slime or mineral scale builds up on the walls of the channel, creating enough friction to stop the float from rising.
• Check for Air Locks: If you recently refilled the machine after it ran completely dry, an air bubble may be trapped in the internal pump line. Gently shake the machine (while unplugged) or tilt it slightly forward and backward to dislodge the air pocket, then restart.
• Test with Distilled Water: If you live in a high-mineral area, try running the machine with distilled water for 48 hours. If the E1 error disappears, your tap water is too "hard" for the sensor, and you will need to use a filtration pitcher for all future refills.
• Inspect for Leaks: Check the bottom of the unit for any slow drips. If water is leaking from the internal reservoir into the base, the water level will drop below the sensor threshold during a cycle, triggering the E1 code mid-operation.

Heads Up

• Avoid Soap: Never use dish soap or detergents inside the water reservoir; the bubbles can interfere with the float sensor's buoyancy and lead to intermittent E1 errors.
• Weekly Vinegar Rinse: To prevent the float from sticking again, perform a vinegar rinse every 14 days if you use tap water.
• Filter Usage: Always use filtered water to reduce the accumulation of "white flakes" (calcium) on the evaporator pins, which can eventually lead to mechanical failure.
• Avoid Overfilling: Filling to the absolute brim can cause water to splash into the electronics during the vibration of the ice-drop phase, which may lead to permanent board failure beyond a simple E1 error.