it's making a loud gurgling or buzzing noise that wasn't there before, sounds like it's struggling.

Diagnosis

The gurgling noise in the Free Village Ice Maker is a classic symptom of air cavitation within the internal water pump. This occurs when air bubbles become trapped in the narrow tubing between the reservoir and the freezing evaporator. Instead of a smooth stream of water, the pump is fighting "air pockets," causing a rhythmic gurgling sound as the pump tries to prime itself. The accompanying buzzing or vibrating noise indicates that the pump motor is under excessive mechanical stress. This usually happens for one of two reasons: either the pump is running dry because the water intake valve is partially blocked by mineral scale, or the reservoir is not seated flush against the intake port. When the seal isn't airtight, the pump sucks in air rather than water, causing the motor to vibrate at a higher frequency than normal. You can confirm this by checking if the ice cubes are becoming smaller or more hollow than usual, which indicates the pump is failing to deliver a full dose of water to the molds.

How to Fix It

To clear the air locks and stop the pump from straining, follow this precise sequence:

1. Power down the unit using the power button and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet to fully reset the control board.
2. Remove the water reservoir completely. Inspect the rubber gasket/seal at the bottom of the tank for any debris, hair, or slime buildup that might be preventing a vacuum seal.
3. Fill the reservoir with distilled water up to the MAX line. Using distilled water is critical here to ensure no particulates are clogging the intake.
4. Re-insert the reservoir, but instead of just dropping it in, push firmly downward and slightly toward the back of the machine. You should feel it "lock" into the intake port.
5. Plug the unit back in and press the "On" button.
6. Immediately trigger a manual cycle if possible, or wait for the first cycle to begin. If gurgling persists, gently tilt the machine 2-3 degrees forward and back while it is running to help the air bubbles migrate out of the pump head and into the reservoir.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a deep descaling procedure using a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and warm distilled water. Fill the reservoir with this solution and run the machine for two full cycles. This removes calcium carbonate deposits from the internal pump impellers that cause the "buzzing" friction.
• Check the intake filter (if your specific Free Village sub-model has a removable mesh screen). Use a soft toothbrush to scrub any biofilm or sediment off the screen, as a restricted flow forces the pump to work harder, creating that struggling sound.
• Inspect the leveling of the countertop. If the machine is tilted backward, the pump may struggle to pull water from the front of the reservoir, leading to air intake. Use a bubble level to ensure the unit is perfectly flat.
• Verify that the water temperature is not too cold. If you are using refrigerated water, the viscosity changes slightly and air bubbles cling more stubbornly to the tubing. Use room-temperature water to help prime the pump.

Heads Up

• Avoid using tap water if you live in a hard-water area; mineral buildup is the #1 cause of pump failure and buzzing noises in countertop ice makers.
• Never run the machine when the water level is at or below the MIN line, as this introduces air into the system and can permanently burn out the pump motor.
• Clean the reservoir every 7 days with a mild soap to prevent "biofilm" (a slippery layer of bacteria) from clogging the intake valve.
• If the buzzing is accompanied by a burning plastic smell, unplug the unit immediately, as this indicates a seized pump motor that requires professional replacement.