it's making ice but the cubes are tiny and thin, like slivers. how do i get normal sized cubes?

Diagnosis

The production of "sliver" or "mini" ice cubes in the Igloo ICEB26HNWHN is typically caused by one of two things: an incorrect control panel selection or a failure in the water-fill timing mechanism. This model utilizes a volumetric fill system where a pump pushes water into the freezing tray. If the unit is set to "Small," the pump runs for a shorter duration, filling the tray only partially. When the harvest cycle begins, the thin layer of ice detaches, resulting in thin, fragile shards rather than solid cubes. Another common cause is a partial blockage in the water inlet or a buildup of mineral scale in the pump. If the pump is struggling to move water quickly, the sensor may trigger the freezing cycle before the tray is actually full, even if the "Large" setting is selected. You can confirm this by listening to the pump during the fill cycle; if you hear a strained humming sound or if the water flow into the tray looks like a trickle rather than a steady stream, you have a mechanical flow issue rather than a setting error.

How to Fix It

To restore full-sized ice production, follow these exact steps to reset the logic board and calibrate the fill volume:

1. Locate the control panel on the top of the unit. Press the Ice Size button repeatedly until the indicator light shifts from 'S' (Small) to 'L' (Large). Ensure the 'L' light is solidly illuminated.
2. Press the Start/Cancel button to stop any current cycle in progress. This is critical because the machine will not change the cube size mid-cycle; it only applies the new setting to the next batch.
3. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for exactly 60 seconds. This clears the temporary memory and resets the water-level sensors.
4. Plug the unit back in and press the Start/Cancel button to begin a fresh cycle.
5. Wait for the first full batch to drop. A "Large" cube cycle on the ICEB26HNWHN typically takes 12 to 15 minutes. If the first batch is still thin, check the water reservoir to ensure it is filled to the "Max" line, as low water pressure can lead to incomplete fills.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Descale Cycle: Mineral buildup in the internal tubing can restrict water flow. Mix a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water. Drain the reservoir and fill it with this solution. Run the machine through two full cycles, then run two more cycles with clean, filtered water to remove the vinegar scent. This often clears the "sliver ice" problem caused by scale.
• Inspect the Water Pump Intake: Remove the water reservoir and look at the intake valve at the bottom of the machine. If you see slime or debris, use a soft brush or a toothpick to clear the opening. If the pump cannot pull water efficiently, it will time out and produce thin ice.
• Check Ambient Temperature: If the machine is placed in a very hot environment (above 90°F) or pushed directly against a wall, the cooling efficiency drops. Ensure there is at least 6 inches of clearance around the side vents. Overheating can cause the ice to melt slightly during the harvest phase, making the cubes appear thin or misshapen.
• Verify the Ice Basket Level: If the ice basket is too full, the "Ice Full" sensor may trigger prematurely. This can occasionally confuse the timing of the harvest cycle. Empty the basket completely and restart the machine to see if the cube size returns to normal.

Heads Up

• Use Filtered Water: Hard water is the primary enemy of the ICEB26HNWHN. Using distilled or filtered water prevents the scale buildup that leads to thin ice and pump failure.
• Avoid Frequent Setting Changes: Switching between Small and Large settings multiple times during a single batch can cause the logic board to glitch. Set your preference and let the machine complete at least three full cycles.
• Cleaning Frequency: Clean the interior freezing tray with a damp cloth every 7 days. Ice residue buildup on the tray walls can prevent the cubes from forming a perfect square shape.
• Power Stability: Avoid using extension cords or power strips with this unit. Voltage drops can cause the pump to run slower than intended, resulting in under-filled trays and sliver ice.