it says it's making ice but nothing comes out, not even water, just hums

Diagnosis

The humming sound you hear is the internal water pump attempting to push fluid into the evaporator tray, but it is operating "dry." In the Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S, this typically occurs due to an air lock (vapor lock) within the narrow tubing that connects the reservoir to the freezing pins. When air becomes trapped in the pump head or the line, the pump cannot create enough suction to pull water from the basin, resulting in a continuous hum without any actual water movement. This problem is often triggered by letting the water level drop too low during a cycle or by tilting the unit during transport. Because the pump is a small centrifugal type, it cannot self-prime if a large air bubble is lodged in the intake. You can confirm this by listening closely to the pump area; if the hum is high-pitched and constant without the rhythmic "sloshing" sound of water moving, the pump is spinning in air. If the unit is completely cold but no ice is forming, the evaporator pins are freezing without water, which can eventually lead to the pins warping if not corrected.

How to Fix It

To resolve the air lock and prime the pump, follow these precise steps to force water through the system:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet to reset the internal logic board.
2. Remove the ice basket and empty all remaining water from the internal basin. Use a clean, absorbent cloth to dry the basin floor completely.
3. Lift the unit approximately 3 inches off the counter and gently tilt it 45 degrees to the left, then 45 degrees to the right. This shifts the air bubbles trapped in the tubing.
4. Refill the reservoir with filtered water, filling it exactly to the "MAX" line. Do not overfill, as this can cause leakage around the seal.
5. Plug the unit back into a grounded outlet.
6. Press the 'Power' button to initialize the machine.
7. Immediately press and release the 'Ice Size' button three times in rapid succession. On many AB-ICE26S firmware versions, this sequence forces the pump to run at a higher voltage for a brief window to clear air pockets.
8. Wait 5 minutes. You should hear a distinct "glug" sound as the air is purged and water fills the evaporator tray.

If That Didn't Work

• Manual Prime with a Syringe: If the pump remains locked, use a clean 20ml plastic syringe filled with warm water. Carefully locate the small intake port where the pump meets the reservoir. Gently inject water directly into the intake line to force the air bubble out toward the evaporator. This provides the necessary "head" of water for the pump to take over.
• Vinegar Descaling Flush: Mineral buildup from hard water can create a physical blockage that mimics an air lock. Mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% warm distilled water. Fill the reservoir and let it sit for 30 minutes. Attempt the power cycle again; the acidity of the vinegar can break down calcium deposits that may be restricting flow to the pump.
• Check for Kinked Internal Tubing: Unplug the unit and carefully remove the bottom plastic panel using a Phillips head screwdriver. Inspect the clear silicone tubing leading from the reservoir to the pump. If the tube is pinched or kinked against the chassis, the pump will hum but cannot pull water. Gently straighten the tube and secure it with a small piece of adhesive tape.
• Hard Reset: Unplug the machine and leave it unplugged for a full 24 hours. This allows the evaporator pins to completely thaw and any internal ice blockages in the water distribution tray to melt away, which often clears the path for the pump to prime on the next start.

Heads Up

• Always use filtered or distilled water. Using tap water with high mineral content will lead to scale buildup in the pump, causing the "humming but no water" issue to recur frequently.
• Never tilt the machine while it is plugged in or running, as this can introduce air into the pump lines or cause water to leak into the electrical components.
• Ensure the unit is placed on a perfectly level surface. An uneven surface can cause the water to pool away from the pump intake, leading to dry-running.
• Clean the internal basin weekly with a damp cloth to prevent slime or biofilm from clogging the small intake screen of the water pump.