it says it's making ice but the basket is empty, no ice is dropping

Diagnosis

The Magic Chef MCIM22ST utilizes a "harvesting" process where a heating element warms the evaporator plate, causing the ice fingers to slide off into the basket. When the machine indicates it is making ice (the "Adding Ice" or "Making Ice" light is on) but the basket remains empty, it means the refrigeration cycle is completing, but the mechanical release of the ice is failing. This is typically caused by "ice bridging," where water freezes into a solid, monolithic sheet across the evaporator pins rather than individual fingers. This failure occurs most frequently when the unit is tilted or not perfectly level, causing water to pool in one area of the mold, or when the water temperature is too high, leading to slower freezing and "clumping." You can confirm this by looking at the evaporator plate: if you see a thick, cloudy block of ice that doesn't move when the machine enters the harvest cycle, the ejector system is physically blocked. In some cases, the internal timer or the heating element responsible for the harvest cycle has failed, leaving the ice permanently frozen to the metal pins.

How to Fix It

To resolve a harvest failure and reset the freezing cycle, follow these precise steps:

1. Power down the unit by pressing the Power button and immediately unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to ensure the heating element and compressor are fully deactivated.
2. Remove the ice basket entirely to get a clear view of the evaporator plate (the metal spikes).
3. Inspect the plate for "ice bridging." If you see a solid sheet of ice, do not use a knife or metal tool to scrape it, as you will puncture the refrigerant lines. Instead, use a plastic spatula or a warm, damp cloth to gently loosen the edges of the ice block.
4. If the ice is frozen solid, leave the unit unplugged with the lid open for 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the evaporator to reach room temperature and naturally release the ice block.
5. Once the ice is cleared, take a clean microfiber cloth dipped in a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Wipe down each individual metal pin on the evaporator plate. This removes mineral deposits (scale) that cause ice to "stick" to the metal.
6. Ensure the unit is placed on a completely flat surface. Use a bubble level to verify that the machine is not tilted forward or to the side; even a 2-degree tilt can cause uneven water distribution and bridging.
7. Plug the unit back in and fill the reservoir with filtered water. Press the "Select" button to ensure you are on a standard ice size setting and press "Start."

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Deep Descale: If the problem recurs, mineral buildup on the pins is the likely cause. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Pour the solution into the reservoir and run a full cycle. Let the solution sit in the machine for 2 hours before draining and running two cycles of fresh water to rinse.
• Check the Water Pump: Listen for the pump sound during the "Adding Ice" phase. If the pump is struggling or humming but not moving water, the pins won't be evenly coated, leading to irregular ice shapes that jam the harvest cycle. Clean the pump intake with a pipe cleaner to remove slime or debris.
• Adjust Ambient Temperature: If the machine is in a very hot environment (above 90°F) or directly in sunlight, the cooling cycle may be insufficient to create a firm enough "finger" of ice, causing it to slush and stick. Move the unit to a cooler, shaded area with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation.
• Test the Heating Element: If the machine cycles through the "Adding Ice" phase but the ice never drops and the metal pins don't feel warm to the touch during the harvest phase, the internal heating element has likely burnt out. This requires a professional repair or unit replacement as the element is integrated into the evaporator assembly.

Heads Up

• Always use filtered water. Tap water with high calcium content creates white scale on the evaporator pins, which acts like glue for the ice and prevents it from dropping.
• Never use the machine without water in the reservoir; running the pump dry can cause permanent damage to the motor and lead to harvest failures.
• Avoid opening the lid frequently during the freezing process. Introducing warm air disrupts the temperature gradient and can cause the ice to melt slightly and refreeze into a solid block.
• Clean the interior of the unit weekly with a damp cloth to prevent mold growth around the rim of the ice basket, which can interfere with the sensors.