machine powers on but the 'ice full' light is solid and it won't start a cycle, basket isn't even half full

Diagnosis

The Antarctic Star AZ-I11A utilizes a pair of infrared (IR) sensors—an emitter and a receiver—located at the top of the ice storage cavity. When ice cubes pile up and break the beam between these two points, the control board triggers the "Ice Full" indicator and halts the refrigeration cycle to prevent ice from jamming the dispensing mechanism or damaging the motor. A solid "Ice Full" light when the basket is half-empty is almost always caused by a "false positive" trigger. This happens when the IR beam is interrupted by something other than a full load of ice. The most common culprits are mineral scale buildup from hard water, a stray ice cube wedged against the sensor housing, or a buildup of condensation/frost on the sensor lens that reflects the IR beam back to the receiver, tricking the machine into thinking the basket is topped off. You can confirm this by looking at the sensor windows; if they appear cloudy, white, or have a droplet of water clinging to them, the sensor is being blinded.

How to Fix It

Follow these exact steps to reset the sensor and clear the obstruction:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent any electrical shorts while cleaning.
2. Remove the ice basket entirely. Reach into the upper cavity of the machine and locate the two small, circular clear plastic windows (the IR sensors). One is typically on the left wall and the other is opposite it.
3. Use a high-quality microfiber cloth dampened with a small amount of distilled water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the surface of both sensor windows to remove lime scale, mineral deposits, or sticky residue.
4. Inspect the area immediately surrounding the sensors for "ghost ice"—small shards of ice that may have frozen to the side walls or the sensor housing itself. Use your finger or a plastic utensil to gently chip away any ice buildup that could be blocking the beam path.
5. Dry the sensors completely with a clean, dry cloth. Any lingering water droplets can refract the IR light and trigger the "Full" light again.
6. Reinsert the ice basket, ensuring it clicks firmly into place and is perfectly level. If the basket is tilted even slightly, it can push the ice higher toward the sensors than intended.
7. Plug the unit back in and press the "Reset" or "Power" button to initiate a new cycle.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Power Reset: Unplug the unit and leave it disconnected for at least 30 minutes. This allows any internal frost buildup on the evaporator or the sensor housing to melt completely. While unplugged, leave the lid open to let warm air circulate into the sensor cavity.
• Deep Clean with Vinegar: If you have hard water, the sensor windows may have a thin layer of calcium carbonate. Mix a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% warm water. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and gently scrub the sensor windows. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
• Check for Basket Warpage: Inspect the plastic rim of the ice basket. If the basket has been dropped or warped, it may be sitting too high in the chassis, placing the existing ice in direct contact with the IR beam regardless of the actual volume. Try running a cycle without the basket in place; if the light disappears, the basket is the issue.
• Sensor Component Failure: If the light remains solid despite a clean sensor and no ice, the IR emitter or receiver has likely failed electronically. Since these are integrated into the chassis wiring, this typically requires a replacement of the internal sensor assembly or the main control board.

Heads Up

• Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool on the sensor windows, as scratching the plastic will permanently distort the IR beam and cause intermittent "Ice Full" errors.
• To prevent mineral buildup on the sensors, use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water, especially in regions with high water hardness.
• Never use a hairdryer or heat gun to melt ice near the sensors, as the intense heat can warp the plastic housing or damage the sensitive IR diodes.
• Regularly empty the ice basket before it reaches the absolute top; allowing ice to jam against the sensors for extended periods can lead to mechanical misalignment of the sensor brackets.