Diagnosis
The humming sound indicates that the compressor is receiving power and attempting to operate, but the lack of ice production suggests a failure in the refrigeration cycle or the water delivery system. In the Aglucky HZB-12B, the most common cause for this specific symptom is "oil migration." If the unit was tilted, laid on its side, or shaken during shipping or relocation, the lubricating oil from the compressor can migrate into the capillary tubes. This creates a physical blockage that prevents the refrigerant from circulating, meaning the evaporator pins never get cold enough to freeze the water. Another possibility is an air lock in the internal water pump. If the pump is humming but not moving water onto the freezing pins, the unit will run indefinitely without producing a single cube. You can confirm the refrigeration issue by touching the metal evaporator pins after 15 minutes of operation; if they are room temperature while the compressor is humming, you have a refrigerant or oil blockage. If the pins are freezing cold but dry, the issue is the water pump or a sensor malfunction.
How to Fix It
To resolve a refrigerant blockage caused by oil migration or to reset the internal pump, follow this precise sequence:
- Immediately unplug the Aglucky HZB-12B from the wall outlet. Do not leave it running, as running a compressor with a blockage can lead to permanent mechanical failure.
- Place the unit on a completely flat, level surface. Use a spirit level to ensure the machine is not tilted in any direction, as this affects the gravity-fed drainage and oil return.
- Leave the unit powered off and undisturbed for a minimum of 24 hours. This allows the compressor oil to naturally drain back into the sump reservoir via gravity.
- While the unit is off, empty the water reservoir and rinse it with warm water to ensure there are no mineral deposits blocking the intake filter.
- Refill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water to the "Max" line.
- Plug the unit back in and press the "ON/OFF" button. Allow the machine to run its first cycle without opening the lid for at least 90 minutes.
If That Didn't Work
- Manual Pump Prime: If the pins are cold but no water is moving, the pump may have an air bubble. With the unit powered on, gently tilt the machine 15 degrees to the left and right several times. This can help "burp" the air out of the pump line and allow water to flow onto the evaporator.
- Deep Clean the Sensors: Use a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar to clean the "Ice Full" sensor (the infrared beam at the top of the basket area). If the sensor is dirty or obstructed, the machine thinks the basket is full and will run the compressor but refuse to pump water.
- Hard Reset: Unplug the unit and hold the power button down for 30 seconds to discharge the capacitors on the control board. Plug it back in and immediately select the "Small" ice setting to reduce the load on the pump for the first cycle.
- Check for Undersized Voltage: Ensure the unit is plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or extension cord. The HZB-12B compressor requires a specific voltage spike to start the cooling cycle; if it's underpowered, it will hum but fail to reach the critical temperature needed for freezing.
Heads Up
- Never use distilled water in the HZB-12B; the lack of minerals can actually interfere with the freezing process and the sensors. Use filtered tap water for best results.
- Avoid placing the unit in an enclosed cabinet or directly next to a heat source (like an oven). The compressor exhausts heat from the sides; if it can't breathe, the refrigerant won't condense, and ice production will stop.
- Clean the water reservoir weekly with a mild soap solution to prevent biofilm buildup, which can clog the small diameter intake hose leading to the pump.
- If you move the unit to a different room, always wait 2-4 hours before plugging it back in to prevent the oil migration issue described in the diagnosis.