the ice basket is full but it won't stop making ice, it just overflows. how do i fix the sensor?

Diagnosis

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker utilizes an infrared (IR) beam sensor system to determine when the ice basket has reached capacity. This system consists of an emitter and a receiver located on opposite sides of the upper chassis, just above the ice drop zone. When the ice level rises high enough to break the invisible beam of light traveling between these two points, the machine triggers a "Full" status and halts the freezing cycle. When the machine continues to produce ice despite a full basket, it means the IR beam is not being interrupted. This typically happens because of "sensor blindness" caused by a buildup of mineral deposits (scale) or frost on the plastic lenses, which allows the beam to pass through or reflect incorrectly. In some cases, a stray piece of nugget ice can get wedged in the sensor housing, creating a physical bridge that prevents the beam from ever being "broken" by the rising ice level. To confirm this, look at the display panel; if the "Ice Full" indicator remains off while the basket is overflowing, the sensor is failing to register the ice height.

How to Fix It

Follow these precise steps to recalibrate and clean the sensor system:

1. Power down the unit completely by pressing the Power button and then unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shorts during cleaning.
2. Remove the ice basket entirely from the unit.
3. Locate the two small, clear plastic circular lenses situated on the left and right interior walls of the ice chute area. These are the IR emitter and receiver.
4. Using a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar (or a specialized descaling solution), gently scrub the surface of both lenses. Do not use abrasive scouring pads, as scratching the plastic will refract the IR beam and cause permanent sensing errors.
5. Dry the lenses thoroughly with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Any remaining moisture or streaks can act as a prism, tricking the sensor into thinking the basket is empty.
6. Inspect the gaps around the sensor housings for any trapped ice shards or debris. Use a toothpick or a soft brush to clear any obstructions.
7. Plug the machine back in and run a test cycle. Fill the basket manually with ice to the "Full" line to verify that the "Ice Full" light illuminates and the machine stops producing nuggets.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Deep Descale Cycle: Mineral buildup inside the internal plumbing can sometimes cause the machine to behave erratically. Fill the reservoir with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, run the "Auto-Clean" function, and then run two full cycles of fresh water to flush the system. This removes calcium deposits that may be clinging to the sensor lenses from the inside.
• Check for Chassis Alignment: If the machine is not sitting on a perfectly level surface, the ice may pile up on one side of the basket while the other side remains low. Since the IR beam is a straight line, the ice must break the beam across the center. Ensure the unit is on a flat, hard surface; if it is tilted, the sensor may not trigger even if the basket looks full.
• Reset the Control Board: Unplug the unit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to discharge fully, resetting the logic gate that handles the "Full" signal.
• Inspect for Lens Clouding: If you see a milky-white film on the sensor lenses that won't wipe away, the plastic may have degraded due to hard water exposure. Carefully use a very mild plastic polish to restore clarity to the lenses.

Heads Up

• Avoid Overfilling: Never manually pack the ice basket tighter than the original fill line, as this can put pressure on the internal walls and potentially knock the sensors out of alignment.
• Water Quality Matters: Always use filtered water. Hard water creates "scale" (calcium carbonate), which is the primary cause of sensor failure in nugget ice makers.
• Regular Maintenance: Run the Auto-Cleaning cycle at least once every two weeks to prevent mineral buildup on the IR lenses.
• Airflow Requirements: Ensure there are at least 4-6 inches of clearance around the sides and back of the machine. Overheating can cause the control board to glitch, leading to erratic sensor behavior.