the ice basket is full but the machine didn't stop, it just overflows ice everywhere.

Diagnosis

The overflow occurs because the Kismile Nugget Ice Maker relies on a dual-beam infrared sensor system to detect when the ice basket has reached maximum capacity. This system consists of an infrared emitter (which sends a beam) and a receiver (which catches it). When ice piles up and breaks this beam, the machine triggers the "Ice Full" indicator and halts the harvest cycle. If the machine continues to produce ice despite a full basket, the sensor is failing to register the blockage. This failure is typically caused by "frost creep" or mineral buildup on the lens surfaces. Because nugget ice creates a humid environment inside the chassis, condensation can freeze onto the small plastic sensor eyes, creating a layer of opaque ice that allows the infrared beam to pass through or deflects it in a way that the receiver thinks the path is still clear. In some cases, a stray piece of plastic packaging or a large, oddly shaped ice chunk can lodge itself in a way that bypasses the sensor's line of sight, effectively "blinding" the machine to the actual ice level.

How to Fix It

To resolve the overflow and recalibrate the sensor system, follow these precise steps:

1. Power down the unit by pressing the power button and then completely unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shorts during cleaning.
2. Remove the ice basket entirely and clear all ice from the surrounding area. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe any stray ice shards from the interior walls of the machine.
3. Locate the infrared sensor pair. Look inside the ice discharge chute (the area where the ice drops into the basket). You will find two small, circular plastic lenses—one on the left wall and one on the right wall, facing each other.
4. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and gently scrub both lenses. Ensure you remove any white mineral scale or cloudy film. If there is ice buildup around the edges of the sensor housing, use a hairdryer on a "low" or "cool" setting for 30 seconds to melt the frost.
5. Inspect the "Ice Full" LED indicator on the control panel. Ensure no buttons are stuck in a depressed position that might be overriding the sensor logic.
6. Plug the unit back in and run a "Self-Cleaning" cycle to flush any internal debris that might be causing erratic sensor behavior.
7. Fill the basket halfway with ice manually and observe if the "Ice Full" light triggers. If it does, the sensor is now functioning correctly.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Sensor Misalignment: Over time, the plastic brackets holding the infrared eyes can warp slightly due to the heat/cold cycle. Use a flashlight to ensure the lenses are perfectly aligned. If one is tilted, gently nudge it back into a direct line of sight with the opposite lens.
• Hard Reset the Control Board: Unplug the machine for at least 30 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the main PCB to discharge fully, resetting the sensor logic. If the machine was in a "glitch" state where it ignored the sensor input, this power cycle often clears the error.
• Inspect for Internal Leaks: If water is leaking from the internal reservoir onto the sensor wiring, it can cause a short that tells the machine the sensor is "clear" regardless of ice levels. Check the bottom of the unit for moisture; if found, dry the unit thoroughly and move it to a more level surface.
• Verify Ambient Temperature: If the machine is placed in an extremely hot environment (above 90°F), the ice may melt faster than it forms, causing the sensor to fluctuate rapidly. Move the unit to a cool, well-ventilated area and see if the "Ice Full" trigger stabilizes.

Heads Up

• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or bleach on the sensor lenses, as scratching the plastic will permanently diffuse the infrared beam and cause the machine to stop producing ice prematurely.
• Ensure the machine is perfectly level using a bubble level. If the unit tilts forward, ice can pile up at the front of the basket while the sensor at the back remains unobstructed, leading to overflow.
• Clean the sensor lenses once a month as part of your regular maintenance, especially if you have hard water, to prevent mineral scaling.
• Always ensure the ice basket is seated firmly in its tracks; if the basket is slightly skewed, it can interfere with how the ice piles up against the sensor beam.