the ice basket is full light won’t turn off, it just keeps making ice and overflowing.

Diagnosis

The "Ice Full" indicator on the Kismile Countertop Bullet Ice Maker is triggered by a pair of infrared (IR) sensors—an emitter and a receiver—located at the top of the ice storage chamber. When the ice pile reaches a certain height, it breaks the invisible beam of light between these sensors, signaling the control board to stop the freezing cycle. When the machine continues to produce ice despite a full basket, the "beam" is never interrupted, meaning the machine "thinks" the basket is empty. This failure is almost always caused by one of three things: a physical obstruction (like a stray ice cube wedged in the sensor housing), a film of mineral scale or condensation on the sensor lenses, or a misalignment of the sensor components. Because these units use a simple light-based trigger, even a thin layer of frost or a smudge of grease can scatter the IR beam, preventing it from hitting the receiver and causing the machine to run indefinitely until the ice overflows onto your counter.

How to Fix It

To resolve the overflow issue and reset the sensor, follow these precise steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and wait 60 seconds to allow the internal capacitors to discharge.
2. Remove the ice basket entirely and dump all remaining ice. Ensure the basket is completely dry.
3. Locate the IR sensor eyes. These are typically two small, clear or slightly tinted plastic protrusions located on the upper side walls of the interior ice chamber, facing each other across the top of where the ice sits.
4. Using a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, gently scrub both the emitter and receiver lenses. Remove any white mineral deposits (calcium buildup) or sticky residue.
5. Inspect the sensor housing for any cracked plastic or loose wires. If the sensor "eye" is pushed inward or skewed, gently nudge it back into alignment so the two lenses are facing each other directly.
6. Wipe the surrounding interior walls with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any condensation that could cause light refraction.
7. Reinsert the ice basket, plug the unit back in, and power it on.
8. Wait for the first batch of ice to drop. Once the ice reaches the sensor height, verify that the "Ice Full" light illuminates and the compressor shuts off.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Factory Reset: Unplug the unit and leave it unplugged for a full 24 hours. This allows any internal ice buildup behind the sensor walls to melt completely. Sometimes, "ghost ice" forms behind the plastic lining, tricking the sensor or preventing the basket from sitting flush, which can interfere with the sensor's field of vision.
• Check for Control Board Glitches: If the light is ON but the machine keeps making ice, the issue is not the sensor, but a stuck relay on the main PCB. Try toggling the "Select" button rapidly five times while the unit is powering up to clear any cached error states in the firmware.
• Verify Basket Positioning: Ensure the ice basket is seated perfectly flat. If the basket is warped or tilted, it can occasionally block the sensor prematurely or create a gap that allows ice to flow around the sensor area without triggering it. Try removing the basket and manually placing a piece of cardboard across the sensors; if the light turns on, the sensors are fine, and the problem is the physical shape of your ice pile.
• Inspect the IR Emitter: If you have an Android smartphone, open the camera app and point it at the sensor emitter while the machine is on. Through the camera lens, you should see a faint purple or pink glow. If there is no light, the IR LED has burned out and the sensor assembly requires professional replacement.

Heads Up

• Avoid Steam Cleaning: Never use a steam cleaner inside the ice chamber; the high heat can warp the plastic sensor housings and permanently misalign the IR beam.
• Scale Prevention: To prevent mineral buildup on the sensors, use distilled water instead of tap water. This eliminates the white calcium film that frequently blinds the IR eyes.
• Regular Defrosting: Every 30 days, run a cleaning cycle with a mixture of white vinegar and water to dissolve internal deposits that may be migrating toward the sensor area.
• Placement Warning: Do not place the ice maker in direct sunlight. Strong UV rays can interfere with the infrared sensors, occasionally causing the "Ice Full" light to flicker or fail to trigger.