the power light is on but it won't start making ice when i press the power button, just sits there.

Diagnosis

The most common cause for the Aeitto Ice Maker remaining powered on but failing to initiate a cooling cycle is a "Compressor Protection Delay." This is a hard-coded safety feature designed to prevent the compressor from burning out due to rapid power cycling. If the unit was unplugged and plugged back in quickly, or if the power fluctuated, the internal control board prevents the compressor from engaging for approximately 3 to 5 minutes to allow refrigerant pressures to equalize. Another frequent culprit is a false "Ice Full" trigger. The Aeitto uses a physical infrared sensor or a mechanical lever (depending on the production batch) to detect when the ice basket is full. If the basket is slightly misaligned, or if a stray ice cube is blocking the sensor path, the logic board believes the bin is at capacity. In this state, the power light remains illuminated, but the system will not trigger the cooling cycle because there is "no room" for new ice. You can confirm this by checking if the "Ice Full" indicator light is blinking or solid while the unit is ostensibly in standby.

How to Fix It

To resolve a standby or sensor-lock issue, follow these precise steps to reset the machine's logic and clear the sensors:

1. Power down the unit by pressing the Power button and then physically unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
2. Remove the ice basket entirely from the machine. Inspect the interior cavity for any stray ice shards or debris that may be obstructing the sensor area.
3. Locate the "Ice Full" sensor—typically a small plastic protrusion or an IR lens located on the inner wall of the reservoir. Gently wipe this area with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove mineral deposits or condensation that could trick the sensor.
4. Ensure the water reservoir is filled to the "MAX" line with fresh, filtered water. If the water level is too low, the pump will not prime, and the compressor will not kick in to avoid overheating.
5. Plug the unit back into a dedicated wall outlet (avoid using extension cords or surge protectors, as these can cause voltage drops that trigger the protection delay).
6. Press the Power button and select your desired ice size (Small or Large).
7. Wait exactly 5 minutes without pressing any further buttons. This allows the protection timer to expire and the compressor to engage naturally.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Thermal Reset: If the unit has been running in a hot environment (above 90°F/32°C), the compressor may have entered a thermal overload state. Unplug the machine and let it sit powered off for at least 2 hours in a cool room. This allows the internal thermal protector to reset and the refrigerant to settle.
• Check for Air Locks in the Pump: If you hear a humming sound but no water is moving, there may be an air bubble in the pump. Gently tilt the machine 10-15 degrees to the side while it is powered on to help the pump prime and push air out of the lines, allowing the water to reach the freezing pins.
• Inspect the Water Filter/Scale Build-up: If you use hard water, calcium deposits can clog the small intake valves. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of 50% white vinegar and 50% warm water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then run a "Clean" cycle if available, or manually trigger a few cycles to flush the internals.
• Verify Voltage Stability: Plug the unit into a different circuit entirely. If the power light is on but the compressor (which requires a high startup current) isn't kicking in, you may be experiencing a "brownout" or insufficient amperage from a shared power strip.

Heads Up

• Avoid Extension Cords: Always plug your Aeitto ice maker directly into a grounded wall outlet; using a thin extension cord can starve the compressor of the voltage needed to start.
• Ambient Temperature Matters: These units are not designed for outdoor use in high heat. If the room temperature exceeds 95°F, the machine may struggle to start the cooling cycle to protect the motor.
• Use Distilled or Filtered Water: To prevent the sensor and pump from clogging with lime scale, avoid using unfiltered tap water.
• Proper Spacing: Ensure there are at least 6 inches of open air space around the vents on the sides and back of the machine to prevent overheating and premature shutdowns.