Maxx Ice Machine Troubleshooting

Maxx Ice machines are used in a wide variety of foodservice establishments, ranging from hotels to restaurants. In the rare case this durable ice maker stops working, it can bring business to a halt. Fortunately, we have tips for troubleshooting a Maxx Ice machine, so you can diagnose the problem in no time.
This guide addresses issues for all Maxx Ice self-contained ice machines, including popular models, such as:
Ice Machine Won't Operate
If the machine isn't operating, look for the possible causes below:
- Switched off – Make sure the ice maker is switched to "ON."
- Not plugged in – See if the power cord was accidentally knocked out of the wall outlet. If so, plug it back in.
- Blown fuse – If the fuse blows again, have an authorized service agent check for short-circuiting in the machine.
- Full bin – The ice storage bin might be full of ice. Remove some of the ice and see if the water curtain and micro-switch are closed.
- Damaged sensor – If all else has failed, you might have to call an authorized service technician to come out and replace the ice cube full sensor.
Ice Maker Storage Bin Won't Fill
If the machine is making ice but the storage bin isn't filling up, check for the following:
- Dirty condenser – The condenser air filter might be dirty or clogged. Follow the cleaning procedure outlined in the owner's manual.
- Obstructed air flow – Air flow to the machine could be blocked. You might need to move it to a better spot or review the installation procedure in the owner's manual. The unit might not have been installed properly.
- Not cool enough – Both the water and ambient temperatures might be too high to create sufficient ice cubes. This also is common if the machine is near a heat source, such as a vent or another piece of commercial equipment. It might need to be moved or reinstalled based on the procedure in the owner's manual.
- Obstructed bin drain – The bin drain might be clogged and causing the issue. Clean out the drain. If that doesn’t work, check its installation.
- Faulty hot gas valve – Contact an authorized service technician who is certified to install a new hot gas valve.
- Dirty sprinkler – Another common problem is the sprinkler getting obstructed by hard water deposits, mold, mildew and other contaminants.
- Obstructed spray nozzle – The small spray nozzle might be blocked by the ice slideway.
- Poor water quality – Poor water quality can lead to blockages in the water line and low pressure. Install a filter apparatus in front of the water inlet valve.
Unit Leaks Water
If you notice water leaking from the unit, see if water is present in the area below:
- A few drops by the bin door – You might notice a few drops of water falling to the floor when you open the storage bin door to take out ice. This likely is from normal condensation or water on the door.
- Water supply or drain pipe connection – If there is a leak by the water supply connection, tighten the fitting. Check the owner's manual for instructions or contact an authorized service technician for help correcting the issue.
- Loose drain hole nut – If the nut on the water drain hole is loose, water could leak out. Go ahead and tighten it.
- Drain pipe is higher than outlet – Lower the drain pipe so that it’s below the outlet.
- Note: Applies to models MIM50V/50/50-O only.
Unit Won't Make Ice
If the machine suddenly stops making ice, the following might be a root cause:
- No electricity – There might be no electricity to the unit. See if the power supply line needs to be reconnected or if the machine's power cord needs to be plugged in.
- High temperature – If the temperature falls out of its stated range, this can yield ice production. Turn off the machine, and allow the machine to sit idle to return to its proper temperature.
- Full bin – The ice storage bin might be full of ice. Remove some of the ice and see if the water curtain and micro-switch are closed.
- Blown fuse – Replace the fuse.
- Low power supply voltage – Sometimes, even when the unit is plugged in, the outlet voltage supply may be too low for the ice machine to work properly. You can fix this issue by installing a manostat.
- Blocked ventilation louvers – When the ventilation louvers are obstructed by a wall, equipment or other obstructions, it limits airflow. This can cause the system to overheat, reducing cooling efficiency while putting strain on the compressor.
Ice Machine Water Doesn't Feed In
If water isn't feeding in after the machine starts, look at these potential causes:
- Water tap is off – Check if the water tap is turned off. Make sure to turn it back on.
- Water supply line not connected – If the water supply line isn't connected correctly, reconnect the supply line properly.
- Water supply pressure is too low – Adjust the water pressure so that it’s within range.
- Faulty water inlet valve – Have an authorized service technician replace the water inlet valve.
Unit Makes Noises
If the machine makes noise during operation, check for the following issues:
- Feet not leveled or locked – Check the owner's manual for proper instructions on leveling the ice maker. When the machine's feet aren't leveled or locked, it can be noisy during operation.
- Normal sounds are amplified – The owner's manual documents normal sounds that take place during operation, including rattles and pulsating noises. Hard surfaces like the walls or floor can amplify the sound.
Partially Formed or White Cubes
If you notice partially formed ice or cubes with white at the bottom, this likely means there isn't enough water in the trough. Check for the following causes:
- Low water supply pressure – See if the water supply pressure is below 15 PSIG.
- Restricted water filter – Check the water supply to see if the filter is restricted. Make sure to clear any obstructions.
- Water trough leak – See if there is a leak in the water trough. Have it repaired by an authorized service technician.
- Blocked sprinkler – Clean the cabinet’s interior and sprinkler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Restricted water inlet valve – Another possible reason for the malformed ice or milky appearance might be a result of a blockage in the water inlet valve. Please call an authorized service technician for repairs.
Ice Cubes Are Too Big or Can’t Harvest Ice
If the ice cubes are coming out larger than normal, it means the ambient and water temperature are too low. To fix the low water temperature in the storage tray, you’ll have to reset the ice-making cycle and restart the machine after turning it off. To fix the low ambient temperature, you’ll have to adjust the thermostat to raise the temperature so that the ice cubes may fit in the glasses once again.
In addition to low water and ambient temperatures, if it’s difficult to harvest ice because they’re stuck together in the bin, the water supply tap might have gotten turned off somewhere along the way.
Unit’s Buzzer Alarm Is Going Off
The buzzer alarm is specific to MIM50P and MIM50P-O only. Here’s what you can do to stop the ringing in your ears:
- Unit is not pumping out water – It may be that the drain water pump, water level switch or drain tube isn’t working as it should be. Call an authorized service technician to help replace or repair faulty pumps and switches.
Ice Maker Body Is Electrified
It’s very important that if you do not feel comfortable making this repair yourself to call an authorized service technician. Attempting to fix this issue without proper training can result in accidental injury and death.
If the Maxx ice maker is electrified, it’s because the grounding line isn’t in the socket or because of creepage in the lines. You’ll need to replace the socket or reconnect or replace the lines with one that meets the required electrical standard to remedy the issue.
Frequent Scale Buildup
If scaling happens inside the machine frequently, the facility's water might be too hard. The building might need a water-softening device installed in front of the water inlet.
Need more troubleshooting help? Check out our library of Maxx Ice manuals with additional tips.