Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 083: Minimum Final Rinse Temperature Not Reached
Caution / Monitor Closely
Warning: The information provided here is for educational purposes only.
Working with commercial kitchen equipment involves high voltage, gas, and high temperatures.
We strongly recommend contacting a certified service technician for any repairs.
We are not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from DIY repair attempts.
This information is provided 'as is' without any guarantees of completeness or accuracy.
TLDR
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, error code 083 indicates the final rinse temperature is not meeting the minimum requirement after three consecutive cycles. This issue prevents proper sanitization and typically points to problems with the booster heater, water supply, or temperature sensor. Prompt diagnosis and repair are essential to ensure health compliance.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Incoming Water Supply: Ensure the dishwasher receives adequate hot water (at least 120°F / 49°C recommended) with sufficient pressure. Check for any kinked supply hoses or partially closed shut-off valves to the machine or its booster heater.
- Inspect Booster Heater Functionality:
- Verify that the booster heater has power and that its heating elements are operational. Test the continuity of each heating element; replace any that show open circuits.
- Check the booster heater’s high-limit thermostat (HLT) and operating thermostat. Ensure the HLT is not tripped (reset if necessary) and that the operating thermostat is correctly set and responsive.
- Examine all wiring connections to the booster heater and its components for any signs of looseness, corrosion, or damage.
- Examine Rinse Temperature Sensor: Locate the final rinse temperature sensor (often an RTD or NTC thermistor) in the rinse manifold or tank. Test its resistance value and compare it against the manufacturer’s specifications. A faulty sensor will provide incorrect temperature data, leading to the error.
- Check Rinse Arm and Nozzles: Ensure the rinse arms are free from debris and rotated freely. Verify that all rinse nozzles are clear and not clogged, as this can impede proper water distribution and affect the perceived temperature at the sensor.
- Evaluate Rinse Pump and Solenoid Valve: Confirm that the rinse pump (if equipped) and the rinse solenoid valve are functioning correctly to provide adequate water pressure and flow during the final rinse cycle. A weak pump or sticking valve can prevent the hot water from reaching critical points.
- Assess Control Board: If all other components are confirmed to be operating correctly, the issue may lie with the control board. A faulty control board might not be correctly interpreting sensor signals or effectively controlling the booster heater’s operation. This is typically a last diagnostic step.
- Clear Error and Test: After performing any necessary repairs or replacements, press the ENTER button on the control panel to clear the error. Run several test cycles while monitoring the final rinse temperature to ensure it consistently meets the minimum requirement.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is the final rinse temperature so important on a commercial dishwasher?
A: A specific minimum final rinse temperature (typically 180°F / 82°C) is crucial for effective sanitization. High temperatures are necessary to kill bacteria and pathogens on dishes, ensuring compliance with health regulations and maintaining food safety standards in a commercial kitchen.
Q: Can I continue to use my HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS if I get error 083?
A: It is strongly advised not to continue using the HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS for commercial dishwashing until error 083 is resolved. Dishes washed in a machine with this error will not be properly sanitized, posing a significant health risk to patrons and potentially leading to serious health code violations.
Q: What are the most common components that fail, leading to error 083?
A: The most frequent culprits for a low final rinse temperature error include a malfunctioning booster heater (faulty heating elements, tripped high-limit thermostat, or defective operating thermostat), insufficient incoming hot water supply, a failed rinse temperature sensor, or clogged rinse arms and nozzles preventing proper water distribution.
When to call a technician
Consider calling a certified technician if:
- The error keeps coming back after you've tried the steps above.
- You're not comfortable doing the checks or repairs yourself.
- You notice unusual noise, smell, or behaviour.
- Equipment is under warranty and you want official service.
- You need the unit back in service quickly with minimal downtime.