Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 084: Minimum Final Rinse Temperature Not Reached. Locked
Critical / Stop Operation
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 AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, error code 084 indicates that the final rinse temperature did not reach the minimum required level for three consecutive cycles, triggering a machine lockout. This usually points to issues with the rinse heating element, the booster heater, or the temperature sensor. To temporarily clear the error, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds; however, a persistent issue requires a thorough diagnostic to ensure proper sanitation.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Perform Initial Reset: As per the machine’s description, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. This will clear the error, drain the machine, and power it off. If the error recurs after subsequent cycles, further troubleshooting is required.
- Verify Incoming Hot Water Supply: Check the facility’s hot water supply to the dishwasher. Ensure it meets the specified temperature and pressure requirements. Insufficiently hot incoming water forces the booster heater to work harder or longer, potentially failing to meet temperature within cycle limits.
- Inspect Rinse Booster Heater and Elements: Access the machine’s booster heater and inspect the heating elements for visible damage, scorching, or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check the continuity of each heating element. A lack of continuity indicates a failed element requiring replacement. Also, check the integrity of the element’s terminals and wiring.
- Test Rinse Temperature Sensor: Locate the rinse temperature sensor (often a thermistor or RTD probe). Disconnect it and measure its resistance at various temperatures if possible, comparing it against the manufacturer’s resistance-to-temperature chart. A faulty sensor can provide inaccurate readings, causing the control board to incorrectly believe the temperature is too low or too high.
- Examine Heating Element Contactor/Relay: For the rinse heating system, check the main contactor or relay that supplies power to the heating elements. With the power off, visually inspect for burnt contacts. With power on (and extreme caution), check for proper voltage output across the contactor’s load side when the heater is commanded on. A faulty contactor may prevent power from reaching the elements.
- Check Over-Temperature Thermostats/Fuses: Some booster heaters include manual reset high-limit thermostats or thermal fuses. Locate and check if any high-limit thermostat has tripped (press the reset button if present). Use a multimeter to check continuity across any thermal fuses; if open, they indicate an overheating event or a failure of the fuse itself.
- Inspect Control Board for Damage: As a last resort, if all components check out, visually inspect the main control board for any signs of burnt traces, swollen capacitors, or other visible damage, particularly in the circuit areas controlling the rinse heating system. While less common, a faulty control board could be failing to command the heaters or correctly interpret sensor inputs.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is maintaining the minimum final rinse temperature critical for my HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS?
A: The minimum final rinse temperature is crucial for effective sanitization, ensuring that dishes are hygienically clean and safe for use. It’s often mandated by health codes.
Q: Can I bypass the temperature lockout to continue using my AM16 DISHWASHERS?
A: No, bypassing the lockout is not recommended. The machine locks out as a safety measure to prevent unsanitized dishes from being used, which could pose a health risk. Always resolve the underlying temperature issue.
Q: How can I prevent the 084 error from recurring on my HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS?
A: Regular preventative maintenance, including checking heating elements, descaling the booster heater, and ensuring proper incoming hot water supply, can help prevent this error. Consistent monitoring of water quality also extends component life.
When to call a technician
For this error, we recommend calling a certified technician. Do not continue operation or attempt repair yourself.
- Equipment shows a critical or stop-operation fault.
- You smell gas, burning, or see smoke or sparks.
- Error returns after following the steps above.
- You are not trained to work on this equipment.
- Warranty or safety could be affected by DIY repair.