Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Dishes Not Clean
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 AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, dishes not being clean typically indicates an issue with water flow, temperature, chemical dispensing, or physical obstructions. Begin by ensuring the machine has adequate water supply and correct operating temperature. Thoroughly inspect wash and rinse arms, strainers, and the pump for any blockages.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Safety First: ALWAYS disconnect the main electrical power supply to the dishwasher (and booster heater if applicable) before performing any internal inspection or service. Drain the tank completely.
- Inspect for Pump Obstruction: Remove the main strainer basket and the standpipe from the wash tank. Visually inspect the pump intake and the drain intake for any food debris, utensils, or other foreign objects that may be obstructing water flow. Clear any obstructions found.
- Verify Water Temperature: Use a calibrated thermometer to confirm both the wash and rinse water temperatures are within Hobart specifications (typically around 150-160°F for wash and 180°F for rinse). If temperatures are incorrect, check heating elements, thermostats, and the booster heater for proper operation. Contact a qualified technician for adjustment or repair if necessary.
- Check for Excessive Mineral Deposits: Examine the interior of the wash tank, spray arms, and heating elements for signs of heavy scale or mineral deposits. Excessive scale reduces heating efficiency and water flow. If present, a deliming procedure may be necessary; refer to your unit’s manual (typically page 27 for deliming instructions).
- Examine Wash and Rinse Arms: Ensure the wash and rinse arms are free from clogs in their nozzles and that they can rotate freely without obstruction. A clogged or stationary arm will result in poor spray coverage. Clear any blockages using a small brush or toothpick.
- Clean All Strainers: Thoroughly clean the main strainer basket, the scrap tray, and any other filters or screens in the wash tank to ensure unrestricted water supply to the wash pump. Refer to the unit’s cleaning instructions (typically page 27).
- Confirm Chemical Dispenser Operation: Verify that your chemical dispenser (detergent and rinse aid) is operating correctly. Check chemical levels, ensure dispenser lines are not clogged, and confirm the appropriate chemical concentration is being dispensed into the wash and rinse cycles.
- Review Operational Practices: Ensure dishes are properly scraped free of excessive food soil before loading. Advise staff on proper rack loading techniques to prevent items from nesting or blocking water spray, allowing for optimal cleaning and rinsing coverage. Refer to the Preparation and Dishwashing sections of your manual (typically pages 22, 24).
Common Questions:
Q: Why are my dishes still spotty after a cycle in my Hobart AM16?
A: Spotty dishes often indicate issues with rinse aid dispensing, incorrect rinse water temperature, or excessive mineral deposits (hard water). Check your rinse aid levels and dispenser operation, verify the rinse water temperature is at least 180°F, and consider deliming the machine if scale is present.
Q: What if the dishwasher isn’t filling properly, leading to poor cleaning?
A: If your AM16 isn’t filling adequately, first check that the main water supply valve is fully open and that the water inlet strainer is not clogged. Also, inspect the fill valve for proper operation and ensure the float switch isn’t stuck, indicating a false full level.
Q: How often should a Hobart AM16 dishwasher be delimed?
A: The frequency of deliming depends heavily on your local water hardness and machine usage. In areas with very hard water or high usage, deliming may be required monthly or quarterly. Regular visual inspections for scale buildup will help determine the optimal schedule for your operation.
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.