Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Low/no Wash Tank Heat
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, low or no wash tank heat typically indicates issues with the heating element, water level, or associated electrical components. Ensure the wash tank has sufficient water and inspect the heating element for excessive lime scale. Further diagnosis involves testing electrical continuity and component functionality to restore proper operating temperature for effective dish sanitization.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Water Level: Confirm the wash tank has reached its proper fill level. Insufficient water will prevent the heating elements from activating or operating safely. Check the float switch or level sensor for proper operation.
- Inspect Heating Elements: Turn off the machine and drain the wash tank. Visually inspect the heating elements for excessive lime scale buildup, corrosion, or physical damage. Heavy scale acts as an insulator, preventing heat transfer. Clean any scale accumulation using an approved descaling solution.
- Test Heating Element Continuity: With power isolated, use a multimeter to check the continuity and resistance of each heating element. A reading of infinity (open circuit) or very low resistance (short circuit) indicates a faulty element that needs replacement.
- Check Wash Tank Thermostat/RTD: Locate and test the wash tank thermostat or RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector). Use a multimeter to verify its resistance changes correctly with temperature, or check for proper contact closure if it’s a mechanical thermostat. A faulty thermostat can inaccurately report temperature, preventing heating.
- Examine Heating Contactor: Inspect the heating contactor for signs of arcing, pitting, or mechanical failure. With power on (and extreme caution), verify that the control board is sending a voltage signal to the contactor coil when heat is demanded. If the coil is energized but contacts don’t close, the contactor is faulty.
- Verify High-Limit Thermostat: Check the high-limit thermostat (over-temperature safety switch). This component is designed to trip if the wash tank overheats. If it has tripped, it may need to be manually reset or replaced if faulty, preventing heating.
- Inspect Control Board Output: If all other components test good, verify that the control board is sending the appropriate signal voltage to the heating contactor coil when the machine calls for heat. A lack of output indicates a potential control board issue.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is my Hobart AM16 dishwasher not heating?
A: Common causes include low water level, excessive lime scale on the heating elements, a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat or RTD, or a defective heating contactor. Electrical supply issues can also prevent heating.
Q: How often should I descale the heating elements in my AM16 dishwasher?
A: The frequency depends on your water hardness and machine usage. In hard water areas, descaling may be required monthly or quarterly. Regular visual inspection during routine cleaning is recommended to identify scale buildup early.
Q: Is it safe to operate my Hobart AM16 dishwasher with inadequate wash tank heat?
A: No, operating with low wash tank heat is not recommended, especially in a commercial setting. Proper water temperature is critical for effective cleaning and sanitization, ensuring compliance with health codes and preventing the spread of bacteria. The machine is not performing its intended function without proper heat.
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.