Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 003: Booster Temperature Not Reached During Fill Cycle
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 003 indicates that the booster heater failed to reach the required sanitizing temperature during the fill cycle. This issue typically points to problems with the water supply, the booster heater element, its associated thermostat, or the contactor. Immediate troubleshooting should focus on verifying these components to ensure proper sanitization.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Incoming Water Temperature and Pressure: Ensure the incoming hot water supply to the booster heater is at the recommended temperature (typically 120-140°F or 49-60°C) and adequate pressure. Low incoming temperature means the booster works harder, potentially timing out.
- Inspect Booster Heater Element: Power down the unit and visually inspect the booster heater element for signs of scaling, corrosion, or breakage. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. A lack of continuity indicates a faulty element that needs replacement.
- Check Booster Thermostat/Hi-Limit Thermostat: Locate the booster thermostat and any associated hi-limit thermostats. Test for continuity. A tripped hi-limit thermostat might need to be reset (if it’s a manual reset type) or replaced if it fails to show continuity. Ensure the operating thermostat is functioning correctly and sending a signal for heat.
- Examine Booster Heater Contactor: With power off, inspect the booster heater contactor. Manually push in the contactor to check for smooth operation. Then, with power on (and safety precautions), check for proper voltage across the contactor terminals when the heater is supposed to be active. A faulty contactor won’t supply power to the heating elements.
- Evaluate Water Level and Flow Switches: Ensure the wash tank is adequately filled. A faulty water level sensor or flow switch might prevent the booster from activating or receiving a correct signal, leading to a timeout.
- Review Control Board Connections: If all other components check out, inspect the connections at the main control board related to the booster heater circuit. Look for loose, corroded, or burnt wires. While less common, a faulty control board could be preventing the heater activation.
Common Questions:
Q: What is the booster temperature and why is it important for my HOBART AM16?
A: The booster temperature is the elevated water temperature (typically 180°F or 82°C) required during the final rinse cycle to properly sanitize dishes and meet health code standards. It’s critical for eliminating bacteria and pathogens, ensuring food safety.
Q: Can I continue to use my AM16 DISHWASHERS if I see error 003?
A: It is strongly advised not to use the machine for commercial dishwashing if error 003 persists. Without reaching the proper booster temperature, the dishes are not being sanitized effectively, which poses a significant health risk and violates sanitation regulations.
Q: How often should I perform maintenance to prevent booster heater issues?
A: Regular descaling of the booster tank and heating elements, along with routine checks of incoming water temperature, pressure, and electrical connections, can significantly reduce the likelihood of booster heater issues. Follow Hobart’s recommended preventive maintenance schedule, typically quarterly or bi-annually depending on water quality and usage.
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.