Hobart AM16 - Error 016: Wash Tank Pressure Sensor Failure

🛑 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 016 indicates the wash tank water level has exceeded its maximum limit, preventing operation. Initially, hold the power button for 5 seconds to attempt a reset. If the error persists, it points to a potential failure of the wash tank pressure sensor or an issue with the water fill system, requiring further diagnosis.

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Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Clear the Error: As per the machine’s instructions, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. The machine should drain and power off. Power it back on to see if the error clears.
  2. Inspect Wash Tank and Sensor Port: Visually inspect the wash tank for any foreign objects, excessive suds, or debris that might be causing a false reading or actual overfill. Check the entry point of the pressure sensor for any blockages.
  3. Check Wash Tank Pressure Sensor Wiring: Power off and disconnect the machine from the power supply. Locate the wash tank pressure sensor and carefully inspect its wiring harness for any signs of damage, cuts, loose connections, or corrosion. Re-seat all connections.
  4. Test Wash Tank Pressure Sensor: With the machine still powered off, disconnect the sensor. If you have a multimeter, you can test the sensor’s resistance or voltage output (depending on sensor type, e.g., analog vs. digital) as per Hobart’s service manual specifications. A faulty sensor will provide incorrect readings or no output. Replace if found defective.
  5. Verify Water Inlet Fill Valve Operation: An overfill can also be caused by a faulty water inlet fill valve that fails to close properly. Check for continuous water flow into the wash tank even when the machine is off or not in a fill cycle. If the valve is not sealing completely, replace it.
  6. Inspect Main Control Board (PCB): If the sensor, wiring, and fill valve are all confirmed to be operating correctly, the issue may lie with the main control board’s input circuitry for the pressure sensor. Look for any visible damage (e.g., burnt components, swollen capacitors). This typically requires a qualified technician for further diagnosis and replacement.

Common Questions:

Q: What causes error 016 on my HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS?

A: Error 016 is triggered when the dishwasher detects that the wash tank water level has exceeded its maximum safe limit. Common causes include a faulty wash tank pressure sensor, a stuck-open water inlet fill valve, or blockages in the wash tank or sensor port.

Q: How do I clear error 016 if it keeps reappearing on my AM16 DISHWASHERS?

A: If holding the power button for 5 seconds to reset doesn’t resolve it, thoroughly inspect the wash tank pressure sensor and its wiring, check for any obstructions, and verify the proper functioning of the water inlet fill valve. If issues persist, professional diagnosis and component replacement are necessary.

Q: Is it safe to operate the HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS with error 016?

A: No, the machine will not run when error 016 is present. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent overfilling, potential water damage, and ensures the machine operates within design parameters. The unit must be repaired before resuming use.

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.

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