Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 070: Minimum Wash Temperature Not Reached
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 HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, error code 070 indicates the wash temperature failed to reach its minimum set point, compromising sanitization. This is typically caused by issues with the wash tank heating element, temperature sensor, or water level. Addressing these components is crucial to restore proper operation and hygiene compliance.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Check Power Supply and Breakers: Ensure the dishwasher is receiving proper power and that no circuit breakers dedicated to the unit (especially for heating circuits) are tripped.
- Verify Wash Tank Water Level: Confirm that the wash tank is filled to the correct operating level. A low water level can prevent the Wash Tank Heating Element from activating due to safety cutoffs. Inspect the Water Level Sensor (e.g., float switch or pressure transducer) for proper function and cleanliness.
- Inspect Wash Tank Heating Element: Power off and lock out the machine. Visually inspect the Wash Tank Heating Element(s) for signs of damage, corrosion, or heavy scale buildup. Using a multimeter, test for continuity across the element terminals. An open circuit indicates a failed element that needs replacement.
- Test Wash Tank Temperature Sensor: Locate the Wash Tank Temperature Sensor (thermistor or RTD). With the machine powered off, measure its resistance using a multimeter. Compare the reading to the manufacturer’s specifications at various temperatures (e.g., ambient water temperature) to determine if it is sending accurate data to the control board. A faulty sensor can cause incorrect temperature readings and prevent proper heating.
- Examine High Limit Thermostat: Many commercial dishwashers have a manual-reset High Limit Thermostat for the wash tank heater. Locate it and check if its reset button has popped out. If so, press it to reset. If it trips again quickly, there may be an underlying issue causing consistent overheating or a faulty thermostat. Test for continuity if it has not tripped.
- Check Heater Contactor/Relay: The Heater Contactor (or solid-state relay) controls the power supply to the heating element. With power off and locked out, manually press the contactor to ensure it moves freely without sticking. With extreme caution and proper lockout/tagout procedures followed, power on the machine and use a voltmeter to check if the control board is sending a signal to the contactor coil and if the contactor is passing power to the heating element when heat is called for. A failed contactor will prevent the element from receiving power.
- Evaluate Main Control Board: If all other components (heating elements, sensors, thermostats, and contactors) test good, the Main Control Board may be faulty. It might not be correctly interpreting sensor data or failing to send the appropriate signals to the heater contactor. This diagnosis should only be made after ruling out all other possible component failures.
Common Questions:
Q: What is the typical operating wash temperature for a HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit?
A: The wash temperature in a HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS typically ranges from 150-160°F (65-71°C) to ensure effective cleaning and proper sanitization compliance according to health standards. Always refer to your machine’s manual for specific operational set points.
Q: Why would my AM16 dishwasher’s wash temperature suddenly drop or fail to reach the set point?
A: Common causes for the wash temperature not reaching its minimum set point include a failed wash tank heating element, a faulty temperature sensor providing incorrect readings to the control board, a tripped high limit thermostat, insufficient water level in the wash tank, or a malfunctioning heater contactor/relay.
Q: Is it safe to continue operating my HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS if it displays error 070?
A: No, it is not recommended to continue using your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS if it displays error 070. Without reaching the minimum required wash temperature, the machine cannot effectively sanitize dishes to health code standards, posing a potential health risk and failing to meet operational requirements. Prompt repair is essential.
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.