Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 071: Minimum Rinse Temperature Not Reached
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 HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, error 071 indicates the final rinse water did not reach the required minimum temperature for proper sanitization. This often points to issues with the booster heater, incoming water supply, or temperature sensor. Address these components promptly to restore safe and effective dishwashing operations.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Check Incoming Hot Water Supply: Ensure your facility’s hot water heater is functioning correctly and supplying water to the dishwasher within the recommended temperature range (typically 120-140°F / 49-60°C). Verify adequate water pressure and check for any clogged inline filters that might restrict flow to the machine.
- Inspect Booster Heater Operation: Disconnect power to the dishwasher. Visually inspect the booster heater elements for signs of damage, excessive scale buildup, or burning. Use a multimeter to check for continuity across the heater elements; replace if an open circuit is detected. Verify the operation of the booster heater contactor and check if the high-limit thermostat has tripped (look for a reset button). Confirm correct voltage supply to the booster heater.
- Examine Rinse Temperature Sensor: Locate the rinse temperature sensor (often a thermistor or RTD) in the rinse manifold or tank. Disconnect the sensor and test its resistance using a multimeter, comparing the reading to the manufacturer’s specified resistance-temperature chart. A faulty sensor will provide inaccurate readings. Also, inspect the sensor’s wiring for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
- Verify Control Board and Wiring Integrity: With power off, carefully inspect all electrical connections on the main control board related to the rinse heater and temperature sensor. Look for any signs of loose, corroded, or burnt wires or terminals. Trace the wiring harness from the booster heater and temperature sensor back to the control board to ensure there are no breaks, shorts, or damaged insulation. If all other components check out, the control board itself might require further diagnostics by a qualified technician.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is the rinse temperature critical for my Hobart AM16?
A: The final rinse temperature is crucial for proper sanitization, ensuring dishes meet stringent health code standards by effectively killing bacteria and other pathogens. A low rinse temperature means your dishes are not being safely sanitized.
Q: Can I still use the dishwasher with error 071?
A: While the machine may physically complete cycles, it is not properly sanitizing dishes. Using it for commercial food service without the correct rinse temperature can lead to health code violations, potential customer illness, and poses a significant risk to food safety.
Q: What’s the most common cause for this error?
A: The most frequent causes for error 071 are a malfunctioning booster heater failing to heat the water, insufficient incoming hot water supply to the machine, or a faulty rinse temperature sensor providing incorrect readings to the control system.
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.