Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 081: Final Rinse Temperature Too High
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 081 signifies an excessively high final rinse temperature, exceeding 239°F (115°C). This condition typically points to a malfunction in the rinse heater's control circuit or the temperature sensor itself. Immediately clear the error and investigate the rinse booster heater's function and sensor accuracy to prevent potential damage or safety hazards.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Temperature Sensor (RTD/Thermistor): Locate the rinse tank or booster heater temperature sensor. Disconnect the sensor and test its resistance with a multimeter, comparing readings to the manufacturer’s resistance chart for the specified temperature. A faulty sensor can send incorrect, low-resistance (high-temperature) signals to the control board, causing it to overheat. Also, check sensor wiring for damage, shorts, or loose connections.
- Inspect Rinse Booster Heater Contactor/SSR: Access the electrical panel and identify the contactor or Solid State Relay (SSR) controlling the rinse booster heater. With power OFF and locked out, visually inspect the contactor for welded contacts or the SSR for signs of overheating or damage. Test the contactor for continuity across its main terminals when de-energized (should be open); if closed, it’s welded. For an SSR, test for continuity across the load terminals, which should be open when not energized by the control board.
- Evaluate Rinse Booster Heater Element: Ensure the machine is completely drained and isolated from power. Carefully inspect the rinse booster heater element for visual signs of scale buildup, physical damage, or shorting to the tank. Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the heating element. Also, ensure proper insulation resistance to ground; an element shorted to ground can sometimes cause erratic temperature readings.
- Check Control Board Output: With extreme caution (live testing if necessary, by a qualified technician only), verify the control board’s output signal to the rinse booster heater contactor/SSR. The board should only be sending a signal to energize the heater when the rinse temperature is below its set point. If the board continuously sends a signal even when the temperature is high or without demand, the control board may be faulty.
- Verify Water Level and Flow: Ensure the rinse tank is filling to the correct level and that water flow through the booster heater is unimpeded. Low water levels around the heater element can cause localized overheating and trigger high temperature alarms, or lead to element damage. A faulty water level sensor or fill valve could contribute to this issue.
Common Questions:
Q: What is the most common cause of high rinse temperature on a Hobart AM16?
A: The most frequent culprits for error 081 are a failing temperature sensor (sending incorrect readings to the control board) or a stuck-closed contactor/shorted solid-state relay (SSR) that continuously powers the rinse booster heater, causing it to overheat.
Q: Can I continue to use my dishwasher if the final rinse temperature is too high?
A: No, it is not recommended. Extremely high rinse temperatures can damage dishes, waste energy, and indicate a critical control system malfunction that could potentially lead to further equipment damage or a safety hazard. The machine should be serviced immediately.
Q: How do I reset error code 081 on my Hobart AM16?
A: To clear error 081, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. The machine will drain and power off. However, if the underlying issue is not resolved, the error will likely reappear upon the next operation.
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.