Error Code
medium
Hobart AM16 – Not Dispensing Chemicals
On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, chemicals not dispensing typically indicates issues…
Hobart AM16 - Error 086: Booster Overtemperature Tripped
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 086 indicates that the booster heater has experienced an overtemperature condition and its safety thermostat has tripped. This critical safety mechanism prevents overheating, stopping the wash cycle until the issue is resolved and the thermostat is manually reset. Investigate potential causes such as low water levels or a faulty heating element to restore operation.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Water Supply and Level: Ensure the dishwasher has a consistent and adequate water supply. Check the wash tank and booster heater tank for proper water levels. Low water levels are a common cause of booster overtemp.
- Inspect Booster Heater Elements: Turn off power to the machine and carefully inspect the booster heating elements for signs of scale buildup, damage, or scorching. Excessive scale can reduce heat transfer and lead to localized overheating.
- Check Overtemperature Thermostat (High-Limit): Locate the booster heater’s high-limit thermostat (often a small button that can be manually reset). This is usually a red button or a small plunger. If tripped, push it firmly to reset. If it immediately trips again, a persistent issue exists.
- Test Booster Heater Contactor/Relay: With power off, check the contactor or relay that controls the booster heater. A stuck contactor can continuously supply power, leading to overheating. Perform continuity checks if possible or visually inspect for damage.
- Examine Control Board and Wiring: Inspect the main control board and all wiring connected to the booster heater for loose connections, burnt wires, or corrosion. A faulty temperature sensor or control board could also misread temperatures or fail to shut off the heater.
- Reset the Machine: After addressing any identified issues and resetting the overtemperature thermostat, restore power to the dishwasher. Attempt to clear the error code through the control panel, or power cycle the machine if no specific reset option is available.
Common Questions:
Q: Why does my booster heater keep tripping the overtemp?
A: Frequent overtemperature trips often indicate insufficient water flow, excessive scale buildup on heating elements, a faulty heating element, or a failing high-limit thermostat itself. Investigate these areas first.
Q: Can I manually reset the booster overtemp?
A: Yes, the booster overtemperature thermostat usually has a manual reset button, often red. However, merely resetting it without addressing the root cause will likely result in it tripping again, and could pose a safety risk.
Q: What is the normal operating temperature for a Hobart AM16 booster heater?
A: The Hobart AM16 booster is designed to raise water temperature to sanitizing levels, typically between 180°F (82°C) and 195°F (91°C) for final rinse, depending on local health codes and machine settings. Overtemp indicates it significantly exceeded this range.
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.