Error Code
medium
Hobart LXn/LXGn – LXn/LXGn Will Not Drain
On your HOBART LXn/LXGn SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, a "Machine Will Not Drain"…
Hobart LXn/LXGn - Error 003: Booster Temperature Not Reached During Fill Cycle
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 LXn/LXGn SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, error code 003 indicates that the booster heater failed to reach its setpoint temperature within the allocated time during the fill cycle. This often points to issues with the booster heating element, water supply, or temperature sensor. Prompt diagnosis and repair are crucial to ensure proper sanitization and machine operation.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Incoming Water Supply and Pressure: Ensure the main water supply valve to the dishwasher is fully open. Check for adequate water pressure (typically 15-25 PSI flowing) at the machine’s inlet. Low pressure can cause slow filling or insufficient water for the booster to heat efficiently. Inspect the incoming water filter (if present) for clogs that restrict flow.
- Inspect Booster Heating Element: Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Access the booster heater tank and locate the heating element. Visually inspect the element for signs of damage, burning, or heavy scale buildup. Use a multimeter to check the resistance (ohms) of the heating element; an open circuit or incorrect reading indicates a faulty element.
- Test Booster Temperature Sensor (Thermistor/Thermostat): With power disconnected, locate the temperature sensor within the booster tank. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the sensor and compare it to the manufacturer’s resistance-to-temperature chart (found in the service manual). An erratic or incorrect reading suggests a faulty sensor. Check for proper seating and connection.
- Examine Booster Level Switches and Fill Valve: Ensure the water level within the booster tank is reaching the correct operating level. If a level switch is faulty or stuck, it might prevent the heater from activating or filling correctly. Inspect the booster fill valve for proper operation; a partially clogged or failing valve can cause slow or incomplete filling, exceeding the allocated heating time.
- Check Wiring and Electrical Connections: Inspect all wiring connections to the booster heating element, temperature sensor, level switches, and relevant relays on the main control board. Look for loose, corroded, or burned wires. Ensure all terminals are secure. Verify that the correct voltage is supplied to the booster element when it’s supposed to be heating (requires careful live voltage testing with appropriate safety precautions).
- Evaluate Main Control Board: If all other components test good, the issue might lie with the main control board failing to energize the booster heater relay or misinterpreting sensor feedback. Inspect the control board for visible signs of damage, such as burned components or swollen capacitors. This typically requires professional diagnosis and replacement of the control board.
Common Questions:
Q: What is the “booster” in my HOBART LXn/LXGn dishwasher?
A: The booster, often called a booster heater, is a critical component that heats rinse water to the sanitizing temperature (typically 180°F/82°C) required by health codes. This ensures dishes are properly sanitized after washing.
Q: Why is booster temperature so important for a commercial dishwasher?
A: Maintaining the correct booster temperature is vital for health and safety compliance. High-temperature rinsing effectively sanitizes dishes, killing bacteria and ensuring they are safe for customer use. Failure to reach this temperature means your dishwasher is not sanitizing properly.
Q: Can I still use my HOBART LXn/LXGn dishwasher if error 003 persists?
A: No, it is strongly advised not to use the dishwasher if error 003 persists. Without reaching the proper booster temperature, the machine cannot adequately sanitize dishes, which is a serious health code violation and compromises food safety. The unit requires immediate professional service.
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.