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 008: Wash Tank Temperature Not Reached During Fill Cycle
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 LXn/LXGn SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, error code 008 indicates the wash tank did not reach the setpoint temperature within the allotted fill time. This can be caused by a faulty wash tank heater, insufficient water supply pressure, or a defective thermistor. Inspect these components and their connections to diagnose the root cause.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Verify Water Supply and Pressure: Ensure the dishwasher has adequate hot water supply and proper inlet water pressure (typically 15-25 PSI dynamic for optimal performance). Low water pressure or a partially closed supply valve can impede the fill cycle and subsequent heating. Check all inlet screens and filters for blockages.
- Check Wash Tank Heater: Disconnect power to the unit. Access the wash tank heater elements (usually located at the bottom of the wash tank). Use a multimeter to check for continuity across each heater element. A reading of infinity (open circuit) indicates a faulty element that needs replacement. Also, check for short circuits to ground.
- Test Wash Tank Thermistor/Temperature Sensor: With power disconnected, locate the wash tank thermistor. Disconnect its wires and measure its resistance using a multimeter. Compare the reading to the manufacturer’s resistance chart (usually found in the service manual) for the current ambient temperature. A reading significantly outside the expected range indicates a faulty thermistor that requires replacement. Check for damaged wiring leading to the thermistor.
- Inspect Heater Contactor/Relay: The wash tank heater is typically controlled by a contactor or solid-state relay (SSR) on the control board. With power disconnected, visually inspect the contactor for signs of burning or pitting on the contacts. For an SSR, check the control input signal (if safe and appropriate) and ensure it’s switching power to the heater correctly when called. A faulty contactor/SSR will prevent the heater from activating.
- Examine Control Board Connections: Power off the unit and inspect the connections at the main control board, particularly those related to the wash tank heater and thermistor circuits. Look for loose, corroded, or burned wires/terminals. A faulty control board might not be sending power to the heater or correctly interpreting the thermistor’s input.
- Drain and Clean Wash Tank: Ensure the wash tank is clean and free of excessive lime scale or food debris that could affect heating element efficiency or thermistor readings. Perform a thorough delime and cleaning cycle if necessary.
- Clear Error and Monitor: After performing the necessary checks and repairs, restore power to the dishwasher. Press the ENTER button (as per the original description) to clear the error. Run a full wash cycle and carefully monitor the wash tank temperature and the dishwasher’s operation to confirm the issue is resolved.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is reaching the correct wash tank temperature critical for my HOBART LXn/LXGn SERIES DISHWASHERS?
A: Proper wash tank temperature is absolutely vital for effective cleaning and sanitization. Dishes must reach specific temperatures to break down food soils and kill bacteria, ensuring compliance with health standards. Failure to reach temperature means compromised hygiene.
Q: Can I manually override the temperature sensor if it’s faulty to continue operation?
A: It is strongly advised against overriding safety features or sensors. Doing so can lead to inadequate cleaning, potential health code violations, further damage to the dishwasher, or even create a safety hazard. Always replace faulty components promptly.
Q: How long does it typically take to fix error code 008?
A: The repair time for error 008 can vary significantly depending on the root cause. A simple wiring fix or thermistor replacement might take an hour or two, while replacing a heater element or diagnosing a complex control board issue could take longer and require specialized parts.
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.