Hobart LXn/LXGn - Error 020: Wash Tank Water Level Sensor Fault

🛑 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 020 indicates the wash tank did not reach the expected water level after the rinse cycle. This points to issues with water supply, drainage, or the level sensor. Initially, ensure the tank is clean and reset; if the problem persists, further investigation is required.

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Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Acknowledge and Clear Error: Press the “ENTER” button on the control panel to clear the error. The machine should attempt to drain and reset. This may resolve transient issues.
  2. Inspect Wash Tank Cleanliness: Open the dishwasher door and thoroughly inspect the wash tank. Remove any food debris, detergent residue, or foreign objects that could be obstructing the drain, sensors, or water flow. A dirty tank can impede proper water level detection.
  3. Verify Water Supply: Ensure the dishwasher’s main water supply valve is fully open and that there is adequate water pressure to the machine. Check for kinks or blockages in the fill hose connected to the dishwasher.
  4. Check Drain System for Obstructions: A partial drain blockage can lead to incorrect water level readings or prevent proper filling. Examine the drain hose for kinks or blockages and ensure the drain pump filter (if accessible) is clean. Ensure the drain valve is functioning correctly and not stuck partially open.
  5. Inspect Water Level Sensor/Pressure Switch: Locate the water level sensor (often a pressure switch connected via a clear air tube to the bottom of the wash tank).
    • Air Tube: Check the air tube for kinks, blockages, or disconnections. A blocked or damaged air tube will prevent accurate pressure transmission to the sensor. Clear any blockages.
    • Electrical Connections: Verify that the electrical connections to the pressure switch or water level sensor are secure and free from corrosion.
    • Sensor Functionality: While difficult to test without specialized tools, a faulty sensor is a common cause. If other checks fail, consider this component.
  6. Examine Fill Valve Operation: The fill valve (solenoid valve) controls the incoming water. During the rinse cycle (which is supposed to fill the wash tank in this scenario), verify that the fill valve is opening fully. A partially obstructed or faulty fill valve will not allow enough water into the tank.
  7. Contact Hobart Service: If, after performing these checks, the error 020 persists, it indicates a more complex issue with the water level sensing system, control board, or other internal components that require specialized diagnostic tools and expertise. Contact authorized Hobart service personnel.

Common Questions:

Q: What does error code 020 on my Hobart LXn/LXGn dishwasher signify?

A: Error code 020 indicates that the dishwasher’s wash tank did not achieve the expected water level after the rinse cycle. This suggests an issue with water intake, drainage, or the sensor monitoring the water level.

Q: Can a dirty wash tank cause this error?

A: Yes, absolutely. Accumulated food particles or debris in the wash tank can obstruct drains or interfere with the water level sensor’s ability to accurately detect the water height, leading to an incorrect reading and triggering error 020.

Q: Is it safe to continue using my Hobart dishwasher with error 020?

A: No, it is not recommended. The machine’s inability to maintain proper water levels means it cannot effectively wash dishes, and continued operation could potentially cause damage to heating elements or other components if they operate without sufficient water. Address the error before resuming use.

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.

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