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 070: Minimum Wash Temperature Not Reached
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 LXn/LXGn SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, error code 070 means the wash tank water did not reach its minimum set point. This commonly indicates a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning temperature sensor, or a control board issue. Addressing this quickly is vital for effective sanitation and proper machine performance.
Technical Details
Repair Steps:
- Check Display and Reset: Press the ENTER button on the control panel to clear the error. If the error immediately reappears, a persistent fault exists.
- Verify Water Level: Ensure the wash tank is filled to the appropriate level. Insufficient water can prevent the heating elements from being fully submerged and activating safely, or lead to inaccurate temperature readings.
- Inspect Wash Tank Heating Elements: Power down and disconnect the machine. Locate the wash tank heating elements (typically immersion type). Visually inspect them for signs of corrosion, burn marks, or breaks. Test their continuity with a multimeter; an open circuit indicates a faulty element that requires replacement.
- Examine Wash Tank Temperature Sensor: Locate the temperature sensor (thermistor or RTD) in the wash tank. Disconnect it and check its resistance using a multimeter, comparing the reading to the manufacturer’s specification chart for the current ambient temperature. A reading outside the expected range indicates a faulty sensor. Ensure the sensor probe is clean and properly seated.
- Check Contactor/Relay for Heater Circuit: Access the control compartment and identify the contactor or relay responsible for powering the wash tank heating elements. With power on (use extreme caution or consult wiring diagrams to safely test live circuits), verify that the control board is sending a signal to energize the contactor when heating is required. If the control signal is present but the contactor doesn’t close or pass power, the contactor is faulty.
- Inspect Wiring and Connections: Trace the wiring from the control board to the heating elements and the temperature sensor. Look for any loose connections, crimped wires, or signs of heat damage. Secure any loose terminals and repair damaged wiring as needed.
- Evaluate Control Board: If all other components (heater, sensor, contactor, wiring) test good, the issue may lie with the main control board. A faulty control board may not be sending the correct heating command or is misinterpreting sensor readings. Control board replacement should be considered only after thoroughly ruling out all other possibilities and often requires a service technician with diagnostic software.
Common Questions:
Q: Why is the wash temperature important for dishwashers?
A: Proper wash temperature is critical for effective sanitation and cleaning. It helps to dissolve grease and food particles, activate detergents, and reduce bacterial loads to meet health code standards. Without adequate temperature, dishes may not be properly cleaned or sanitized.
Q: Can I run the dishwasher with error 070?
A: While the machine might still operate, it’s not recommended. Running the dishwasher with insufficient wash temperature will result in poorly cleaned and unsanitized dishes, potentially posing health risks and failing health inspections. It’s best to resolve the error before resuming operation.
Q: How often should I check my dishwasher’s heating elements and sensors?
A: Regular preventive maintenance is key. Heating elements and temperature sensors should be part of an annual inspection by a qualified technician, or sooner if performance issues like error 070 arise. Regular descaling can also prolong the life of heating elements.
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.