Hobart LXn/LXGn - Error 077: Detergent Empty or Not Sensed, Locked Out

🛑 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 077 indicates that the detergent has not been sensed for three consecutive cycles, causing the machine to lock out. This typically means the detergent bottle is empty, improperly connected, or the pump requires priming. Verify the detergent supply and connection, then prime the pump to resolve the issue and restore operation.

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Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Verify Detergent Supply and Connection: First, confirm the detergent bottle is not empty. Replace the detergent bottle with a new one if it is. Next, ensure the cap and the suction tube are securely attached to the bottle and that the tube is fully submerged in the detergent. A loose connection or air leak can prevent proper sensing.
  2. Prime the Detergent Pump: After ensuring the detergent supply, press the ENTER button on the dishwasher’s control panel as indicated by the machine to prime the detergent pump. The pump draws detergent into the system. You may need to repeat this step several times until the detergent is visibly flowing or the error clears.
  3. Inspect Detergent Suction Tube and Filter: Carefully examine the entire length of the detergent suction tube for kinks, blockages, or damage. Check if there’s a small inline filter at the end of the tube submerged in the detergent and clean it if clogged. Air in the line due to a crack or loose fitting will prevent detergent draw.
  4. Check Detergent Pump Operation: Listen closely when priming the pump. Can you hear the pump motor running? If not, the pump itself might be faulty or not receiving power. While this is a more advanced diagnosis, it points to potential electrical or mechanical failure of the pump assembly.
  5. Address Detergent Sensor Issues (Advanced): If detergent is definitely present and the pump appears to be operating, the issue might lie with the detergent flow sensor or conductivity sensor that detects the presence of detergent. These sensors can become fouled or fail, requiring inspection or replacement by a qualified technician.
  6. Contact Your Chemical Supplier or Service Technician: If you’ve performed all the above steps and the error persists, there may be a deeper issue with the machine’s detergent dispensing system, a faulty sensor, or an unusual issue with the detergent itself. Contact your commercial kitchen equipment service provider or chemical supplier for further diagnosis and repair.

Common Questions:

Q: Why does my HOBART LXn/LXGn dishwasher lock out when the detergent is empty?

A: The machine locks out to prevent washing without detergent, which would result in improperly sanitized dishes and potential health risks. It ensures that every wash cycle includes the necessary chemicals for effective cleaning and sanitation.

Q: How do I prevent the 077 error from happening frequently?

A: Regularly monitor your detergent levels, especially if your dishwasher sees heavy use. It’s good practice to have a spare bottle ready. Always ensure the cap and suction tube are securely fitted to prevent air leaks and ensure consistent detergent delivery.

Q: What if I prime the pump, but the error code 077 doesn’t clear?

A: If priming doesn’t clear the error, re-check the detergent bottle for secure connection and sufficient contents. Inspect the suction tube for blockages or kinks. If these seem fine, there might be an issue with the detergent pump itself or the sensor that detects detergent, requiring 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.

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