Hobart LXn/LXGn - Error 086: Booster Overtemp Tripped

🛑 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 086 indicates that the booster heater has experienced an over-temperature condition, triggering a safety cutout. This will prevent further operation until the overtemp device is manually reset. Investigation is required to determine the root cause of the overheat before resetting.

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Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Power Cycle and Inspect: Turn off the dishwasher’s main power switch and allow it to cool down completely for at least 15-20 minutes. Carefully inspect the booster heater area for any obvious issues such as burnt wiring, leaks, or obstructions around the heater.
  2. Locate and Reset Overtemp Thermostat: The Hobart LXn/LXGn series booster heater typically includes a manual reset over-temperature thermostat, often identifiable by a small red button. Once the unit is cool, locate this button (usually on the booster tank itself or near its heating elements) and press it firmly until it clicks to reset it.
  3. Check Water Inlet and Fill Level: Insufficient water flow or a low water level in the booster tank can cause the heating elements to overheat. Verify that the incoming water supply is fully open and that the machine fills correctly to the appropriate level. A faulty water inlet valve or level sensor could be preventing proper water fill.
  4. Inspect Heating Elements and Contactors: With the main power supply disconnected and locked out for safety, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the booster heating elements. Replace any elements that show an open circuit or a short. Also, inspect the contactor responsible for energizing the booster elements for signs of arcing, pitting, or mechanical failure, which could cause it to remain closed.
  5. Verify Temperature Sensors/Probes: A faulty temperature sensor (NTC thermistor or RTD) in the booster tank might be providing incorrect readings, causing the heater to operate beyond its set point. Test the sensor for proper resistance values according to the service manual’s specifications, or consider replacing it if its readings are suspicious.
  6. Check Control Board Output: If all booster components (elements, contactor, sensors) appear functional, the main control PCB might be erroneously energizing the booster heater. This requires advanced diagnostics, often involving specific service tools, to confirm if the board is sending a continuous signal when it shouldn’t.
  7. Professional Service: If the error code 086 persists after performing these troubleshooting steps, or if you are unsure about any electrical tests, it is critical to contact a qualified commercial kitchen technician or Hobart Service. They possess the specialized tools and expertise to safely diagnose and repair complex control system issues.

Common Questions:

Q: What causes booster over-temperature error 086?

A: Error 086 on Hobart LXn/LXGn dishwashers indicates the booster heater has overheated. Common causes include low water levels, a faulty heating element continuously heating, a malfunctioning temperature sensor, or issues with the control board.

Q: How do I reset the booster over-temperature on my Hobart LXn/LXGn dishwasher?

A: First, power off the dishwasher and allow it to cool completely. Locate the small red manual reset button on the booster tank or near its heating elements, then press it firmly until it clicks. Do not reset without cooling first.

Q: Is it safe to continue using the dishwasher with error 086?

A: No, the machine will not operate with error 086 active. This is a critical safety lockout indicating a potential overheating hazard, which must be resolved before the dishwasher can be safely used again.

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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