Meiko M-iClean - Error 118: Check Bottom Wash/Rinse Arm

⚠️ 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 MEIKO UM, UM+, US unit, error code 118 indicates an issue with the lower wash arm, specifically that it may be missing, incorrectly installed, or experiencing poor water flow. This prevents effective cleaning during wash cycles. Immediately inspect the lower wash arm for proper placement and check the pump filter for clogs to restore optimal performance.

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Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Safely Power Down and Access: Turn off your MEIKO warewasher at the main power switch or unplug it from the wall socket. Open the machine door and remove any racks, allowing the unit to cool if it has recently completed a hot cycle.
  2. Inspect Lower Wash Arm Installation: Locate the lower wash arm within the wash chamber. Gently remove it, ensuring it’s clean and all spray nozzles are clear of food debris or limescale. Check for any damage or internal blockages. Reinstall the wash arm, ensuring it clicks securely into place and can rotate freely by hand. Incorrect installation is a common cause of this error.
  3. Check and Clean the Pump Filter: Locate the pump filter, typically found at the bottom of the wash tank (consult your MEIKO operator manual, Section 5.1, Daily Cleaning, for exact location). Carefully remove the filter basket and any associated screens. Thoroughly clean the filter under running water, removing all food particles, debris, and sludge. Inspect the pump intake area for any larger obstructions. Reinstall the cleaned pump filter components correctly.
  4. Verify Water Flow: After reinstalling the wash arm and filter, close the machine door and restore power. Initiate a short wash cycle without dishes. Observe the lower wash arm’s rotation and the strength of the water jets. Water should spray evenly and forcefully. If the arm still doesn’t rotate or water flow is weak, recheck for blockages in the arm itself, the filter, or the pump impeller area if safely accessible.
  5. Reset and Test: If the issue persists after these checks, turn the machine off and on again to clear the error code. Run a full wash cycle with a light load to confirm normal operation and effective cleaning. If the error returns, or if there’s no visible improvement in water flow, further diagnostics may be needed, potentially involving the wash pump or control system.

Common Questions:

Q: Why is error 118 appearing even after I’ve cleaned the wash arm?

A: If the wash arm is clean but the error persists, the issue might be an incorrect reinstallation, preventing the arm from seating properly, or a blockage further down the water circulation path, such as in the pump filter or even the pump’s impeller itself. Ensure the arm can spin freely and the filter is spotless.

Q: Can a partially clogged pump filter cause error 118?

A: Yes, absolutely. A partially clogged pump filter restricts water flow to the wash pump, which in turn reduces the pressure and volume of water delivered to the wash arms, leading to insufficient water flow through the lower wash arm and triggering error 118.

Q: How often should I check the lower wash arm and pump filter to prevent this error?

A: For optimal performance and to prevent error 118, it’s recommended to check and clean the lower wash arm and pump filter daily, as part of your routine machine cleaning. Heavy use or dishes with excessive food debris may require more frequent checks.

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.

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