Hobart wash heater element
Part: 466555
Heater element number cited for AM-series low wash-temperature faults.
$100-$140
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Hobart Commercial Dishwasher Error Codes
Hobart commercial dishwashers are the standard in restaurant kitchens. AM series (undercounter), CL series (conveyor), FT series (flight-type), and AUX series (warewashers) use a digital control board with numeric fault codes.
Hobart AM Series Error Codes
| Code | Fault | Common Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fill fault | Water not reaching level | Check supply valve, inlet screen, float switch |
| 2 | Wash temp low | Wash tank not heating | Check heating element, thermostat |
| 3 | Rinse temp low | Final rinse not hot enough | Check rinse heater, temperature sensor |
| 4 | Drain fault | Tank not draining | Check drain pump, hose, float switch |
| 5 | High limit | Water temperature exceeds safe limit | Check thermostat, relay stuck on |
| 6 | Chemical low | Detergent or rinse aid empty | Refill chemical containers |
| 7 | Sanitizer fault | Sanitizer temp or flow error | Check sanitizer chemical, dispenser pump |
| 8 | Door switch | Door open or switch failed | Check door latch, microswitch alignment |
| 9 | Motor overtemp | Wash pump motor thermal trip | Let cool, check pump for binding |
| 10 | Controller fault | Main board failure | Cycle power, replace board if persists |
Hobart CL Conveyor Series Codes
| Code | Fault | Common Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| E01 | No water flow | Supply valve closed or filter clogged | Check water supply, clean inlet filter |
| E02 | Low temperature wash | Wash tank below 140°F | Check heater elements, contactor |
| E03 | Low temperature rinse | Rinse below 180°F (chemical) or 190°F (hot water) | Check rinse booster heater |
| E04 | Conveyor jam | Conveyor motor overload | Clear jammed racks, check drive chain |
| E05 | Drain solenoid stuck | Tank won’t drain | Clean drain solenoid, replace if stuck |
| E06 | Chemical dispense error | Detergent not dispensing | Check pump, tubing, chemical level |
| E07 | High limit thermostat | Temperature exceeded limit | Check contacts, replace thermostat |
| E08 | Rinse flow switch | No rinse water flow | Check rinse solenoid, flow switch |
Hobart AM-14 Specific Codes
The AM-14 (most common undercounter model) has a simplified diagnostic: two-digit LED display.
| Code | Fault | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fill cycle timeout — water not reaching level | Clean inlet screen, check float |
| 02 | Wash thermostat open — no heat | Replace wash thermostat |
| 03 | Rinse thermostat open — no rinse heat | Replace rinse thermostat |
| 04 | Drain cycle timeout — tank not draining | Check drain pump impeller |
| 05 | Overfill — water level too high | Clean or replace float switch |
| 06 | Door open during cycle | Close door, check microswitch |
| 07 | Wash pump overload | Reset motor overload, check pump |
| 08 | Booster heater on continuously | Replace high-limit thermostat |
Most Common Hobart Dishwasher Faults
Error 1 — Fill Fault
The most common fault on Hobart undercounter dishwashers. The machine tries to fill but the float switch never signals full within the programmed time (typically 3-5 minutes). Cause is usually a partially closed water supply valve under the counter — restaurants often close it for maintenance and forget to reopen, or a clogged inlet screen. Remove the inlet hose from the fill valve and check the small mesh screen — scale and debris clog it. Clean with a toothbrush.
Error 2 — Wash Temperature Low
The wash tank must reach 150-160°F for proper cleaning. If the temperature stays below threshold for too long, error 2 activates. On AM series, the wash heater element (4.5 kW, 208V) fails about every 2-3 years in high-volume kitchens. Test resistance across the element terminals: a good element reads 9-12 ohms. An open reading (OL) means the element is burned out. Hobart element 466555 (~$120) is the replacement for most AM models.
Error 4 — Drain Fault
The machine can’t drain within the time limit. The drain pump on Hobart undercounter models has a plastic impeller that cracks or strips over time — the motor runs but doesn’t move water. Remove the drain pump volute and inspect the impeller. Hobart drain pump kit ~$80. Also check the drain hose for kinks — the hose behind the machine can get crushed against the wall.
Parts Reference
| Part | Fits | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wash heater element | AM-14, AM-14C | $100-$140 |
| Rinse thermostat | AM-14, AM-14C | $40-$70 |
| Float switch | AM-14, AM-15 | $25-$45 |
| Drain pump assembly | AM-14, CL series | $70-$110 |
| Door microswitch | AM-14, AM-15 | $15-$30 |
| Inlet screen/filter | All AM models | $5-$10 |
| Chemical feed pump | AM-14C, AM-15 | $80-$150 |
Technician Tips
On Hobart dishwashers, start every fault diagnosis with water level, temperature, and drain condition before replacing controls. A partially closed water valve, scaled inlet screen, or blocked drain can mimic a failed board. For low-temperature faults, confirm actual tank temperature with a calibrated thermometer and test the heater element resistance before ordering parts.
DIY vs Pro: Cleaning inlet screens, checking float movement, and replacing simple switches are reasonable maintenance tasks for a qualified restaurant tech. Heater elements, booster circuits, high-limit thermostats, and conveyor drive faults should be handled by a commercial kitchen equipment technician because they involve high-current wiring and scalding water.
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