Hoshizaki Ice Machine Troubleshooting
Hoshizaki is one the best ice machine manufacturers in the foodservice industry, making everything from crescent cubes to chewy cubelets. So when your ice machine is on the fritz, we understand it can be very frustrating.
Sometimes, a Hoshizaki machine beeps to give you a helpful hint with what's wrong, but that doesn't identify every issue. Fortunately, we have some helpful Hoshizaki ice machine troubleshooting tips to get to the bottom of your issue. That way your unit can get back up and running in no time.
This guide is applicable to most Hoshizaki ice machines, including KM models such as the KM-1100MAJ, KM-1200 and KM-1300MAF.
Not Making Ice or Cooling
There are many factors that can cause your Hoshizaki machine not to make ice. Here are some common issues to look for.
- Unit isn’t plugged in - Plug in the power cord.
- Control switch is set to OFF or PUMP - Flip the switch to ON.
- Mode switch is set to CLEAN - Flip the switch to ICE.
- Circuit breaker is off or tripped - Turn on or reset the breaker.
- Water supply valve is closed - Open the valve.
- The condenser coil is dirty - Clean the condenser.
- The air filter is dirty or damaged - Replace or clean the filter.
- The float switch, spray tube or spray guides are dirty - Clean the components.
- Note: For heavily soiled units, clean and sanitize the unit.
- Water filters are dirty or clogged - Replace the filter.
Not Making Enough Ice
In some cases, your machine might still make ice but the production is too low. This often can lead to a long freeze cycle. Check for the problems listed above for "not making ice," and also look for the following issues.
- Water problems – A long freeze cycle can be caused by a variety of factors related to your water. Check if the temperature is too high or the pressure is too low. If neither is a problem, look at the water quality. Poor quality could be causing a buildup of lime or other contaminants, means you need clean your ice machine and add a filter.
- Refrigerant line – Any problems with the refrigerant line can halt the production of ice. Check for gas leaks, clogs or overcharging. Make sure that any work involving refrigerant is conducted by a certified technician.
- Low-side pressure issues – Check if the expansion valve has low-side pressure that is too low or high. If low, replace the valve. If too high, see if the valve's bulb is mounted properly and replace if necessary.
- High-side pressure too high – Check if the unit's air filter or condenser needs to be cleaned, and remove anything that could be blocking the vents. The ambient temperature could also be too warm, causing high pressure. Consult your owner's manual for the correct temperature.
Abnormal or Thin Ice
Whenever you notice misshaped, cloudy or thin ice being produced by your machine, look for the problems below.
- Water system issues – Check for clogs in the water valve, plate or supply line. A buildup of scale or other contaminants can cause issues and should be cleaned immediately. If the problem persists, see if the supply line has low pressure.
- Defective thermistor or controller board – Look at the machine's thermistor or controller board. If either is malfunctioning, replace it as soon as possible.
- Worn out pump motor – If you notice leaking or worn out bearing from your unit's pump motor, replace it immediately.
- Dirty Air filter or condenser – In some cases, a clogged air filter or condenser can hinder the look of your ice. Try cleaning them before replacing. If you notice damage on either, change it.
Making Noise
A soft humming noise is normal in any machine. However, loud or abnormal sounds can be caused by the following issues.
- Bad gear motor or head – Check the gear motor on your machine for a damaged or worn out gear motor bearing or gear head. Cleaning or oiling either the part could help, but you will have to replace them if there is obvious damage.
- Solenoid – The solenoid can be overloaded due to loosened screws. Tighten the screws, and apply sealant if necessary. Also, other matter like dirt and grime could be covering the plunger. Try cleaning this part and the surrounding area to stop or reduce the noises.
- Mechanism – There could be a bad setting or poor alignment of the sprocket. These can be fixed by cleaning, oiling and readjusting the mechanism. Also, see if there is foreign matter interrupting the agitator. Remove it, and clean the surrounding area.
- Fan motor –Replace the fan blade if you notice it's defective or split. If the fan blade isn't moving freely or has worn out bearings, replace the fan motor
- Compressor – In some instances, the compressor's mounting pad can be out of position. Reinstall the pad so it's mounted properly. Also, check to see if the bearings are worn out. If so, replace the compressor.
Evaporator Freezing Up
When the evaporator freezes up, it can both halt and hinder the production of ice in your machine. Check for the factors below when trying to diagnose the roost cause.
- Incomplete defrost – When the evaporator doesn't completely defrost, there could be a defective defrost heater or an open defrost thermostat. These will need to be replaced. If the machine's defrost thermistor is out of place, try to reposition it (see your owner's manual for specific instructions).
- Control module defects – Whenever the compressor or evaporator fan stays on during defrost, this means the unit could have a faulty control module. Please consult your manual for further instructions, or contact a service technician.
Need a little more help with your specific unit? Check out our selection of Hoshizaki manuals and diagrams to get additional troubleshooting and maintenance tips.