Antunes VCT Bun Toaster Troubleshooting & Error Codes
Antunes' Vertical Contact Toaster (VCT) is designed to effectively toast everything from buns to rolls. Formerly known as the Roundup VCT Bun Toaster, this piece of equipment is a mainstay in many fast food restaurants and dining establishments around the world.
Unfortunately, a broken unit can "toast" your commercial kitchen in a hurry. Luckily, we have troubleshooting tips and error codes for an Antunes VCT Bun Toaster to diagnose what is ailing your machine. This guide helps you identify your unit's symptoms and lets you know when to contact an authorized service technician for assistance.
Buns Not Toasting Properly or Burning
Undercooked or burnt buns aren’t what customers want. If you notice buns aren’t properly cooked, try some of these fixes:
- Darkness is set too high or low - Adjust the setting using the arrow buttons on the control pad to decrease or increase the darkness.
- Bun thickness isn’t set properly - Use the knob to adjust the bun thickness to the proper setting.
- Worn, dirty or non-OEM release sheet – Be sure you're using a real OEM Antunes release sheet. If that's not the issue, check if the release sheet is torn, worn or dirty. If your unit is used regularly, make sure to replace the sheet every four to six weeks. See your owner's manual for cleaning and replacement instructions.
- Conveyor cover is improperly installed - Check the front and back conveyor cover and ensure it’s properly seated.
- Control display flashes "LO" – Whenever the platen temperature falls below 440°F, wait 30 minutes and before rechecking the unit to see if it warmed up. If not, contract an authorized technician. Other possible factors could be a faulty platen, a failed platen solid state relay, a defective platen thermocouple or bad wiring in the circuit. These also would need to be repaired by an authorized technician.
- Control display flashes "HI" – Similar to a flashing "LO" display, a "HI" reading also could be tied to a failed platen solid state relay, platen thermocouple and control board. In most cases, the thermocouple connection will need to be re-secured or replaced by an authorized technician.
- Worn or dirty belt wraps – See if the belt wraps aren't sticky or are worn out or dirty. If your unit is used regularly, the belt wraps should be replaced every three to six months. See your owner's manual for cleaning and replacement instructions.
- Conveyor issues – If the conveyor belt chains are skipping, measure and adjust them immediately. Check your owner's manual for proper instructions. The conveyor safety interlock switch also might not be activated by the heat shield. Readjust the ajar shield or have it replaced by an authorized technician if damaged.
No Heat or Conveyor Not Turning
The VCT can only toast buns when conveyors are turning and the unit is heated up. If it’s doing neither of these things, the fix might be easier than you think.
- Unit is unplugged - Inspect the power cord to ensure it isn’t damaged or unplugged. Plug in the unit or contact a technician if the cord needs to be replaced.
- Unit is off - Use the rocker switch to turn on the unit.
- Hi limit control is tripped - Turn the unit off and then reset the hi limit by removing the cover cap and pushing the button until you hear the click. If the hi limit continues to trip, contact a technician.
- Circuit breaker is off or tripped - Turn on or reset the circuit breaker.
- Drive motor overheated or failed – If the drive motor is overheated, let your unit cool and check for anything blocking near the sprockets. You may need to adjust the conveyor belt. If the motor has failed completely, contact an authorized technician to repair.
- Drive chain issues – A faulty drive chain can prevent the conveyor from turning properly. First, see if the chain needs to be lubricated. Consult your owner's manual for the proper OEM lubricate. Second, see if the motor drive chain came off its sprockets. If so, you'll need to have the chain reinstalled by an authorized technician.
- Heat shield needs to be adjusted or replaced – Check if the safety interlock switch isn't activated. If it is, reposition the heat shield. You'll need to have the heat shield replaced by an authorized technician if it's bent or damaged.
Product Getting Stuck
Did you drop buns in the right slot but aren’t finding any coming out at the bottom? They may be stuck. As part of these Antunes VCT bun toaster troubleshooting tips, we’ll show you how to get the unit working again.
- Bun thickness isn’t set properly - Use the knob to adjust the bun thickness to the proper setting.
- Worn, dirty or non-OEM release sheet – Be sure you're using a real OEM Antunes release sheet. If that's not the issue, check if the release sheet is torn, worn or dirty. If your unit is used regularly, make sure to replace the sheet every four to six weeks. See your owner's manual for cleaning and replacement instructions.
- Conveyor belt issue - The conveyor belts could be anything from worn, loose or even broken. Contact a technician to replace or tighten them.
- Drive motor failed – Contact an authorized technician to repair or replace it.
Control Display Flashes "PO," "CHEC," and "HI" & "USE" Error Codes
- Flashing "PO" continuously – When the control display flashes "PO" continuously, your unit could either have below 190 volts of power or a failed transformer or control board. Try switching the unit off and back on again. If "PO" is still displaying, look for damage on the power cord or outlet or reset the circuit breakers. You may need to contact an authorized technician or electrician if issues persist.
- Flashing "CHEC" continuously – Whenever you see this displayed, the control compartment's temperature is over 140°F or either the cooling fan or control board has failed. Before diving deep into your toaster, check that your unit's side vents aren't blocked or near other warm appliances. If "CHEC" still displays, contact an authorized technician.
- Flashing "HI" and "LO" then "HI" and "USE" – If your machine flashes "HI" and "LO" at startup and then "HI" and "USE" after 20 or 30 minutes, the auxiliary thermocouple connection on the control board could be loose or the thermocouple is open. Contact an authorized technician to refasten the connection or check for continuity.
No Control Display
- Check the plug – See if the power cord is unplugged or was knocked out of outlet, plug it back in.
- Tripped high-limit control – Make sure the unit cools down, and reset the high-limit control. Contact an an authorized technician if it trips again.
- Circuit breakers off or tripped – If your circuit breakers are tripped or off, reset it. If they still trip, see if your rocker switch, power cord, plug and outlet are broken. You may need to contact an authorized technician or electrician to resolve the issue.
Need more help? Our collection of Antunes manuals has troubleshooting tips for your specific VCT Bun Toaster model.