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Carpigiani Ice Cream Machine Troubleshooting

Carpigiani Ice Cream Machine Troubleshooting

Ice cream is always in high demand, especially when the temperature rises. Whether it's a chain restaurant or frozen yogurt shop, Carpigiani manufactures heavy-duty ice cream machines built to serve customers day after day. If these commercial ice cream machines experience a rare but occasional hiccup, don't let it freeze business. The tips below for troubleshooting a Carpigiani ice cream machine will help you identify the problem quickly.


The following guide is made for the 191 and 193 Carpigiani ice cream machines.

Compressor Starts, Then Stops

If the compressor starts up normally but stops after only a few seconds, it typically has to do with poor circulation.

  • Water-cooled unit – Water isn't circulating. To remedy the issue, open the water inlet valve and see if the pipe is damaged or bent.
  • Air-cooled unit – The air isn't circulating. Make sure the machine is in an area where it has plenty of space to circulate properly.

Still happening? Contact an authorized technician for further assistance.

Ice Cream or Mix Leaks

Leaking typically occurs in the following spots:

  • Above or below the plunger – Whether the door is closed or opened, check if the piston's O-ring missing or worn out. Turn off the machine to reattach the O-ring or replace the worn one.
  • Drip drawer/tube – If leaking is coming from the drip drawer or tube, usually the stuffing box is missing or worn. Turn off the machine to reinstall or replace the stuffing box.

Ice Cream Comes Out from Front Lid

If you notice ice cream or mix coming out from the front lid, look for the potential causes below:

  • Missing or improperly fitted O-ring – The O-ring on the front lid could be missing or isn't fitted properly. Turn off the machine to check and correct the issue.
  • Knobs aren't evenly tightened – Check if the front lid knobs aren't evenly tightened. Turn off the machine to loosen and tighten the knobs properly.

Dispensing Handle Too Hard to Move

Is the dispensing handle on the machine too hard to operate? Sugar might have dried on the piston. Turn the machine off and wash it thoroughly. Once it's clean, make sure to grease the plunger and O-ring with edible fat or OEM greaser. For more cleaning steps, check out our Carpigiani ice cream machine cleaning guide.

Low Overrun

If there is low ice cream overrun, the pump might not have been adjusted correctly. Turn off the machine to adjust the position of the pump's central knob.

Carpigiani Ice Cream Machine Error Codes

Below are some of the error codes that you might run into on your commercial ice cream machines:

Critical Alarms

These critical alarms cause the machine to set at STOP.

  • A01 (PTMA) - This code displays when the thermal protection is tripped. 
  • A02 (RTC/PTMC) - This code is when the compressor thermal relay or compressor thermal protection is tripped. 
  • A03 (TESV) - This code occurs when the tank safety thermostat is tripped. 
  • A04 (TESC) - When the cylinder safety thermostat is tripped, this critical alarm is displayed. 
  • A05 (TEV) - This code alerts when the tank sensor is faulty. 

General Alarms

  • A06 (TEC) - A faulty cylinder sensor will cause this alarm. If the tripping is from pasteurization or storage, the machine will set at STOP. If it comes instead from cleaning or production, the machine will remain in that function. 
  • A07 (TGV) -  When the tank evaporator sensor is faulty, the machine will cause a blinking LED light but won’t stop the machine. 
  • A09 (IMS) - This alarm is for the safety magnet switch, meaning the front lid is open. 
  • A11 (PRESS) - This alarm happens when the high pressure switch is tripped. After 3 trips or 2 consecutively, the machine sets to STOP.  
  • A12 (TE1) - When the cylinder evaporator sensor is faulty, the alarm will cause a blinking LED light. The machine will remain in the same function. 
  • A22 (TIME OUT) - While the unit is in production, if it stays on more than 15 minutes without reaching HOT, the machine sets at "Hot reached" status and with alarm A22.
  • A24 (MIX OUT) - If the level LED light is on and a number of portions are the same as or higher than the value set in step t23 (Last Cones) and is dispensed, the machine will display A24 and go to storage mode. 
  • A30 - If the TEV is over 15°C in STOP, a Pasteurization cycle will be forced and the display will show the A30 alarm.
  • Wnn - WAS - The Wnn code is shown on the machine to display the days until the machine needs to go through a wash cycle. The last few days before cleaning, the display will read WAS. 
  • Stb - This code is displayed when the unit is in standby mode, or the ice cream isn’t ready for distribution yet.
  • PHS - This alarm means that the machine is set to STOP because of the phase controller. 
  • LOW - When the “LOW” code is displayed, it means the mix is out and the reserve LED is on. This alarm is active in all functions except cleaning. 

Need more help maintaining or troubleshooting your Carpigiani machine? Check out our library of Carpigiani manuals for assistance.

Please contact a local authorized service agent who can help with this specific unit and all your commercial kitchen equipment needs