Ice-O-Matic Ice Machine Troubleshooting
When it comes to ice, Ice-O-Matic is one of the best brands in the foodservice industry. In the rare case that there’s an issue with your unit, this list of common Ice-O-Matic ice machine troubleshooting tips will help you identify and resolve issues quickly and easily.
This guide contains troubleshooting tips for the Ice-O-Matic CIM series. This includes models such as the CIM0320, CIM0325, CIM0335, CIM0520, CIM0526 and CIM0535.
Machine Doesn't Run
If your Ice-O-Matic ice machine won’t turn on, consider the following:
- Unit is unplugged – If the machine is unplugged, plug in the unit.
- Fuse is blown - Check the circuit breaker. If necessary, call a licensed electrician to solve the issue.
- Poor water flow to the machine - Check if the water supply valve is closed or if the water filter needs to be replaced.
- Evaporator has mineral build-up - Descale and sanitize the evaporator.
- Power cord is damaged - If the cord is damaged, replace the cord.
- Wiring is faulty - Contact an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
- Selector switch isn’t set to “ICE” - If the switch isn’t set to “ICE,” change the setting.
- High pressure safety control is tripped – If the safety control is tripped, you'll need to reset it and see what's causing high head pressure.
- High temperature safety control is open – When the high temperature control is open, have an authorized technician remedy the issue.
- Bin control is out of alignment – See if the bin control needs to be adjusted or defective. If it's faulty, have it replaced by an authorized technician immediately.
Machine Not Making Ice
If your ice machine runs but there’s no ice, possible causes could be:
- Compressor isn’t running – If the compressor isn’t running, a bad contactor or coil might need to be replaced, or it could be a broken compressor or starter components. Have an authorized technician replace these parts or the entire compressor assembly.
- Water is leaking – Look for leaking out of the purge drain or water trough. Both could prevent the production of ice.
- Suction pressure is low – Since this requires the handling of refrigerant, make sure it's looked at and repaired by an authorized technician.
- Condenser is dirty – An unclean condenser can increase pressure head and affect air flow, lowering the production of ice.
- Hot gas valve is leaking – If the hot gas valve leaks during freezing, you'll need to have the valve replaced.
Machine Doesn’t Make Enough Ice
If your Ice-O-Matic ice machine isn’t making enough ice, possible reasons include:
- Ambient temperature is too high - If the air temperature surrounding the unit is too high, the machine will produce less ice. The recommended room temperature for maximum ice production is 70°F (21.1°).
- Water line is clogged - Remove the obstruction.
- Machine isn’t clean - Clean the unit regularly. Refer to our Ice-O-Matic ice machine cleaning guide for specific instructions.
- Unit isn’t level - Place unit on a flat surface so that it sits level on the floor or countertop, depending on the model.
Machine Not Harvesting
The harvest cycle starts when ice is ejected from its ice mold. When the machine doesn't enter this mode, look for the following:
- Uneven freeze pattern on evaporator – An uneven freeze pattern can be linked to different factors. If the compressor is in good shape, the issue could be tied to an overcharged system or a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) that is stuck open. If the compressor is worn out, have it replaced by an authorized technician.
- Leaking in the valves – There could be leaks in either the purge valve or hot gas valve. Stop the leakage by having an authorized technician replace either valve or removing any obstructions.
- Timer issues – The timer initiate control might need to be readjusted or repaired by an authorized technician. If the entire timer is defective, it would have to be replaced by an authorized technician.
- High temperature safety control is open – If this control is open, the manual purge switch won't energize the purge valve into operation.
Machine Harvests Too Long
If the harvest cycle is excessive, check for these issues in order to troubleshoot your unit:
- Harvest assist assembly is defective – If the harvest assist assembly is broken or not properly installed, readjust it or have it replaced by an authorized technician.
- Uneven ice formation on the evaporator – When the ice is uneven on the evaporator, there could be a refrigerant charge or leak. This MUST be handled by an authorized technician.
- Hot gas valve is defective – If the hot gas valve is broken or out of alignment, this could extend the harvest time. Have an authorized technician readjust or fix it immediately.
- Evaporator is dirty – The evaporator is crucial during the freezing and harvest cycles. If it's dirty, clean it to improve performance.
Hollow Ice Cubes
If you notice hollow ice cubes coming out of your Ice-O-Matic ice machine, look for these root causes:
- High water temperature – If the temperature exceeds 100°F (37.8°C), this will affect ice cubes during freezing and production. Correct the temperature in your facility.
- Water is leaking – Check for leakage from the purge drain. A blockage or broken drain could be causing a leak. If the drain is blocked, remove the obstruction. If it’s defective, call an authorized technician to address the issue.
- Timer issues – If the timer is set properly, see if the module needs to be readjusted or is broken. Also, check if the timer initiate control needs to be realigned or repaired by an authorized technician.
Mold In The Machine
If you see mold inside the machine, possible causes include:
- Unit is in a location that makes it prone to mold - Place your ice machine in an area where there isn’t a lot of moisture or excessive humidity.
- Ice isn’t handled properly - Be sure to only remove ice from the unit with the scoop. Never use bare hands, glassware or any other tool.
- Machine isn’t cleaned frequently/properly - Cleaning your machine regularly and properly is a good way to prevent mold. If you need specific instructions, see our Ice-O-Matic ice machine cleaning article.
Looking for additional troubleshooting help? Check out our Ice-O-Matic ice machine manuals with instructions for your specific model.