Perlick Back Bar Cooler Troubleshooting Guide: Error Codes & Repairs

When your cooler won’t chill, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can follow to figure out what’s wrong with it. Whether your Perlick back-bar cooler isn’t cooling, turning on, or is just running too long, this guide is here to walk you through the troubleshooting process. We also will help you with any error codes that you might run into and whether you can handle the problem or if tech support is needed. 

Make sure you also consult your unit’s operations manual for specific troubleshooting tips and recommendations as outlined by the manufacturer for the back-bar series. 

Why Won’t My Perlick Back-Bar Cooler Turn On?

• Power cord is unplugged - Plug in the power cord.
• On/Off keypad is in the off position - Turn the keypad to the on position.
• Tripped circuit breaker in the breaker box - Reset the tripped breaker.
• Condenser coil is dirty - Clean the condenser coil.

Why Is My Cooler Running Too Long?

• Condenser coil is dirty - Clean the condenser coil.
• Warm product was placed in the cooler - Wait 24 hours to see if the temperature is cool.
• The ambient room temperature is too high - Test ambient temperature with a thermometer.
  • Note: The temperature should be 75 F or lower

How Do I Fix Perlick Interior Lights?

• Rocker switch is “OFF” - Turn switch “ON.”
• LED board is inoperable - Contact your dealer.

Why Does the Light Stay On When the Door Is Closed?

• Manual switch is “ON” - Turn switch “OFF.”

How Do I Fix a Noisy Perlick Back-Bar Cooler?

• Soft sounds from compressor, fan motor and valves - Soft sounds from the unit are normal.

What Does a Flashing “P1” Error Code Mean?

• Thermostat probe failure - Contact the dealer.

What Does a Flashing “HA” Error Code Mean?

• Compartment temperature has exceeded the high temperature alarm preset value for more than 30 minutes - There are many reasons why the temperature may exceed the upper limit:
  • Door is not completely closed - Make sure that the door is closed completely.
  • Door gasket is faulty - Inspect the door gasket. If it’s worn or cracked, replace it.
  • Condenser is dirty - Clean the condenser.
  • Surrounding ambient temperature changed dramatically - A sudden change in temperature around the unit can affect the unit’s internal temperature. If the temperature is still elevated 24 hours later, begin troubleshooting.
  • Interior light is “ON” - Turn the interior light “OFF.”
• Warm product placed in the cooler recently - Placing warm product in the unit may raise the compartment temperature. Check the temperature in 24 hours: if it’s still elevated, start troubleshooting.

What Does a Flashing “LA” Error Code Mean?

• Compartment temperature has exceeded the low temperature alarm preset value for more than 30 minutes - If the temperature falls below the lower limit, possible causes are:
  • Door is not closed tightly - Be sure to close the door tightly.
  • Door gasket is defective - Check the gasket. If it’s faulty, replace it.
  • Temperature around the unit changed dramatically - A significant change in the temperature around the unit can affect the internal temperature. If the temperature still isn’t normal 24 hours later, start the troubleshooting process.

What Does a Flashing “EE” Error Code Mean?

• Controller has a data or memory failure - Reset the compartment presets. If the issue persists, call a technician.

Why Won’t My Perlick Back-Bar Run?

• No power to the unit - If there’s no power to the unit, check to see if the:
  • ON/OFF keypad is “OFF” - Turn keypad “ON.”
  • Circuit breaker is tripped - Reset the circuit breaker.
• Condenser is dirty - Clean the condenser.

Why Are the Compartments Warmer Than Usual?

• Control preset not set properly - Reset the compartment presets.
• The light is “ON” - Turn the light “OFF.”
• Condenser is dirty or obstructed - Clean the condenser / remove the obstruction.
• Door is open or has been opened frequently - To solve this issue:
  • Keep the door closed - If the temperature is still elevated 24 hours later, begin the troubleshooting process.
  • Reset the temperature - If the preset temperature is higher than it should be, set the unit to the correct temperature. 
• Internal louvers and / or fan guard obstructed - Clear the obstruction.
• Warm product placed in the compartment recently - Introducing warm product into the unit may raise the temperature temporarily. If the temperature is still above normal 24 hours later, start troubleshooting.

Why Does My Perlick System Run For A Long Time?

• Condenser is dirty or obstructed - Clean the condenser / clear the obstruction.
• Door kept open for longer than normal / frequent door openings - Keep door closed and check temperature again in 24 hours. If the temperature is still elevated, start troubleshooting.
• Warm product placed in the unit recently - If warm product is placed in the compartment, it’s normal for the unit to run longer than normal in order to lower the internal temperature. If the unit is running longer than normal for more than 24 hours, begin troubleshooting.
• Ambient temperature around the unit is elevated - If the surrounding air temperature increases, it’s normal for the unit to work harder in order to maintain the internal temperature. If the unit still isn’t running normally 24 hours later, start the troubleshooting process.

What to Do When There’s Condensation Inside The Compartments?

• High humidity and / or frequent door openings - Condensation inside the unit is normal.
• Door is not closed completely - Make sure that the door is closed completely.
• Door is not sealing properly - Check the door seals for damage. Replace the seals if necessary.

What to Do When There’s Condensation Outside The Unit?

• High humidity and / or frequent door openings - Condensation outside the unit is normal.
• Door is not closed properly - Be sure to close the door tightly.
• Door is not sealing properly - Check the seals. If they are defective, replace them. If the condensation persists, contact your dealer.

If you're experiencing other issues with your Perlick back-bar cooler, take a look at our extensive collection of Perlick manuals. It has everything from operations to commercial maintenance and more. 

Please contact a local authorized service agent who can help with these specific units and all your commercial kitchen equipment needs.