Hoshizaki Ice Maker Troubleshooting Guide

Hoshizaki Ice Machine is Not Producing Ice

There are many factors that can cause your Hoshizaki ice machine to not make ice. Here are a few things you can check to diagnose this issue.

Check the power supply and fuse. If the ice machine is not starting, check to see if it is plugged in properly and is in the ON position. Also check if there are any loose connections that need to be tightened and if the voltage is too high and needs to be replaced. If everything looks okay, check for a blown fuse. Replace the electrical panel if it has a short circuit.

Check and clean the float switch. If the float switch is sticking, it may be due to scale build-up. Clean the float switch with ice machine cleaner and check the operation with an ohm meter. If it still does not check properly after you clean it, replace the float switch.

Check your compressor. Clean your condenser’s air filter if it’s clogged and dirty. Replace any loose connections. If your compressor is defective, call your service agent to replace.

Check your refrigerant. The unit will not run properly if the refrigerant is undercharged or overcharged. Recharge if necessary.

Check if your control board is functioning properly. If you suspect your control board is defective, reference your service manual to perform a control board check. Replace if necessary.

Hoshizaki Ice Machine is Not Producing Enough Ice

There are several factors that can lead to under-production of ice. Many ice production issues stem from the environment that your ice machine is located in.

Deep clean the machine. Be sure to check that the evaporator, condenser, air filter, water filter, and water valve are clean before conducting a production check. Low ice production could be caused by buildup, so it’s important to regularly deep clean your ice machine.

Check the room temperature. Maximum ice production for each machine is partially calculated based on the room temperature where the unit is located. If your location exceeds the suggested temperature, the machine will not be able to produce the maximum amount of ice. The recommended room temperature for maximum ice production is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check the water temperature. Check the incoming water temperature and the ambient condensing temperature of the unit. If the water used to make the ice is too warm, the ice will not be able to properly form.

Hoshizaki Freeze Cycle is Longer Than Normal

Long freeze cycles can also result in low or abnormal ice production. Here are a few steps you can take to diagnose this issue.

Clean the float switch. If the float switch is sticking, it may be due to scale build-up. Clean the float switch with ice machine cleaner and check the operation with an ohm meter. If it still does not check properly after you clean it, replace the float switch.

Check your water valve. A leaking water valve will lengthen the freeze cycle. Clean the bleed port in the valve diaphragm, replace the diaphragm, or replace the water valve.

Check your refrigerant. Check for leaks and recharge if necessary.

Hoshizaki Ice Machine is Freezing up

When dealing with a freezing ice machine, the most important element to check is the evaporator plate. It is recommended to defrost and clean the ice maker prior to diagnosing freeze-up

Defrost and clean the ice maker. Defrost the unit to check if the evaporator plate has mineral or scale buildup. If buildup is present, clean the water system with Hoshizaki ScaleAway, following the instructions provided on the cleaner’s label.

Check the waterline size. Confirm that the waterline is of adequate size. An undersized waterline as well as an undersized water inlet valve can contribute to a freeze-up.

Look for frozen waterlines. Frozen waterlines are common in extremely cold regions or during winter months. Call a plumber right away if you notice frozen waterlines.

Look for obstructed waterlines. Obstructed or clogged waterlines can be caused by scale or mineral buildup. Call a plumber to have obstructed waterlines professionally cleaned.

Check the water flow rate. Verify that the incoming water flow rate matches what your ice maker needs. If you find the water flow is reduced, check the external water filters and replace as needed.

Check if your control board is functioning properly. If you suspect your control board is defective, reference your service manual to perform a control board check. Replace if necessary.

Mold in Hoshizaki Ice Maker

Molding in an ice machine can be common if the machine is in an unsuitable environment. It can also be caused by infrequent or improper cleaning.

Sanitize the bin. If you find mold in your ice bin, deep clean and sanitize the unit per the cleaning and sanitizing instructions provided in your unit's manual. 

Ensure your staff is properly handling ice. Make sure your staff is always handling ice with an ice scoop and never their hands or used glassware. Clean the ice scoop every night.

Consider moving the unit. Keep your machine away from any areas of your kitchen that are more conducive to mold. This includes prep stations that handle large amounts of dough, yeast, sugar, or any ingredients that thrive in environments with lots of moisture.

Hoshizaki Ice Machine is Leaking

Leaks that come from the outside of the ice machine are most likely a plumbing issue that is related to the machine not being insalled properly. This fix will require a plumber. If the leak is coming from inside the machine, you’ll need to call an authorized ice machine technician to fix the issue. Turn your machine off before inspecting to avoid any potential accidents or electrical injury.

Check the shutoff valve. If the origin of the leak is the water shutoff valve, attempt to contain the leak to avoid water damage and call a plumber to rectify the problem.

Look for drain obstructions. Check the drains and clear any obstructions.

Inspect the water line. Similar to water shutoff valve malfunctions, a cracked or loose water line requires the help of a plumber to get your machine working back to normal.

Deep clean the machine. Once a plumber has come to fix the unit, or you’ve managed to dislodge anything blocking the drains, deep clean your machine to ensure there are no other buildup issues.