Troubleshooting :: Frozen Beverage :: Machine Controls

Introduction

Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if the mechanical controls are functioning properly, especially with frozen product in the machine.  As a general recommendation, we encourage customers to perform the Controls Verification steps in the FB: Viscosity Controls article with a clean machine and liquid product to eliminate as many variables as possible.  If that is not possible, the below troubleshooting steps will also verify the controls as well as determine if any components have failed and which components need replacing.  If the machine has only one primary compressor for both the cylinder and hopper, it is recommended to perform the below steps with the machine completely empty of product, the doors off and all beaters and wearable parts removed from the machine.  

Warning: Operating the machine with the doors off is dangerous.  Please be careful not to place your hands or any objects inside the freezing cylinder when in operation.  Failure to do so may cause severe injury.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Turn the machine power OFF.  If there are multiple flavors, turn power to both flavors OFF.
   
2. Turn the machine power to Freeze mode.  If there are multiple flavors, only power on the side performing troubleshooting.
   
3. Press the Standby button to turn on Standby mode.  The light on the button should turn to an amber color.  
   

Note: For machines with a light-box, or an overhead design, the light-box or standby indicator will illuminate blue.

Solution: If the Standby button does not come on or the standby button is broken or sticky, the standby button needs to be replaced and is likely causing issues.

4. Press the Standby button again to turn off Standby mode.  The light on the button should turn off.
   

Solution:  If the Standby button does not turn off, or the light is always illuminated, the standby button needs to be replaced and is likely causing issues.

5. The Standby button functionality has now been verified. Turn the machine power OFF.
   
6. Turn the machine power to WASH mode.  The motor should turn on and the motor should rotate the product clockwise looking from the front of the machine.
   

Solution: If the motor does not turn on, or the motor direction is rotating the wrong way, please see the FB: Troubleshooting Motor article to further diagnose.

7. The motor functionality and electronics has now been verified.  Turn the machine power OFF.
   
8. Hold the Torque Lever all the way to the left, ensure the Torque Switch is open, or not engaged.  Turn the machine power to FREEZE.  The motor will turn on and a few seconds later, the compressor should turn on.  Keep holding the Torque Lever to the left for 30-60 seconds and allow the compressor to run.
   

Note: In smaller machines without an auxiliary compressor, a solenoid controls the cooling to the cylinders.  The compressor may already be running to cool the hoppers if the hopper temperature is greater than 42F (5C).  In subsequent steps, you should verify the solenoid is opening/closing when the steps refer to the compressor turning on/off respectively.

Solution:  If the compressor shuts off within the 30-60 seconds, or does not turn on at all, please see the FB: Troubleshooting Compressor article to further diagnose.

9. After 30-60 seconds has elapsed, move the Torque Lever all the way to the right and hold to the right.  Ensure the Torque microswitch clicked and has engaged closed.  The compressor should shut off within a couple seconds.  Continue holding the lever to the right.  The motor will shut off after 10-30 seconds.  
   

Solution:  If the compressor does not shut off, there is likely an issue with the Torque Switch, wiring, or potentially the control board.  Please verify wiring per wiring diagram located inside the machine.  Verify wiring to control board is good and there are no broken wires or pins/crimps.  With machine power OFF, unplug and re-plug in the large ribbon cable to ensure proper seating.  Use an Ohmmeter to verify switch functionality, and verify switch engages and closes at the right location. If wiring and switch are good, please see the FB: Troubleshooting Control Board article for further instructions.

10. If the motor has turned off, the torque switch and torque lever have now been verified as functional.  Leave the machine in FREEZE mode.
    
11. Hold the torque lever to the left, and manually lift up on the draw lever.  The motor should turn on, and a few seconds later, the compressor should turn on.  Repeat steps 8 and 9 to cycle compressor safely.
    

Solution:  If motor does not turn on, there is likely an issue with the Draw Switch, wiring, or potentially the control board.  Please verify wiring per wiring diagram located inside the machine.  Verify wiring to control board is good and there are no broken wires or pins/crimps.  Use Ohmmeter to verify switch functionality, and verify switch engages at the right location.  If wiring and switch are good, please see the FB: Troubleshooting Control Board article for further instructions.

12. If steps 8 and 9 are repeated and the motor and compressor turn on and off as explained, mechanical controls, wiring, and control system are all verified as functional.