Hoshizaki IM-500SAB
Cuber with a hinged water tank and a two-digit display on the control board. Errors show as E1 / E2 directly, or as EE with the detailed code shown in brackets in the manual.
What it is: Self-contained square cube ice machine
Key combo: Settings: hold RESET for 3 s with on showing. Information display: hold SERVICE 1 for 3 s.
Hoshizaki IM-500SAB error codes
| Code | Meaning | Likely cause | How to reset |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Freeze backup timer | Evaporator still above 32 °F (0 °C) 45 min after the tank started closing: water valve or hot gas valve leaking by, pump not pumping, expansion valve, low charge, weak compressor | Press RESET. |
| E2 | Harvest backup timer | Harvest end temperature not reached in 30 min: open thermistor, hot gas valve not opening, expansion valve leaking by, low charge, weak compressor | Press RESET. |
| EE (E3) | Water tank failed to open in 3 min | Actuator motor or its position sensor, control board | Unit stops 60 min and retries; if it repeats it shuts down. Check actuator and board, then press RESET. |
| EE (E4) | Water tank failed to close in 3 min | Actuator motor or its position sensor, control board | As E3. Check actuator and board, then press RESET. |
| EE (E5) | High evaporator temperature (140 °F / 60 °C for 5 s) | Harvest stuck on (hot gas valve or relay), hot water getting in, shorted thermistor | Fix the cause and press RESET. |
| EE (EA) | Control board error | Model data chip faulty | Replace the control board. |
| EE (EC) | Evaporator (cube control) thermistor open or shorted | Thermistor or its plug | Replace the evaporator thermistor. |
How to enter service / parameter mode
- With on in the display, hold RESET for 3 seconds. The display shows 1, the first setting number.
- Use SERVICE 1 and SERVICE 2 to pick a setting number.
- Press RESET to show its value (it flashes).
How to change and save a setting
- Change the value with SERVICE 1 / SERVICE 2.
- Press RESET to select it.
- Leave the buttons alone; the display returns to on after about 20 seconds and the setting is saved.
Other useful key presses
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Information display | With the unit on, hold SERVICE 1 for 3 s. n1 shows. Scroll with SERVICE 1 / 2 and press RESET to see each value (freeze time and more). |
| Bigger dimple | Raise the freeze end temperature (setting 2) with SERVICE 1, in 0.5 °C steps. Default is −18.5 °C. |
| Smaller dimple | Lower setting 2 with SERVICE 2. Do not go below a 3/16 in (5 mm) dimple. |
Notes
- E9 (condenser thermistor) and Ed (water regulating valve) are in the board's code list but cannot occur on this model, so we have left them out.
- Control board settings are factory set. Changing them can affect performance and warranty.
For licensed technicians only. This equipment can involve mains voltage, high-voltage microwave circuits, gas and refrigerant. Isolate power (and gas) before opening panels, follow the manufacturer's manual and your local licensing rules (for example ARC refrigerant handling and electrical or gas licences). Wrong settings can spoil food or damage equipment. Check every value on the unit in front of you before changing it.
Based on: Hoshizaki IM-500SAB service manual. Always check the manual for your exact model and software version.
ServiceModes is not affiliated with Hoshizaki or any other manufacturer. Written in our own words from the manufacturer's documentation.