Follett Ice Machine LED Indicator & Error Code Guide
Follett troubleshooting reference for Chewblet ice machine LED indicators, hard and soft errors, and maintenance procedures. Covers Symphony Plus, 7 Series, 15 Series, Horizon Elite, and Maestro Plus models.
Follett LLC is a subsidiary of The Middleby Corporation
Healthcare Facility Notice
Healthcare facilities should maintain a written cleaning strategy based on the manufacturer's recommendations and facility policy. The red Maintenance LED activates on a 6-month cycle to signal that periodic maintenance is due. Document all service activities per your facility's policy.
LED Indicator Quick Reference — All Models
Maintenance
6-month periodic maintenance due
RED — Timer-BasedLow Water
Water supply issue detected
YELLOW — Check SupplyTime Delay
Ice jam in transport tube
YELLOW — Timed DelaySleep Cycle
Machine in sleep mode
YELLOW — NormalMaking Ice
Normal ice production active
GREEN — NormalLow Bin
Storage bin is low on ice
GREEN — InformationalPower On
Machine has power
GREEN — NormalHard Errors vs. Soft Errors
Hard Errors
Require a qualified technician to perform a reset on the internal control board.
Do not open the machine to access electrical controls. If a hard error occurs, disconnect power and request professional service.
Soft Errors
Machine shuts down for approximately 1 hour, then automatically retries.
If the underlying issue is resolved, a soft error clears on its own without intervention.
Additional Indicators — Maestro Plus & Horizon Elite
These indicators appear on Horizon Elite (710, 1010, 1410 series) and Maestro Plus (MCD425A/W) models.
HI PRESSURE
Clogged condenser on air-cooled models. Condenser coils need cleaning.
Hard Error — Requires manual resetHI AMPS
Auger gearmotor drawing excessive current. Caused by jammed auger, scale buildup, or poor water quality.
Hard Error — Requires manual resetDRAIN CLOG
Drain pan water backup detected. Check drain line for obstructions.
Check drain line and pan20M / 2nd LED (Torque Error)
Machine runs briefly then shuts down. Indicates a torque overload on the auger motor.
Typically requires professional serviceRed Maintenance Light: 6-Month Service Due
Timer-based indicator — not a fault or failure
What This Means
6-Month Timer Expired
Follett machines have a built-in 6-month countdown timer. When it reaches zero, the red Maintenance LED activates to signal that periodic cleaning and sanitization is due.
Manufacturer's Recommended Interval
Semi-annual cleaning aligns with the manufacturer's published maintenance schedule. Local water conditions may warrant more frequent attention; consult the Follett service manual.
Resolution Steps
Clean with SafeCLEAN
Use a manufacturer-approved cleaner (such as Follett SafeCLEAN) and follow the mix ratio and water temperature specified on the product label and in the Follett service manual. Never use bleach.
Sanitize with Nu-Calgon IMS-II
Use a manufacturer-approved sanitizer (such as Nu-Calgon IMS-II) at the dilution specified on the product label and in the Follett service manual.
Enter Maintenance Mode & Reset
Follow the reset procedure in the Follett service manual to clear the maintenance timer.
Contact qualified service if: You are unsure of the cleaning procedure or prefer to have a technician perform the maintenance.
Yellow Low Water Light: Water Supply Issue
Machine cannot detect adequate water supply
Common Causes
Water Supply Valve Closed
The supply valve behind or under the machine may have been turned off during other maintenance.
Kinked or Blocked Water Line
Check the supply line for kinks, especially if the machine was recently moved.
Clogged Inlet Filter or Screen
Sediment in the supply water can deposit over time and clog the inlet filter.
Low Building Water Pressure
Insufficient supply pressure prevents the machine from filling properly.
Very Pure Water (Below 10 ppm TDS)
Follett machines require a minimum 10 ppm TDS for the conductivity sensor to detect water. Facilities using RO or DI water may trigger false Low Water errors.
Resolution Steps
Verify Water Supply
Confirm the supply valve is fully open and the water line is not kinked or pinched.
Inspect Inlet Screen
Visually inspect the inlet screen/filter for sediment. If sediment is visible, arrange cleaning or replacement per the Follett service manual.
Check Water Quality
If your facility uses RO or very soft water, test TDS levels. Water below 10 ppm TDS will cause false Low Water readings.
Contact qualified service if: Water supply checks out but the light persists — the water inlet valve or conductivity sensor may need replacement.
Yellow Time Delay Light: Ice Jam or Timed Delay
Ice jam in transport tube or machine in timed delay cycle
What Triggers This Light
Ice Jam in Transport Tube
Ice has jammed in the transport mechanism between the evaporator and the storage bin. The machine pauses to let ice melt and clear.
Timed Delay Between Cycles
Normal operational pause between ice production cycles. The machine will resume automatically.
Resolution Steps
Wait for Automatic Clearing
In most cases, the machine resolves this on its own. Allow up to 30 minutes for the delay cycle to complete.
Check Bin Level
If the bin is overfull, dispense or remove some ice to allow the transport tube to clear.
Contact qualified service if: Time Delay light activates repeatedly — may indicate scale buildup in the transport tube or a failing auger motor.
HI PRESSURE & HI AMPS: Larger Model Errors
Hard errors on Horizon Elite and Maestro Plus — require manual reset
HI PRESSURE — Clogged Condenser
Air-Cooled Models Only
The condenser coils are clogged with dust, grease, or debris, causing refrigerant pressure to exceed safe limits.
Resolution
- 1. Power off the machine
- 2. Ensure adequate ventilation clearance around the unit
- 3. Contact qualified service to clean the condenser, perform a control board reset, and clear the error (do not access internal controls yourself)
HI AMPS — Auger Motor Overload
Gearmotor Drawing Excessive Current
The auger motor is drawing excessive current. Common causes: jammed auger from scale buildup, foreign object, or worn bearings.
Resolution
- 1. Power off the machine
- 2. Note incoming water quality (mineral content accelerates scale)
- 3. Contact qualified service to inspect the auger, descale the evaporator with a manufacturer-approved cleaner, clear the code, and perform control board diagnostics
Professional service recommended. HI AMPS errors often indicate significant scale buildup or mechanical wear that requires specialized tools.
Filter Replacement & Reset Procedure
Filter selection and reset procedure
Filter Selection
Filter cartridges vary by model. Consult the Follett service manual or a qualified service technician to identify the correct part number for your specific machine.
Filter Replacement Steps
Identify the Correct Filter
Identify the correct cartridge part number from the Follett service manual or a qualified service technician. Generic filters may compromise water quality.
Replace the Filter
Have the filter replaced per the Follett service manual, or by a qualified service technician. After replacement, flush the system per the manual before returning to service.
Request Filter Reset
Contact a qualified service technician to reset the filter timer on the internal control board. Do not open the machine or touch internal components yourself.
When to Replace Early
Filters may reach capacity before the timer expires depending on local water conditions and usage volume. If you notice reduced ice production or cloudy ice before the filter indicator activates, consult a qualified service technician about replacing the filter early.
Contact qualified service if the indicator will not reset after replacement.
Need Help With Your Follett?
Requests are received and reviewed for possible routing; a request may be routed to an independent provider, subject to provider acceptance. No response or service is guaranteed.
Approved Cleaning Products for Follett Machines
Manufacturer-Approved Cleaner
- Follett's proprietary cleaner (e.g., SafeCLEAN / SafeCLEAN Plus)
- Follow the mix ratio and water temperature on the product label and in the Follett service manual
- Specifically formulated for Chewblet evaporators
Manufacturer-Approved Sanitizer
- Follett-approved sanitizer (e.g., Nu-Calgon IMS-II)
- Follow the dilution and water temperature on the product label and in the Follett service manual
- Approved for use in Follett equipment
Never Use These on Follett Equipment
Follett Product Lines
Symphony Plus
12, 25, 50, 110 Series
Up to 425 lb/day production
7 Series
Countertop dispenser
125 lbs/day, 7 lbs storage
15 Series
Extended storage countertop
Up to 100 lbs/day, 15 lbs storage
Horizon Elite
710, 1010, 1410 Series
High-capacity floor models
Maestro Plus
MCD425A/W
Separate icemaking module
All models produce Follett's Chewblet™ nugget ice.
Follett Maintenance Schedule for Houston Facilities
Water Quality Impact
Local water conditions affect scale buildup and filter clogging. The manufacturer's standard maintenance interval is semi-annual (6 months). Monitor conditions and consult the Follett service manual about more frequent descaling if ice quality degrades.
Weekly
- Visual inspection of dispensing area
- Wipe down exterior surfaces
- Check for unusual sounds or ice quality changes
- Verify all LED indicators are normal (green)
Monthly
- Deep clean dispensing area
- Inspect water filter condition
- Check drain for blockages
- Clean condenser coils (air-cooled models)
Semi-Annual (6 Months)
- Full cleaning with manufacturer-approved cleaner
- Sanitization with manufacturer-approved sanitizer
- Replace water filter
- Descaling per service manual
- Reset maintenance timer
- Document per facility policy
Maintenance Records: Maintain a written maintenance strategy based on the manufacturer's recommendations and your facility's policy. Follow the service manual's recommended interval, adjusted for local water conditions and usage volume.
Follett Support Reference
For current manufacturer support contacts and hours, consult Follett's official documentation or website.
Requests for local options are received and reviewed for possible routing to an independent provider; provider acceptance is required. No response or service is guaranteed.
Follett Service Request Information
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Need Follett Service in Houston?
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Requests are received and reviewed for possible routing. No response or service is guaranteed.
Request Follett Service
Requests are received and reviewed for possible routing to an independent provider; no response or service is guaranteed.