Ice-O-Matic Error 3: red POWER and yellow CLEAN flashing, water fill too slow
At each fill, the CIM opens its water inlet valve and waits for the float switches to show the sump is full.
Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm
- Water supply
- Ice machine water valve and filter repair
- Source: Ice-O-Matic
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What Error 3
actually means.
At each fill, the CIM opens its water inlet valve and waits for the float switches to show the sump is full. If five minutes pass, it shows Error 3. A closed supply valve, a blocked filter or inlet screen, low pressure or a failed inlet valve are the likely causes. On boards before serial 2106, Error 3 also covered a long purge.
Ice-O-Matic ice machine display
What to do when Error 3 shows on the ice machineKind of codeWater supply
The water side came up short: the trough did not fill in the time allowed, the float or level probe never saw water, or water kept flowing when the inlet valve should have closed. A supply valve left partly shut, a clogged filter cartridge, low building pressure or a sticking inlet valve are the usual causes. Opening the valve fully and fitting a fresh filter clears the simple cases; a valve that hums without passing water is a visit.
Usually leads toIce machine water valve and filter repair
The inlet valve, filter, sump float or level probe and supply line, tested and replaced when water arrives short, dirty or nonstop.
Shows up asIce Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You
An ice machine error code may show as a number on a small display, a pattern of blinking lights on the control board, a colored light on the front, or a machine that stops with one indicator flashing.
MakeIce-O-Matic
Ice-O-Matic machines get a visit that starts at the water inlet and the distribution tube, where scale often shows up first.
SourceIce-O-Matic Elevation Series CIM modular cuber technical service manual (5/11/26)
Elevation Series CIM modular cubers. Codes show as red and yellow flash patterns on the POWER and CLEAN buttons of the push pad and the board. Boards before serial 2106 grouped some limits differently.
Before you book,
in this order.
Each step comes from Ice-O-Matic's own guidance for Error 3 on its ice machines. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.
Check that the supply valve to the head is open and that no filter is overdue.
Look for a kinked water line behind the unit.
Clear the code with POWER and CLEAN held for three seconds; if Error 3 returns, book a visit.
Still there?
It usually turns into ice machine water valve and filter repair. Book with the code and the model number.
What not to do
Error 3 is about water coming in, not going out; a slow drain is Error 4. It also is not the float problem of Error 7, which uses triple flashes.
What you may
notice with it.
The ice machine problems Error 3 tends to arrive with. Answer these at the ice machine before anyone is booked.
All problems
Where Error 3 usually leads
Ice machine water valve and filter repair.
Ice-O-Matic
ice machines.
Ice-O-Matic machines get a visit that starts at the water inlet and the distribution tube, where scale often shows up first.
Ice-O-Matic ice machine repairMore Ice-O-Matic codes
Water supply on other makes
Modular ice machine
An ice-making head set on top of a separate storage bin or drink dispenser, cooled by air, water or a condenser on the roof, turning out hundreds of pounds of cubes a day.
Undercounter ice machine
A self-contained ice machine that makes and stores its own ice under a bar, a service counter or a kitchen island, from commercial units to clear-ice models in large homes.
Nugget ice machine
An ice machine that freezes a thin layer inside a chilled cylinder and pushes it out with an auger as soft, chewable nuggets, for clinics, offices, hotels and large homes.
In Ice-O-Matic's own words
Error 3: POWER LED flashes red and CLEAN LED flashes yellow quickly.
Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Elevation Series CIM modular cubers. Codes show as red and yellow flash patterns on the POWER and CLEAN buttons of the push pad and the board. Boards before serial 2106 grouped some limits differently.
Ice-O-Matic Error 3 ice machine repair,
where we come out.
The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.
All service areasTampa BayFL · 31 areas
Miami / South FloridaFL · 47 areas
New York MetroNY · 75 areas
HoustonTX · 36 areas
ChicagoIL · 50 areas
Los AngelesCA · 95 areas
San DiegoCA · 31 areas
Questions
about Error 3.
Can I clear Error 3 myself?
My Ice-O-Matic shows Error 3 after a plumbing job. Why?
Does Error 3 on an Ice-O-Matic mean a bad water valve?
How do I tell Error 3 from Error 4 on an Ice-O-Matic?
Back to your everyday
Still showing Error 3?
A booking with a code goes further when it carries the light or code copied as it appeared, the model and serial off the data plate, and a word on whether cubes still fall into the bin. With those three in hand, our office can match the probable part to your machine the same afternoon.