---
title: "Scotsman code 3: slow water fill | IceMachineRepair.center"
description: "What 3 means on Scotsman code 3: slow water fills, what to check before booking, and when it is not a failure at all."
url: "https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-3/"
---

# Scotsman code 3: slow water fill

On both Prodigy cubers and CM3 nugget machines, 3 means water arrived too slowly.

## What 3 actually means.

On both Prodigy cubers and CM3 nugget machines, 3 means water arrived too slowly. The ELITE cuber allows five minutes to fill, then tries again every 20 minutes until it succeeds. Plugged filters, a closed or partly closed supply valve, a failed inlet valve and low building pressure are the usual reasons.

Scotsman ice machine display

What to do when 3 shows on the ice machine

### Kind of code Water 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 to Ice 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 as Ice 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.

### Make Scotsman

A Scotsman visit sorts out which kind of ice the machine makes, because each kind follows a different service path.

### Source Scotsman Prodigy ELITE modular cuber service manual, MC0322 through MC2148 (January 2022)

Prodigy and Prodigy ELITE cubers (MC and C models) show one character in the code display next to the lights. Prodigy flaked and nugget machines with the CM3 control (N and F models) use the same display with a different code list.

## Before you book, in this order.

Each step comes from Scotsman's own guidance for 3 on its ice machines. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.

01

Check that the supply valve to the machine is fully open.

02

Replace the water filter cartridge if it is due, or if the code appeared right after a filter change, recheck its fitting.

03

Wait for the automatic refill attempt; if 3 stays, book a visit for the inlet valve.

### Still there?

It usually turns into [ice machine water valve and filter repair](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/ice-machine-water-valve-and-filter-repair/). Book with the code and the model number.

### What not to do

3 does not mean a drain or pump problem, and it is not a leak. On a nugget machine it is not an auger problem, which is 2.

## What you may notice with it.

The ice machine problems 3 tends to arrive with. Answer these at the ice machine before anyone is booked.

[All problems](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/)

Before you call

### [Ice Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-error-code/)

[All 7 causes, cheapest first](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-error-code/)

It also comes with

- [**Ice Machine Running but Not Making Ice**](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-not-making-ice/)
- [**Ice Machine Making Too Little Ice for the Rush**](https://icemachinerepair.center/problems/ice-machine-making-little-ice/)

Problem

### Ice Machine Error Code or Flashing Light: What It Is Telling You

7 causes, cheapest first

Where 3 usually leads

## Ice machine water valve and filter repair.

**Inlet valve, sump float or level probe, supply line and filter head · low to moderate.**

Book a visit [What the job involves](https://icemachinerepair.center/services/ice-machine-water-valve-and-filter-repair/)

## Scotsman ice machines.

A Scotsman visit sorts out which kind of ice the machine makes, because each kind follows a different service path.

[Scotsman ice machine repair](https://icemachinerepair.center/brands/scotsman/)

More Scotsman codes

[1](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-1/) [2](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-2/) [4](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-4/) [5](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-5/) [7](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-7/) [8](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-8/) [E](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-e/) [b](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-b/) [P](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-p/) [Water light blinking red](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-water-light/)

Water supply on other makes

[Atosa E5](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/atosa-e5/) [Blue Air E5](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/blue-air-e5/) [Follett LO WATER](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/follett-lo-water/) [Hoshizaki 5 beeps](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/hoshizaki-5-beeps/) [Ice-O-Matic Error 3](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/ice-o-matic-error-3/) [KitchenAid Order Filter](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/kitchenaid-order-filter/) [Koolaire SL#1 + SL#2](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/koolaire-sl3/) [Manitowoc E20](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/manitowoc-e20/)

[All 26 codes of this kind](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/#family-water)

Scotsman builds this

### 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.

Scotsman builds this

### 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.

Scotsman builds this

### 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 Scotsman's own words

> Max water fill time – 5 minutes. Machine will attempt a restart every 20 minutes.

[Scotsman Prodigy ELITE modular cuber service manual, MC0322 through MC2148 (January 2022)](https://www.scotsman-ice.com/service/Service%20Manuals/ProdigyELITECuberServiceManual.pdf) [Scotsman CM3 control system update, Prodigy flaked and nugget ice machines technical review (291-839)](https://www.scotsman-ice.com/service/Technical%20Review/291-839.pdf) [Scotsman Technical Update: Prodigy cuber code diagnostics (August 2010)](https://www.scotsman-ice.com/documents/GetDocument.aspx?Key=04da949b-e9cb-4d12-b945-bd86662f2e46)

Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Prodigy and Prodigy ELITE cubers (MC and C models) show one character in the code display next to the lights. Prodigy flaked and nugget machines with the CM3 control (N and F models) use the same display with a different code list.

## Scotsman 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.

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For the heart of your home.

## Questions about 3.

### Can I clear 3 myself?

Check that the supply valve to the machine is fully open. If it comes back, it needs a visit.

### Will my Scotsman restart on its own after code 3?

Yes. It keeps trying to fill every 20 minutes, so once the water is back it returns to making ice without a reset.

### My Scotsman showed 3 right after I changed the water filter. Why?

A cartridge not seated fully, or a valve not reopened, is the most common reason. Check both before assuming a part failed.

### Does code 3 on a Scotsman mean my water pressure is too low?

It can. Low pressure makes the fill slow. A plumber or technician can measure it at the machine.

---

**[Read on the site: Scotsman code 3: slow water fill | IceMachineRepair.center](https://icemachinerepair.center/error-codes/scotsman-3/)**

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