What does the red Maintenance light mean on a Follett ice machine?

The red Maintenance LED on Follett ice machines is a timer-based indicator that activates every 6 months to signal that periodic maintenance is due. It does not indicate a fault or failure. To address it, perform a full cleaning and sanitization using Follett SafeCLEAN, then enter maintenance mode by pressing and holding the maintenance/clean switch for 5 seconds to reset the timer.

What causes the yellow Low Water light on a Follett machine?

The yellow Low Water LED indicates a water supply issue. Common causes include a closed supply valve, kinked water line, clogged inlet filter, low building water pressure, or water with fewer than 10 ppm total dissolved solids (very pure water prevents Follett's conductivity sensor from detecting water). In Houston, this is rarely caused by low TDS but can be triggered by supply line sediment from hard water.

How do I reset the filter indicator on a Follett ice machine?

After replacing the water filter with a Follett-approved cartridge, press and hold the filter reset button for 10 seconds until the indicator clears. The reset button is located on the control board inside the machine, which requires removing the front panel to access. Do not confuse this with the maintenance/clean switch on the exterior.

What is the difference between a hard error and a soft error on Follett machines?

Hard errors on Follett ice machines require a manual reset by pressing the physical reset button on the control board. Power cycling the machine will NOT clear a hard error. Soft errors cause the machine to shut down for approximately 1 hour, after which it automatically retries. If the underlying issue is resolved, a soft error clears on its own.

What cleaning products are approved for Follett ice machines?

Follett approves SafeCLEAN (P/N 00132001) or SafeCLEAN Plus (P/N 01147826) as their proprietary cleaner — mix 7 oz with 1 gallon of 120 degree F water. For sanitizing, use Nu-Calgon IMS-II Sanitizer (P/N 00979674) at 1.6 oz per gallon of 120 degree F water. Never use bleach, solvents, abrasive cleaners, metal scrapers, or sharp objects inside Follett equipment.

What does HI PRESSURE or HI AMPS mean on a Follett Horizon Elite or Maestro Plus?

HI PRESSURE indicates a clogged condenser on air-cooled Follett models — the condenser coils need cleaning. HI AMPS means the auger gearmotor is drawing more than 0.55 amps, which indicates a jammed auger, mineral scale buildup on the evaporator, or poor incoming water quality. Both are hard errors that require manual reset and typically professional service.

Follett Ice Machine LED Indicator & Error Code Guide

Complete troubleshooting reference for all Follett 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. Houston service available 24/7.

Follett LLC is a subsidiary of The Middleby Corporation

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Healthcare Facility Notice

The Joint Commission standard EC.02.05.01 requires healthcare facilities to develop a written maintenance strategy based on manufacturer recommendations. Follett recommends semi-annual (every 6 months) cleaning and sanitization. Document all service activities for compliance audits.

LED Indicator Quick Reference — All Models

Maintenance

6-month periodic maintenance due

RED — Timer-Based

Low Water

Water supply issue detected

YELLOW — Check Supply

Time Delay

Ice jam in transport tube

YELLOW — Timed Delay

Sleep Cycle

Machine in sleep mode

YELLOW — Normal

Making Ice

Normal ice production active

GREEN — Normal

Low Bin

Storage bin is low on ice

GREEN — Informational

Power On

Machine has power

GREEN — Normal

Hard Errors vs. Soft Errors

Hard Errors

Require pressing the physical reset button on the control board inside the machine.

Power cycling will NOT clear a hard error. You must open the machine and press reset.

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 reset

HI AMPS

Auger gearmotor exceeding 0.55A. Caused by jammed auger, scale buildup, or bad water quality.

Hard Error — Requires manual reset

DRAIN CLOG

Drain pan water backup detected. Check drain line for obstructions.

Check drain line and pan

20M / 2nd LED (Torque Error)

Machine runs briefly then shuts down. Indicates a torque overload on the auger motor.

Typically requires professional service

Red 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.

This Is Follett's Recommended Interval

Semi-annual cleaning aligns with Follett's published maintenance schedule. In Houston, hard water may warrant attention sooner.

Resolution Steps

Clean with SafeCLEAN

Use Follett SafeCLEAN (P/N 00132001) or SafeCLEAN Plus (P/N 01147826). Mix 7 oz with 1 gallon of 120°F water. Never use bleach.

Sanitize with Nu-Calgon IMS-II

Use Nu-Calgon IMS-II Sanitizer (P/N 00979674) at 1.6 oz per gallon of 120°F water.

Enter Maintenance Mode & Reset

Press and hold the maintenance/clean switch for 5 seconds to enter maintenance mode and reset the 6-month timer.

Call a pro if: You are unsure of the cleaning procedure or need compliance documentation for a healthcare facility. Service call: $150-$400.

Affected models: All Follett models — Symphony Plus, 7 Series, 15 Series, Horizon Elite, Maestro Plus

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

Houston's hard water (300+ ppm TDS) can deposit sediment that clogs the inlet filter over time.

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 (DIY)

Confirm the supply valve is fully open and the water line is not kinked or pinched.

Inspect Inlet Screen (DIY)

Clean or replace the inlet screen/filter if sediment is visible. Houston water is particularly prone to sediment buildup.

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.

Call a pro if: Water supply checks out but the light persists — the water inlet valve or conductivity sensor may need replacement.

Affected models: All Follett models

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.

Call a pro if: Time Delay light activates repeatedly — may indicate scale buildup in the transport tube or a failing auger motor.

Affected models: All Follett models with transport tube assemblies

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. Clean condenser coils thoroughly (vacuum and brush)
3. Ensure adequate ventilation clearance around the unit
4. Press the reset button on the control board (power cycling alone will not clear this)

HI AMPS — Auger Motor Overload

Gearmotor Exceeding 0.55A

The auger motor is drawing excessive current. Common causes: jammed auger from scale buildup, foreign object, or worn bearings.

Resolution

1. Power off and inspect the auger for jams or scale
2. Descale the evaporator cylinder with SafeCLEAN
3. Check incoming water quality (Houston hard water accelerates scale)
4. Press the reset button on the control board after clearing the issue

Professional service recommended. HI AMPS errors often indicate significant scale buildup or mechanical wear that requires specialized tools. Est. cost: $150-$400.

Affected models: Horizon Elite (710, 1010, 1410), Maestro Plus (MCD425A/W)

Filter Replacement & Reset Procedure

DIY-friendly — correct filter part numbers and 10-second reset

Healthcare Priority: In hospital and clinical settings, filter replacement is essential for patient safety. Use only Follett-approved filter cartridges to maintain warranty and compliance.

Approved Filter Part Numbers

Part Number	Capacity	Compatible Models
00130229	Standard system (3,000 gal)	Maestro Plus, Symphony Plus
00968107	Standard cartridge	7 Series, 15 Series
00978957	High Capacity (15,000 gal)	All models

Filter Replacement Steps

Get the Correct Filter

Match the part number to your model using the table above. Generic filters may void warranty and compromise water quality.

Replace the Filter

Turn off water supply, swap the filter cartridge, then flush 2 gallons through the new filter before returning to service.

Reset Filter Timer (10 Seconds)

Remove the front panel to access the control board. Press and hold the filter reset button for 10 seconds until the indicator clears. This button is inside the machine, not on the exterior.

Houston Water Quality Note

Houston municipal water averages 300+ ppm TDS (hard water). This means filters may reach capacity before the timer expires. If you notice reduced ice production or cloudy ice before the filter indicator activates, replace the filter early.

Consider the high-capacity filter (P/N 00978957, 15,000 gal) for high-volume Houston facilities.

This is DIY-friendly. Filter replacement costs $50-$120 for the cartridge. Contact professional service only if the indicator will not reset after replacement.

Affected models: All Follett models

Healthcare Ice Machine Specialists

Our technicians are experienced with all Follett models in Houston hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. We provide Joint Commission compliance documentation with every service visit.

Book Follett Service Try Free Diagnostic Quiz

Approved Cleaning Products for Follett Machines

SafeCLEAN / SafeCLEAN Plus (Cleaner)

Part Numbers: 00132001 / 01147826
Mix Ratio: 7 oz per 1 gallon of 120°F water
Follett's proprietary cleaner — specifically formulated for Chewblet evaporators

Nu-Calgon IMS-II (Sanitizer)

Part Number: 00979674
Mix Ratio: 1.6 oz per 1 gallon of 120°F water
Approved sanitizer for all Follett models

Never Use These on Follett Equipment

• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)

• Solvents of any kind

• Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads

• Metal scrapers or sharp objects

Follett Product Lines We Service in Houston

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 signature Chewblet™ soft, chewable nugget ice preferred in healthcare settings.

Follett Maintenance Schedule for Houston Facilities

Houston Water Quality Impact

Houston's municipal water averages 300+ ppm total dissolved solids, which is classified as hard water. This accelerates scale buildup and filter clogging. While Follett's standard maintenance interval is semi-annual (6 months), Houston facilities should monitor conditions and consider 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 SafeCLEAN
Sanitization with Nu-Calgon IMS-II
Replace water filter
Professional descaling (recommended for Houston)
Reset maintenance timer
Document for Joint Commission compliance

Joint Commission Compliance: Standard EC.02.05.01 requires a written maintenance strategy based on manufacturer recommendations. Follett's recommendation is semi-annual service. Your facility's maintenance plan should reflect this interval, adjusted for local water conditions and usage volume.

Follett Technical Support

Phone: (877) 612-5086

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm ET

After-Hours Emergency: Available until 8pm ET

For local Houston service with faster response times and on-site support, book with us below.

Follett Healthcare Dispenser Experts in Houston

Full-service maintenance for Symphony Plus, 7 Series, 15 Series, Horizon Elite, and Maestro Plus across Houston medical facilities

Joint Commission Documentation

Compliance records provided with every service

TMC Area Coverage

20-minute response to Texas Medical Center

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