What does EE (log code E5) mean on a Hoshizaki IM-series square cuber?

Short answer: High evaporator temperature. If your Hoshizaki IM-series square cuber (IM-500SAA and similar) is showing EE (log code E5), the controller has logged a specific, documented condition. This page covers what it means, what causes it, what you can safely fix yourself, and when — and why — it takes a technician.

What exactly is the machine telling you?

The evaporator thermistor detected a sustained abnormally high temperature and the unit stopped. Listed causes: a harvest problem such as a stuck hot gas valve or control board relay, hot water entering the unit, or a shorted thermistor.

Which machines show this?

Hoshizaki's IM-series square cubers (the IM-500SAA and its siblings) make the clear, square cubes bars prize — and unlike the KM crescent cubers, they have a 7-segment display that shows real codes. The display logic takes one minute to learn: E1 and E2 display directly (freeze and harvest backup timers), while every other fault shows as a generic EE with the true code stored in the error log for a technician to read. So if your IM shows EE, the display has told you something is wrong but not what — note any pattern in the machine's behavior (stopping mid-cycle, water tank movement) for the service call, and don't burn resets trying to make EE explain itself.

What causes it?

• A harvest problem overheating the evaporator: stuck hot gas valve or board relay
• Hot water feeding the machine
• A shorted thermistor reading falsely high

Can you fix it yourself?

The plumbing check — confirm no hot water reaches the machine — then RESET and one monitored cycle.

Step by step — what to try, in order:

1. Confirm no hot water is feeding the machine
2. Press the RESET button and monitor one full cycle

What to check before you call

• No hot water feeding the machine — Hot water entering the unit is one of the listed causes of high evaporator temperature.
• RESET and monitor one full cycle — Press RESET and watch a full cycle. If E5 returns, stop and call a technician.

When do you need a technician — and why?

Valve, relay, and thermistor each need individual testing to find which one overheated the evaporator; the tech's meter and gauges answer in sequence what guessing answers by expensive elimination.

Parts a technician may look at

Based on the causes listed for this code (not a parts order — a tech confirms first):

• Hot gas valve
• Control board relay
• Evaporator thermistor (if shorted)

What might it cost?

Can run into a moderate repair. If the cheap checks don't clear it, the likely fixes involve a motor, control board, or similar major component. Totals in the several-hundred to roughly $1,000+ range are common for this tier — treat that as a rough guide only and ask for an itemized quote before approving work.

These are rough, typical ranges, not quotes; we don't have pricing data for your area or your exact model.

If it does come to a service call and you're in Nashville, TN or Birmingham, AL, we maintain independently compiled lists of local companies that service commercial ice machines — real businesses with verified contact information, none of whom paid to be listed.

Related questions

What does EE (log code E5) mean on a Hoshizaki IM-series square cuber (IM-500SAA and similar)?

High evaporator temperature. The evaporator thermistor detected a sustained abnormally high temperature and the unit stopped. Listed causes: a harvest problem such as a stuck hot gas valve or control board relay, hot water entering the unit, or a shorted thermistor.

Can I fix EE (log code E5) on a Hoshizaki IM-series square cuber (IM-500SAA and similar) myself?

The plumbing check — confirm no hot water reaches the machine — then RESET and one monitored cycle.

When does EE (log code E5) on a Hoshizaki IM-series square cuber (IM-500SAA and similar) need a technician?

Valve, relay, and thermistor each need individual testing to find which one overheated the evaporator; the tech's meter and gauges answer in sequence what guessing answers by expensive elimination. If E5 returns, the hot gas valve, relay, or thermistor needs professional testing.

What does EE with log code E5 mean on a Hoshizaki IM?

The evaporator thermistor detected a sustained, abnormally high temperature and the unit stopped.

What causes it?

A harvest problem such as a stuck hot gas valve or control board relay, hot water entering the unit, or a shorted thermistor.

What if E5 comes back after a reset?

The hot gas valve, relay, or thermistor needs professional testing.

Source: IM-500SAA_serv_LTR.pdf (hoshizakiamerica.com)