What does Error 3 mean on an Ice-O-Matic ice machine?

Short answer: Maximum fill or maximum purge exceeded. If your Ice-O-Matic Elevation Series CIM cubers is showing Error 3 (POWER red + CLEAN yellow, both quick flash), 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 service manual defines Error 3 as: the unit has experienced a MAX Fill (5 minutes) or a MAX Purge (2 minutes). Water fill has a 5-minute maximum and purge a 7-second minimum / 2-minute maximum.

Which machines show this?

Ice-O-Matic Elevation Series CIM cubers — the CIM-model machines (CIM0330, CIM0530, CIM0836, CIM1136 and similar) that replaced the older ICE Series as Ice-O-Matic's current electronic cube line. There's no text display: the board talks through the Power and Clean LEDs on the touch pad, using color and flash pattern — a quick red flash is Error 1, a slow red flash in the off state is Error 2, red plus yellow quick-flashing together is Error 3. Write down the exact pattern before you reset (hold Power and Clean about 3 seconds, then press Power), because the pattern is the diagnosis. Inside, board LEDs also show the state of each curtain and float switch, which a technician will use on arrival.

What causes it?

• Water supply problems — a partly closed shut-off valve, no pressure, or a clogged inline filter (fill timed out at 5 minutes)
• A kinked, sagging, or blocked drain line preventing the purge from finishing (purge timed out at 2 minutes)
• A water inlet valve, purge valve, or float switch fault — the parts a technician tests

Can you fix it yourself?

Usually, yes. This is a plumbing-side error on both ends: check that water gets in (valve open, filter fresh) and out (drain clear, no kinks or sags). Then reset by holding Power and Clean about 3 seconds and pressing Power.

Step by step — what to try, in order:

1. Confirm the water supply shut-off valve is fully open and water pressure is present at the machine
2. Replace a clogged inline water filter cartridge
3. Check the drain line for kinks, sags, or blockage that could prevent the purge from completing
4. Reset: hold Power and Clean together about 3 seconds to power off, then press Power to restart

What to check before you call

• Shut-off valve and pressure — Confirm the valve is fully open and there's pressure at the machine. Fill times out at 5 minutes.
• Inline filter — Replace a clogged cartridge.
• Drain line — Look for kinks, sags, or blockage. Purge times out at 2 minutes.
• Reset — Hold Power and Clean about 3 seconds, then press Power.

When do you need a technician — and why?

With good supply and a clear drain, the fault narrows to the inlet valve, purge valve, or float switches — components that have to be electrically tested at the control board before replacement, with the machine's panels off.

Parts a technician may look at

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

• Inline water filter cartridge (if clogged)
• Water inlet valve, purge valve, or float switches (technician)

What might it cost?

Usually little or no parts cost. Most cases end with cleaning, a water or airflow fix, or a reset. If you do need a technician to confirm, expect a standard service-call/diagnostic charge — commonly somewhere around $100–$250 in many US markets, though rates vary widely by region, after-hours timing, and contract.

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 Error 3 (POWER red + CLEAN yellow, both quick flash) mean on an Ice-O-Matic Elevation Series CIM cubers?

Maximum fill or maximum purge exceeded. The service manual defines Error 3 as: the unit has experienced a MAX Fill (5 minutes) or a MAX Purge (2 minutes). Water fill has a 5-minute maximum and purge a 7-second minimum / 2-minute maximum.

Can I fix Error 3 (POWER red + CLEAN yellow, both quick flash) on an Ice-O-Matic Elevation Series CIM cubers myself?

Usually, yes. This is a plumbing-side error on both ends: check that water gets in (valve open, filter fresh) and out (drain clear, no kinks or sags). Then reset by holding Power and Clean about 3 seconds and pressing Power.

When does Error 3 (POWER red + CLEAN yellow, both quick flash) on an Ice-O-Matic Elevation Series CIM cubers need a technician?

With good supply and a clear drain, the fault narrows to the inlet valve, purge valve, or float switches — components that have to be electrically tested at the control board before replacement, with the machine's panels off. If fills or purges still time out with good water supply and a clear drain, call a technician to check the water inlet valve, purge valve, or float switches.

What does Error 3 mean on an Ice-O-Matic Elevation?

The unit hit its maximum fill time (5 minutes) or maximum purge time (2 minutes).

Is Error 3 a water-in or water-out problem?

It can be either. Check that water gets in (valve open, filter fresh) and gets out (drain clear).

What if it keeps timing out?

With good supply and a clear drain, a technician should check the water inlet valve, purge valve, or float switches.

Source: ice-o-matic-cim0330fa-service-manual.pdf (s1.img-b.com)