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B&C Technologies Common Error Codes and How to Handle Them

Written by jd

Nov 25, 2025

(615) 885-1115

Here are the most common B&C Technologies washer alarms (EL-6 / FM7 / most B&C hard-mount and soft-mount platforms) and what to do about them. On B&C, the control usually displays alarm text (not always a numbered code), so I’m listing them by the exact wording you’ll see on the screen, plus the field fix. These are the core “service call” faults in the EL-6/FM7 manuals. BandC Tech

1) Water level / fill / drain alarms

WDT LEVEL EXPIRED

Meaning: The programmed water level didn’t reach target within watchdog timer (either during fill or drain). BandC Tech
Most common causes (per manual)

  • During fill: bad inlet valve, low/no water pressure, drain valve leaking, level tube problem. BandC Tech

  • During drain: blocked drain valve/hose or faulty drain valve. BandC Tech

Fix / diagnosis

  1. Determine fill vs drain: Look at what step it failed in.

  2. If during fill:

    • Verify wall valves fully open & building pressure adequate.

    • Clean inlet screens at valve body.

    • Use output test to energize hot/cold valves; if valve has power but no flow → replace valve.

    • Check drain valve for leaking open (water enters but level won’t rise).

  3. If during drain:

    • Clean coin trap/sump and check pump/valve for debris.

    • Inspect drain hose/standpipe for kinks or backing up.

    • If valve/pump has correct voltage but weak/no flow → replace.

LEVEL FAULT

Meaning: The level sensing system is reporting an error; machine will be inoperable while present. BandC Tech
Likely causes

  • Loose/cracked pressure (level) tube

  • Faulty level sensor

  • Level sensing circuit issue BandC Tech

Fix / diagnosis

  1. Inspect pressure tube from tub/air trap to sensor for cracks, pinholes, kinks, or loose fit.

  2. Pull and clean the air trap/connection at sump if soapy sludge is present.

  3. If tubing/air trap are clean and airtight, swap/test level sensor.

DRAIN

Meaning: Water level > ~2 cm at onset of spin; control pauses spin until level drops. BandC Tech
Likely causes

  • Slow drain (partial blockage, weak pump, site drain restriction)

  • Level tube restricted reading high

Fix / diagnosis

  • Run a drain output test and confirm strong discharge.

  • Clean trap/sump and hose.

  • If it repeatedly happens with an empty tub, clean/clear the level tube/air trap.

LEVEL cm=xx (end-of-cycle level display)

Meaning: Control is showing measured water level at end of program; if it’s wrong, it points to a restricted pickup tube or sump port. BandC Tech

Fix / diagnosis

  • Clean the water level pickup tube and the sump opening it connects to.

  • Then do the EL-6 offset reset procedure described in the manual (power down, door open, restart and reset). BandC Tech

2) Temperature / heating alarms

TEMP FAULT

Meaning: Temperature sensing circuitry/probe/wiring problem. Machine can run, but auxiliary heat is disabled. BandC Tech

Fix / diagnosis

  1. Check probe wiring/connector for corrosion or broken conductors.

  2. Ohm the temp probe and compare to spec chart for that sensor type.

  3. If wiring good and probe out of range → replace probe.

WDT TEMP EXPIRED

Meaning: Programmed temperature wasn’t reached within watchdog time (most often a heat system issue). BandC Tech

Likely causes

  • Heater/steam system not heating

  • Too-short WDT time + very cold incoming water BandC Tech

Fix / diagnosis

  1. Verify heating source (electric element continuity / steam supply & valve operation).

  2. Check heater contactor/relay output while heat step is active.

  3. Confirm water level is stable and above minimum heat level (machine won’t heat on unstable/low level).

  4. If heating hardware checks out, extend WDT in program if site water is extremely cold.

3) Drive / mechanical / safety alarms

OVERLOAD!

Meaning: Drive fault on inverter models, or motor overload on non-inverter models. BandC Tech

Most common causes

  • Mechanical drag (binding tub bearings, seized pump, object between tub/shell)

  • Motor issue or drive/inverter issue

  • Chronic overloading

Fix / diagnosis

  1. Try to rotate cylinder by hand (power off). If stiff, isolate belt/motor to locate drag source.

  2. Inspect pump for seizure/debris.

  3. Check motor wiring and look for heat damage at connectors.

  4. If mechanical side is free, fault is likely inverter/drive → test/replace drive.

DOOR OPEN!

Meaning: Door not closed properly; disables machine until cleared. BandC Tech

Likely causes

  • Door misalignment / striker not fully engaging

  • Failed door switch or lock

  • Broken harness near hinge/front panel

Fix / diagnosis

  1. Verify door alignment and striker depth mechanically.

  2. In I/O test, confirm door-closed input changes with door movement.

  3. Meter switch/lock continuity and harness; replace lock/switch if intermittent.

4) Maintenance reminder (not a fault, but a common “call”)

MAINTENANCE

Meaning: Reminder after ~450 cycles; appears at program start until reset. BandC Tech

Fix

  • Perform PM, then reset maintenance counter in service functions.

Quick cheat rule for techs

  • LEVEL FAULT / WDT LEVEL EXPIRED / DRAIN / LEVEL cm=xx → water level system or drain path.

  • TEMP FAULT / WDT TEMP EXPIRED → temp probe or heating system.

  • OVERLOAD! → mechanical drag first, then motor/drive.

  • DOOR OPEN! → door alignment, lock/switch, hinge harness.

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