Frymaster E16
High limit 1 exceeded - vat temp above 410°F
What does Frymaster E16 mean?
The controller has detected that vat oil temperature has exceeded 410°F (210°C), triggering the first software high-limit threshold. This event means the fryer's normal temperature regulation has failed to prevent overheating. The oil in the vat is likely degraded and must be discarded. The fryer will not resume heating until the fault is cleared and the underlying cause is resolved.
Symptoms
- Display shows E16 and all heating stops immediately.
- Vat oil temperature is at or above 410°F when error occurs.
- Oil may be discolored, smoking, or exhibit a burnt odor.
- Fryer does not restart after cooling without manual fault reset.
Common causes
- Faulty latch relay on the SIB board allowing continuous heat delivery past setpoint.
- Failed heat relay on the SIB board not opening when commanded.
- Inaccurate RTD probe reading causing the controller to underestimate vat temperature (see E13).
- Oil Information Board (OIB) sensor contamination producing incorrect temperature feedback.
- Controller board failure causing loss of temperature regulation.
Diagnostic steps
- 01
Turn off the fryer immediately
Switch the fryer to the OFF position. Do not attempt to drain or filter oil — the temperature is above safe handling range.
- 02
Verify the temperature readout accuracy
After cooling to a measurable range, compare the controller display against a calibrated thermometer. If the display is significantly incorrect, proceed to probe circuit troubleshooting per event code E13 procedure.
- 03
Inspect and clean the OIB sensor
Locate the Oil Information Board sensor inside the frypot. Clean any carbon or oil residue from the sensor surface with a soft cloth. Contamination can cause false low readings that allow the fryer to overheat.
- 04
Test the latch and heat relays on the SIB board
With power applied and the fryer in standby, check LED indicators 1 and 3 on the SIB board (refer to section 1.8 of the BIGLA30-T service manual). A relay stuck in the energized state will keep burners firing regardless of controller command.
- 05
Replace the SIB board if relays are faulty
If either the latch or heat relay fails to open when commanded, replace the SIB board. Clear the E16 error, restore power, and verify normal temperature cycling before returning the fryer to service.
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When to call a professional
Escalate to a licensed technician if the latch or heat relay on the SIB board is confirmed faulty, or if the controller fails to regulate temperature after replacing a confirmed defective probe. Relay replacement and SIB board work involve live 24 VAC circuits and requires proper lockout/tagout procedures. Discard and replace oil after any E16 event.
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Open a ticket — free accountOther Frymaster error codes
Temperature probe failure - RTD out of range
E17High limit 2 exceeded - high limit switch opened
E18High limit problem - vat temp above 460°F, disconnect power immediately
PROBFailed temperature probe or controller
HOTFrypot temperature above 410°F
HELPHeating problem / ignition lockout
E19Heating failure. The heating-control latch circuit failed, or the heat contactor failed to latch.
E25Heating failure - blower. The air pressure switch(es) failed to close.
E27Heating failure - pressure switch. The air pressure switch has failed closed. Call service.
E28Heating failure. The fryer failed to ignite and has locked out the ignition module.
E29Top-off probe failure. The ATO (auto top-off) RTD reading is out of range. Call service.
E32Drain valve not open. The drain valve was commanded open but confirmation is missing; filtration and top-off disabled. Call service.
Sources: fm-xweb.frymaster.com, www.partstown.com