Resetting Your Pitco Fryer: How Long To Hold The Button

Pitco fryers are widely used in the foodservice industry, known for their reliability and ease of use. However, issues may arise from time to time, requiring troubleshooting and, in some cases, the assistance of an authorised service technician. One common issue is the tripping of the high-temperature limit switch, which occurs when the oil temperature becomes unsafe. This can be resolved by following a series of steps, including turning off the fryer, allowing it to cool down, adding fresh oil, and then pressing the high-temperature reset button. This guide aims to provide comprehensive instructions for resetting a Pitco fryer and ensuring its optimal performance.

Resetting the high-temperature limit switch

Step 1: Turn Off the Fryer

Locate the power source and switch off the fryer. This is an important safety measure to prevent any accidental activation during the reset process.

Step 2: Allow the Fryer to Cool Down

Give the fryer ample time to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial for safety reasons and to prevent any damage to the internal components. Wait for at least 30-60 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Refill the Cook Tank with Oil

Once the fryer has cooled down, carefully refill the cook tank with oil. This step ensures that the fryer has the necessary oil for operation and helps identify any issues with the oil level or quality.

Step 4: Press the High-Temperature Reset Button

After ensuring that the oil level is adequate, locate the high-temperature reset button. This button is usually located on the control panel of the fryer. Press and hold this button for a few seconds.

Step 5: Restart the Fryer

After resetting the high-temperature limit switch, you can now restart the fryer. Turn on the power and allow it to reach the desired operating temperature.

Troubleshooting:

If the issue persists and the high-temperature limit switch continues to trip, there might be an underlying problem with the fryer. In such cases, it is recommended to consult an authorised service technician to diagnose and resolve the issue. They will be able to identify any faulty mechanical components and provide appropriate solutions.

Troubleshooting a Pitco fryer that won't turn on

Check the Power Supply:

• Ensure that the main building power supply is functioning properly. Check if there has been a power outage or interruption, which could have caused the appliance to shut down.
• Wait for at least five minutes after the power is restored before attempting to restart the fryer. This allows any accumulated gas in the burner or tubes to dissipate.

Check the Controller and Power Cord:

• Verify that the controller is turned on. It could be a simple issue of the controller being switched off.
• Inspect the power cord connection. Make sure the power cord is securely connected and not loose.

Reset the Circuit Breaker:

Check if the main circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, reset the circuit breaker and then try turning on the fryer again.

High-Temperature Limit Switch:

• Pitco fryers are equipped with a high-temperature limit switch that shuts off the unit when the oil temperature exceeds a safe level.
• To reset the high-temperature limit switch, follow these steps:

• Turn off the deep fryer.
• Allow the fryer to cool down to room temperature.
• Add oil to the cook tank as needed.
• Press the high-temperature reset button.
• The fryer should now be ready to start, and the switch should be reset.
• Drain Valve Interlock and Float Switch:

• If your fryer has a drain valve interlock circuit, it will stop heating when the tank drain valve is opened.
• If your fryer has a float switch, it will stop heating when the oil level reaches an unsafe mark, and in some cases, it may turn off the fryer.
• To resolve this issue:

• Turn off the deep fryer.
• Close the tank drain valve and fill the tank with oil or shortening.
• Turn on the deep fryer.
• Self-Cleaning Burner System:

• Some Pitco fryers have a self-cleaning burner system that runs a cleaning cycle each time the unit is turned on.
• If this system malfunctions and remains activated for too long, a thermal cut-out switch will disable the fryer.
• To reset the self-cleaning burner system temperature limit switch:

• Turn off the appliance.
• Allow the fryer to cool down to room temperature.
• Press the self-cleaning burner system (SCBS) high-limit reset button, which is located behind the front panel at the top of the main burners.
• If the issue persists, consult an authorized technician.
• Pilot Light Issues:

• If the pilot light won't stay lit or ignite, it can prevent the oil from heating properly.
• If your controller displays an ignition failure, turn off the controller and check for common pilot light issues:
• Poor gas supply: Check for grease or debris buildup in the burner, which could limit the gas supply.
• Gas supply pressure issue: Contact an authorized technician to address this problem.
• Spark issues: Open the machine, turn on the control, and check for sparks. If there are no sparks, test the high-limit switch.
• Ensure the yellow gas valve is turned on.
• Turn off the pilot knob, then turn it to the pilot position and push and hold for 15-30 seconds. Light the pilot while holding the knob. If it lights, turn it back to the "ON" position. If not, you may need to replace certain parts with the help of a mechanic.

Remember to always refer to your Pitco fryer's manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. If issues persist or you require further assistance, don't hesitate to contact an authorized service technician.

Resetting the self-cleaning burner system

If your Pitco fryer has a self-cleaning burner system, it will run a cleaning cycle every time the unit is turned on. This system is designed with a safety feature that disables the fryer when the self-cleaning burner system malfunctions and remains activated for an extended period. It also turns off the unit if there is a downdraft into the flue or a blocked flue.

To reset the self-cleaning burner system temperature limit switch, follow these steps:

• Turn off the appliance.
• Allow the fryer to cool down to room temperature.
• Press the self-cleaning burner system (SCBS) high-limit reset button. This button is located behind the front panel at the top of the main burners.
• After the reset, the SCBS limit switch is ready for startup.

If the SCBS high-temperature limit switch continues to trip, consult an authorized service technician for further assistance.

Troubleshooting the pilot light

Step 1: Check the Gas Supply

• Make sure the yellow gas valve is turned on.
• If the gas supply is limited, it could be due to grease or debris buildup in the burner or a pressure issue with the gas source.

Step 2: Check for Sparks

• Open the machine and turn on the control to check for sparks.
• If there are no sparks, test the high-limit switch.

Step 3: Test the Pilot Knob

• Turn off the pilot knob.
• Turn it to the pilot position and push and hold it for 15 to 30 seconds.
• Light the pilot while holding the knob.
• If the pilot lights, turn the knob back to the "on" position.
• If it doesn't light, you may need to replace the fryer parts with the help of a mechanic.

Step 4: Check the Thermopile

• The thermopile is a common culprit when the pilot light won't stay lit.
• One end is attached to the pilot, and the other is attached to the gas valve.
• Remove and replace the thermopile, then light the pilot.
• If the pilot stays lit, the issue is resolved.

Step 5: Check the Combination Safety Gas Valve

• If the pilot still won't stay lit, the combination safety gas valve may be the issue.
• Replacing this valve can be tricky due to limited space, and you may need pipe wrenches.
• Remember to install the new gas valve in the same direction and replace all connections.

Step 6: Check the Hi-Limit

• If the pilot is lit but the fryer isn't heating, the issue may be with the hi-limit.
• To test, take one wire off and connect it with the other wire.
• Light the pilot, and if it remains lit, the hi-limit is faulty and needs replacement.
• Follow the instructions in your Pitco fryer manual for hi-limit replacement.

Step 7: Consult a Technician

• If you've tried all the above steps and the pilot light still won't stay lit, it's time to call in a professional.
• Contact an authorized technician or your local Pitco service agent for further assistance.

Troubleshooting the Pitco fryer filter

The Pitco deep fryer is a high-performance appliance, but it may experience malfunctions from time to time. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve problems with the Pitco fryer filter:

The filter pump does not activate

This could be due to a tripped filter pump circuit breaker. To resolve this, try resetting the circuit breaker.

Oil is returning to the tank slowly or not at all

Check for the following issues:

• Dirty filter paper: Replace it with new paper.
• Dirty strainer cap: Remove and clean the cap.
• Filter pan not pushed in completely: Push the filter pan in manually.

Excessive air bubbles in the oil returned to the tank

• Pickup tube screen not tight: Tighten the cap.
• Pickup tube screen cap missing: Locate and install the cap.
• Filter pan not pushed in completely: Push the filter pan in for a complete connection.

Computer controller still displays "Draining" when the drain valve is closed

This issue may be due to improperly adjusted or incomplete closed blue drain valve handles, or a defective drain switch. Resolving this issue may require the assistance of a technician. Refer to the owner's manual for a detailed explanation of different display codes.

General maintenance tips

The cooker tank, filter media kit, filter strainer cap, filter pickup assembly, and filter pan should be cleaned daily. Refer to the Pitco fryer manual for detailed cleaning instructions.

Frequently asked questions