Taylor Slush Machine Error Code Thermistor Short: Probe Reads Shorted

What does Taylor Thermistor Short mean?

The thermistors tell the C300 control how cold the product is in each barrel by changing resistance with temperature. A shorted reading means the probe circuit reads as if its two leads were touching, which is an impossible temperature for the control. It cannot judge the product properly, so the display shows Thermistor Short and the barrel may freeze unpredictably: too soft, too hard or not at all. The manual lists a freezing cylinder thermistor that has shorted internally, probe wiring pinched so the two leads touch, sticky syrup or moisture bridging the thermistor connector, and a control input that reads the shorted probe wrongly. Sticky syrup or condensation at the connector is a likely cause in a busy bar or kitchen. The message may involve one or both barrels, and telling us which one saves time on the visit.

Affected models and control systems

Taylor Model C300 frozen carbonated beverage / slush freezer.

Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.

What you may notice

• Thermistor Short appears for one or both barrels
• The product is too soft, too hard or not freezing in that barrel
• The control cannot show a sensible barrel temperature

Possible causes

Listed in Taylor's documentation

• A freezing cylinder thermistor that has shorted internally
• Probe wiring pinched so the two leads touch
• Sticky syrup or moisture bridging the thermistor connector
• A control input that reads the shorted probe wrongly

Other likely causes — what usually sits behind Thermistor Short on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.

• Syrup spilled at the back of the machine that has crept into the probe plug
• A probe lead trapped by a panel that was refitted after cleaning

Safe checks before calling for service

How a technician diagnoses Thermistor Short

1. Read the message and note the barrel.
2. Inspect the probe lead and plug for pinching, syrup and moisture, with power off.
3. Measure the thermistor resistance and compare it with the expected value.
4. Clean and dry the connector.
5. Test the control input with a substitute resistor.
6. Replace the thermistor or control only after the test.

How Thermistor Short differs from similar codes

Thermistor Short reads as a circuit with the leads touching. Thermistor Open on the same machine reads as a cut circuit.

Technical reference

Document

Model C300 Operator's Manual (updated 9/2/2020), User Interface p.5-2 to 5-4

Edition

055072-M; original publication 9/26/08, updated 9/2/2020

Models / control

Model C300 frozen carbonated beverage / slush freezer

Section

Section 5 User Interface - Table 5-1 Fault Messages p. 5-2 (PDF p. 20); fault explanations pp. 5-3 to 5-4 (PDF pp. 21-22)

Checked

October 2026

We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.