Manitowoc Ice Machine Error Code E26: Bin Level Probe, Medium Sensor
E26 refers to the medium position of the bin level probe on a Manitowoc Indigo ice machine, whose thermistor stayed out of range for over ten minutes. Check whether the bin is full, half full or empty, and compare that with what the machine is doing. Clear ice wedged against the probe and call us if it returns.
Low: ice is still made, but cycling may be mistimed.
- Code
- E26
- Maker
- Manitowoc
- Equipment
- Ice machines
- Applies to
- Indigo series (non-NXT) control board, Event Log (Service menu > Event Log > View ELog)
What does Manitowoc error code E26 mean?
The medium position of the bin level probe on Manitowoc Indigo ice machines without the NXT display is what E26 refers to. The thermistor reading stayed outside its valid range for over ten minutes. The probe senses ice at three heights, and the middle one helps the board decide when the bin is getting full and when it is draining down. Without the medium reading, the board is less sure how much ice is stored, which can cause the machine to cycle on and off at the wrong times. In a busy kitchen this can look like a machine that restarts too early or waits too long. The display text for the entry is E26. The causes in the manual are a loose plug, condensation or ice on the thermistor, a sensor that reads out of range after damage, and a probe that is loose in its mount inside the bin.
Affected models and control systems
Manitowoc Indigo series cubers with the non-NXT control board (Service menu > Event Log > View ELog). E26 is the medium position; E25 is low and E27 is high.
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
- Machine starting and stopping at odd moments
- Ice refilling sooner or later than expected
- Ice wedged against the probe
- The E26 line in the Event Log
Possible causes
Listed in Manitowoc's documentation
- A loose plug on the medium bin level sensor
- Condensation or ice on the medium thermistor
- A medium sensor that reads out of range after damage
- A bin level probe loose in its mount in the bin
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E26 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Humid air entering through a bin door that does not close fully
- A bin liner or scoop that bumps the probe each time ice is drawn
- A connector corroded by repeated wash-down splashes
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check whether the bin is full, half full or empty and compare with what the machine is doing.
- Clear ice that is wedged against the probe.
- Keep the bin door closed to limit moisture.
- Call us if the entry comes back.
How a technician diagnoses error code E26
- Read the Event Log for E26 and check E25 and E27.
- Inspect the probe mount and its plug for looseness or moisture.
- Dry and clean the medium sensor and retest.
- Measure thermistor resistance against the chart.
- Replace the probe only if the medium sensor still fails.
- The probe connector is on the control board side, which is not an operator area.
- Checking a thermistor needs a meter and a chart for the temperature.
- Wet bin conditions mean any testing near live wiring needs proper tools and training.
How error code E26 differs from similar codes
E26 reports the middle sensor of the probe and E25 and E27 the outer two, so the three entries point to different spots.
Technical reference
- Document
- Indigo Series Technician's Handbook 000014794 5/17, "Event Log" p.87-91
- Maker documentation
- Manitowoc owner support
- Edition
- Part Number 000014794 5/17
- Models / control
- Indigo series (non-NXT) control board, Event Log (Service menu > Event Log > View ELog)
- Section
- Event Log: code list p. 87, Event Log Detail table pp. 88-91 (Service menu > Event Log)
- 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.
Related Manitowoc ice machine error codes
Can I keep running the machine with E26?
Yes. It may cycle at odd times, but it keeps making ice.
Will E26 clear by itself?
If the cause was frost or condensation, it may after the probe dries. Damage will not.
Is E26 the same as E27?
No. E26 is the medium sensor, E27 the high one, and each affects the bin-full decision differently.
Need help with Manitowoc error code E26?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.