Jackson Dishwasher Error Code F13: Communication Error
F13 on a Jackson DishStar HT-E means the display board and the I/O module are not communicating. The manual points to a loose or broken 6-pin cable, or a bad communication port. Turn the machine off and have a technician reseat the cable.
High: without communication between the boards the machine cannot run a cycle.
- Code
- F13
- Maker
- Jackson
- Equipment
- Dish machines
- Applies to
- DishStar HT-E undercounter dishmachines (same F-code table is also printed in the DynaTemp door-type manual 07610-004-29-29-D, pp. 22-24, where F12 is 'Not Used
What does Jackson error code F13 mean?
This machine has two electronic parts that must talk to each other: the display board the operator sees and the I/O module that runs the pumps, valves and heaters. They are linked by a 6-pin cable. When the link stops, the screen shows "F13 Communication error. Check 6-pin cable". The manual lists three causes: a loose connection in the 6-pin cable between display board and I/O module, a failed 6-pin cable, or a failed communication port on the I/O module or the display board. Its actions go from easy to harder. Disconnect the cable at each end and reconnect until a click is heard; inspect for a broken wire or unseated terminal by gently pulling each wire, reseating loose terminals and replacing the cable if a wire is broken; and finally, substitute a known-good display board to see whether F13 returns, then repeat with a good I/O module. Unlike the temperature codes, F13 involves no water or heater test at all.
Affected models and control systems
Jackson DishStar HT-E undercounter dishmachines. The F-code table is also printed in the DynaTemp door-type manual, pp. 22-24.
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
- Display reads F13 Communication error. Check 6-pin cable
- Keys that do nothing or a frozen screen
- Machine that will not start a cycle
Possible causes
Listed in Jackson's documentation
- Loose connection in the 6-pin cable between display board and I/O module
- 6-pin cable failed
- Communication port on the I/O module or display board failed
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code F13 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A cable stressed by door slams and vibration where it bends near the hinge
- Moisture or detergent mist reaching a terminal in the cable plug
- A power surge that damaged one of the communication ports
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the machine off, wait a minute, and turn it back on.
- Do not open the control panel or unplug the cable yourself; the cable runs inside the cabinet.
- See whether the display responds normally after the restart.
- Tell the technician whether the machine had been splashed or moved just before F13 appeared.
How a technician diagnoses error code F13
- Confirm F13 and inspect the 6-pin cable at both ends.
- Disconnect the cable at each end and reconnect until a click is heard.
- Inspect for a broken wire or an unseated terminal by gently pulling each wire; reseat loose terminals and replace the cable if a wire is broken.
- Temporarily substitute a known-good display board and see whether F13 returns.
- If it does, repeat with a known-good I/O module and replace the part that clears the code.
- The cable and boards are inside the control cabinet with line voltage present.
- Swapping boards to find the failed port needs known-good parts and care with static.
- A wrong swap can put a good board at risk, so the order matters.
How error code F13 differs from similar codes
F13 is the only F code on this table about communication. All the others concern water, temperature or power.
Technical reference
- Document
- DishStar HT-E Installation, Operation, and Service Manual
- Edition
- 07610-004-43-79-J (Rev J)
- Models / control
- DishStar HT-E undercounter dishmachines (same F-code table is also printed in the DynaTemp door-type manual 07610-004-29-29-D, pp. 22-24, where F12 is 'Not Used
- Section
- Fault Codes / Troubleshooting, printed pp. 26-28 (PDF pp. 33-35)
- 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 Jackson dish machine error codes
Is F13 a power problem?
No. It says the display board and the I/O module are not communicating, which is a cable or port problem.
Will reseating the cable fix it?
It is the manual's first action, and a loose connection is the first cause listed.
Can I wash without the display?
No. The display and I/O module have to talk for the machine to run a cycle.
Need help with Jackson error code F13?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.