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Error code · Blakeslee · Conveyor dish machines

Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code C1: Pre-Rinse Filling Failure

C1 PRE-RINSE FILLING FAILURE means the pre-rinse tank did not fill. The manual says to check the water inlet connection and turn the machine off and on after a few seconds. If the alarm persists, call a service technician.

Medium · inspection needed

High: with the pre-rinse empty the machine cannot run a proper cycle.

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Code
C1
Maker
Blakeslee
Equipment
Conveyor dish machines
Applies to
Blakeslee rack conveyor with pre-rinse section (PDF is Blakeslee's 'RC64 User Manual'; the RC86 user manual is the same document); prints no model name

What does Blakeslee error code C1 mean?

On a conveyor machine with a pre-rinse section, racks pass through a first station that sprays off loose soil before the wash proper. That station has its own tank, and at start-up the control fills it and waits for the level. If the tank does not reach its level within the allowed time, the control stops and shows C1 PRE-RINSE FILLING FAILURE. The manual states that the pre-rinse tank did not fill. Its two steps are to check the water inlet connection, and to turn the machine off and then on again after a few seconds. If C1 persists, it says to contact Technical Service. The usual reason is plain: a supply that is closed or interrupted. Deeper reasons include a fill valve that does not open or a level input that does not see the water. C1 concerns the pre-rinse only. The wash tanks report E1, and in the other conveyor series the prewash reports M1.

Affected models and control systems

Blakeslee rack conveyor dishwasher with a pre-rinse section. The PDF is Blakeslee's RC64 User Manual, and the RC86 manual is the same document; it prints no model name.

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

  • C1 PRE-RINSE FILLING FAILURE on the display
  • Pre-rinse station dry or barely wet
  • No sound of water filling
  • Machine will not begin washing

Possible causes

Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code C1 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.

  • Water inlet to the pre-rinse closed or disconnected
  • Pre-rinse fill valve not opening
  • Inlet screen clogged
  • Level sensing not seeing the water

Safe checks before calling for service

✓ What an operator can do
  1. Check that the water inlet connection to the machine is in place and its valve open, as the manual says.
  2. Turn the machine off, wait a few seconds, and turn it on again.
  3. Listen for water entering the first station.
  4. If C1 returns, stop and do not keep restarting.
  5. Note whether any water entered and for how long.

How a technician diagnoses error code C1

  1. Read the alarm history and confirm C1 stands alone.
  2. Check supply pressure at the pre-rinse inlet and clean its screen.
  3. Make sure the pre-rinse drain closes and holds water.
  4. Test the fill valve coil and voltage when a fill is called.
  5. Check the level sensing and replace the failed part.
! Leave this to a technician
  • Fill valves and level circuits run at line voltage inside the machine.
  • A tank that leaks during fill can wet live parts.
  • Valve, level input and control must be separated with a meter.

How error code C1 differs from similar codes

C1 is the pre-rinse tank fill. C2, C3, C5, C7 and C10 are the other pre-rinse alarms on this series.

Technical reference

Document
Instructions for Use and Maintenance (USA) rack conveyor with pre-rinse section; published on blakesleeinc.com as 'RC64 User Manual'
Maker documentation
Blakeslee owner support
Edition
COD. 4900E_U_USA, Ed. 01 - 02/2018
Models / control
Blakeslee rack conveyor with pre-rinse section (PDF is Blakeslee's 'RC64 User Manual'; the RC86 user manual is the same document); prints no model name
Section
Chapter 12.2.1 Alarms description (pp. 54-55)
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.

→Same maker

Related Blakeslee conveyor dish machine error codes

B10Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code B10: Rinse Low TemperatureB2Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code B2: Boiler 1 Probe FailureB3Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code B3: Boiler 1 Heating FailureB5Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code B5: Boiler 1 OvertemperatureC10Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code C10: Pre-Rinse Temperature AlarmC2Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code C2: Pre-Rinse Probe FailureC3Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code C3: Pre-Rinse Heating FailureC5Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code C5: Pre-Rinse OvertemperatureC7Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code C7: Pre-Rinse Pump TrippedE1Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code E1: Wash Tanks Filling FailureE2Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code E2: Wash 1 Probe FailureE3Blakeslee Conveyor Dishwasher Error Code E3: Wash 1 Heating Failure
C1Questions about Blakeslee error code C1
Is C1 only about the pre-rinse?

Yes. The wash tanks report E1.

Will turning it off and on clear C1?

It can, if the cause was a short supply interruption. Otherwise the alarm returns.

What should I check first?

The water inlet connection, as the manual instructs.

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