Frymaster M3000 Fryer Error Code E24: Oil Return Sensor
OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED (Gas) (E24) on a Frymaster Gen II LOV fryer with the M3000 computer means the oil return (level) sensor may have failed. The manual says to call service. Watch the oil level by hand until it is checked.
Medium: filtering cannot be trusted to finish, but the fryer can still cook with the oil level watched.
What does Frymaster OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED mean?
The M3000 computer uses an oil return sensor, also described as a level sensor, to tell when oil has come back to the vat after filtering. If the sensor does not behave as expected, the computer logs E24 and shows OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED (Gas). The manual says the sensor may have failed and that the action is to call service. The word 'may' is accurate, because a wiring or connection problem can mimic a failed sensor. Without a working return sensor, the computer cannot confirm when the vat has refilled, so a filter cycle cannot finish in a trusted way and the oil level has to be judged by eye. The manual lists no other causes. E24 is part of the Gen II LOV M3000 table for this computer family, which includes the BIGLA30 gas fryer.
Affected models and control systems
Gen II LOV fryers with the M3000 computer, BIELA14 series electric; the BIGLA30 gas fryer uses the same computer family.
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
- OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED (Gas) on the computer
- Filter cycle that does not finish
- Uncertain oil level after filtering
- Alarm sounding
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A sensor coated with carbonized oil that no longer reads correctly
- A damaged sensor lead near the vat
- A connector that has corroded and drops the signal
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check the vat oil level by eye after any filter run and top up by hand if needed.
- Avoid starting further filter cycles until the sensor is checked.
- Do not touch the sensor or wiring while hot.
- Write down when the message appeared and how the oil level looked, then call service.
How a technician diagnoses OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED
- Read the error log for E24 and for return valve or pump codes.
- Inspect the sensor and its connector once the oil is cool.
- Clean any buildup from the sensor following the manual.
- Test the sensor signal at the computer input with a meter.
- Replace the sensor or harness only after the test shows which one is bad.
- The sensor reads oil level in a hot vat, which is a burn hazard to reach.
- Input testing is done on a live control cabinet.
- A dirty sensor and a dead sensor give the same message, and cleaning it wrongly can damage it.
How OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED differs from similar codes
E24 is the oil return sensor; E09 is slow oil return and E12 and E13 are the return valve, which are different parts of the same filter cycle.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Frymaster owner support
- Edition
- May 2011, 819-6446
- Models / control
- 3000 controller / M3000
- Section
- 1.14.4 Error Log Codes, p. 1-35
- 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 Frymaster fryer error codes
Does the fryer still heat?
The manual does not say it stops. The concern is that filtering cannot confirm the vat has refilled.
Is the sensor always bad?
Not always, since the manual says it may have failed. Wiring or buildup can look the same.
How is E24 different from E09?
E09 means oil is coming back too slowly. E24 means the sensor that checks the return may have failed.
Need help with Frymaster OIL RETURN SENSOR FAILED?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.