Meiko Dishwasher Error Code 103: Wash Tank Temperature Not Reached
Message 103 on a Meiko M-iClean U dishwasher means the wash tank temperature was not reached. The maker says it is possible to continue working, and to call a service technician. Let the machine warm up, make sure the door is shut and the water valve is open, and check dish results closely.
Medium: the machine runs but the wash may be less effective until heating is restored.
- Code
- 103
- Maker
- MEIKO
- Equipment
- Dish machines
- Applies to
- M-iClean U (red/gray messages)
What does MEIKO error code 103 mean?
On Meiko M-iClean U undercounter dishwashers, message 103 means the wash tank temperature was not reached. The machine heats the tank before and during washing, and the control compares the temperature with the target. If the tank does not get there, the message appears and stays until it does. The maker says it is possible to continue working, and to call a service technician. The machine is not heating the tank as expected, so wash results can suffer while the message is up, even though the cycle still goes through. That matters in a commercial kitchen because dishes may not be cleaned or sanitized as well as usual. The manual points to the tank heating element and its relay, the temperature sensor, cold incoming water that makes warm-up very slow, and scale on the heating parts. The display text is 103.
Affected models and control systems
Meiko M-iClean U undercounter dishwashers (red and gray messages), per the operating instructions 9763258, section 9.4.1 Messages. The temperature limit shown depends on the program.
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
- Message 103 with slow warm-up
- Dishes that do not come out as clean or hot
- Cycle that still runs
- Tank water only lukewarm
Possible causes
Listed in MEIKO's documentation
- Tank heating element and its relay
- Tank temperature sensor
- Cold incoming water making the warm-up very slow
- Scale on the heating parts
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 103 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A heating element coated with scale after months of untreated hard water
- A relay that clicks but does not pass power to the element
- A sensor that reads cooler than the real tank and keeps the heat on
Safe checks before calling for service
- Let the machine finish warming up before the first load.
- Check the door is shut fully, because an open door loses heat.
- Make sure the water supply valve is open.
- If 103 stays on, you may keep working as the maker allows, but call us and check dish results closely.
How a technician diagnoses error code 103
- Read the message and note whether it clears when warm.
- Check the incoming water temperature and supply.
- Measure tank temperature with a thermometer against the display.
- Test the element and its relay with a meter.
- Check scale on the heating parts and descale or replace as needed.
- Heating elements and relays run at high voltage with water nearby.
- Scale removal needs the right descaler and a rinse that protects food contact surfaces.
- Dish sanitizing depends on reaching the right temperature, so the cause should be repaired.
How error code 103 differs from similar codes
Message 103 is about the wash tank temperature, a heating shortfall rather than the cycle length that 106 reports.
Technical reference
- Document
- M-iClean U Original operating instructions 9763258 (update 2026-06), 9.4.1 Messages p.43-45
- Edition
- 9763258 / Valid from: 2018-09 / Update: 2026-06
- Models / control
- M-iClean U (red/gray messages)
- Section
- 9.4.1 Messages, printed pp. 43-45 of 70 (PDF pp. 43-45)
- 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 MEIKO dish machine error codes
Can I keep washing with 103 showing?
The maker says it is possible, but check results closely because the water may be cooler than intended.
Will 103 clear by itself?
It clears if the tank reaches its target, for example after a longer warm-up.
Is 103 caused by cold incoming water?
It can be, since cold water slows the warm-up. A longer wait sometimes solves it.
Need help with MEIKO error code 103?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.