Jackson Glasswasher Error Code F13: Communication Error
F13 on a Jackson Delta HT-E-SEER glasswasher 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. A technician should reseat or replace the cable.
High: without communication between the boards the machine cannot run a cycle.
- Code
- F13
- Maker
- Jackson
- Equipment
- Glasswashers
- Applies to
- Delta HT-E-SEER glasswasher dishmachines
What does Jackson error code F13 mean?
A glasswasher needs its display board and I/O module to talk to each other. The display shows what the operator selects, and the I/O module runs the fill, pumps and heaters. A 6-pin cable carries the conversation. When it 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 display board. The actions run from simple to complete: disconnect the cable at each end and reconnect until a click is heard; look 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; then substitute a known-good display board to see whether F13 returns, and repeat with a good I/O module. A bar's humid, splashy surroundings make the cable plugs the first place to look.
Affected models and control systems
Jackson Delta HT-E-SEER glasswasher dishmachines. The error table is on printed pp. 25-27 of the Delta HT-E-SEER manual.
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
- A screen that does not respond to key presses
- 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 plug whose terminals have corroded in a steamy, splash-prone bar area
- A cable chafed where it passes the door frame
- A port damaged by a voltage spike from other bar equipment
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the machine off, wait a minute, and turn it back on.
- Wipe up any spilled liquid around the control area and keep it dry.
- Do not unplug the cable yourself.
- Tell the technician whether the control area was splashed or the machine was moved.
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.
- Gently pull each wire to find a broken wire or unseated terminal; reseat or replace the cable.
- Temporarily substitute a known-good display board and see whether F13 returns.
- 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 at line voltage.
- Board swaps need known-good parts and static care.
- A wrong swap order can put a good board at risk.
How error code F13 differs from similar codes
F13 is the only communication code in the table. The other F codes concern water, temperature or power.
Technical reference
- Document
- Delta HT-E-SEER Installation, Operation, and Service Manual
- Edition
- 07610-004-54-86-E (Rev E)
- Models / control
- Delta HT-E-SEER glasswasher dishmachines
- Section
- Fault Codes / Troubleshooting, printed pp. 25-27 (PDF pp. 32-35)
- 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 glasswasher error codes
Does F13 mean my display is dead?
Not necessarily. The manual lists a loose cable first, then a failed cable, then a failed port.
Could splashes cause F13?
The manual does not list it, but a cable plug is the place a technician looks first.
Is there anything I can do before the visit?
Switch the machine off and on once. Beyond that, the cable work needs a technician.
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.