Manitowoc Ice Machine Error Code E16: Remote Condensing Unit Temp
E16 means the liquid line of a Manitowoc Indigo ice machine with a remote condensing unit was below 40 F or above 140 F for over a minute during freeze. If you can see the remote unit, check that its fan turns and nothing blocks it, and that its disconnect is on. Do not climb on a roof; call us.
Medium: ice output falls or stops, but the machine can be restored once the remote unit is fixed.
- Code
- E16
- Maker
- Manitowoc
- Equipment
- Ice machines
- Applies to
- Indigo series (non-NXT) control board, Event Log (Service menu > Event Log > View ELog)
What does Manitowoc error code E16 mean?
E16 applies only to Manitowoc Indigo ice machines without the NXT display that use a remote condensing unit, the ICVD type. In these systems the condenser sits outdoors or away from the cabinet, and its job is to keep the liquid line in a working range. During freeze, the control board watches liquid line temperature. If it stays below 40 F or above 140 F for more than one continuous minute, the board logs E16, because the remote unit is not holding the line where it should be. Ice output suffers or stops. A reading that is too hot points to heat the remote condenser cannot reject, such as a stopped fan or a dirty coil. A reading that is too cold can mean the refrigerant charge is low or the line sensor is reading wrong. The display text for the entry is E16. Because the unit is separate from the machine, a technician checks both ends: the outdoor unit and the cabinet.
Affected models and control systems
Manitowoc Indigo series (ICVD remote condensing unit) cubers with the non-NXT control board (Service menu > Event Log > View ELog). Self-contained Indigo machines do not use this entry.
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
- Ice output low or stopped
- Remote unit fan not turning
- Remote unit dirty or surrounded by debris
- Machine cycling off during freeze
Possible causes
Listed in Manitowoc's documentation
- A remote condenser fan that is not turning outdoors
- A dirty condenser coil or tight clearance around the remote unit
- A low refrigerant charge that drops the liquid line below 40 F
- A liquid line sensor reading outside the expected range
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E16 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A weather-damaged fan motor or capacitor on the remote unit
- A breaker or disconnect to the remote unit that was switched off during roof work
- Refrigerant lost through a leak in the long line set between the cabinet and the unit
Safe checks before calling for service
- If you can see the remote condensing unit, check that its fan turns and that leaves or debris are not blocking it.
- Make sure the disconnect for the remote unit is on.
- Do not climb on a roof or open the unit.
- Call us and tell us where the condensing unit is mounted.
How a technician diagnoses error code E16
- Read the Event Log for E16 and whether the readings were high or low.
- Go to the remote unit and check the fan, coil and disconnect.
- Measure line pressures and liquid line temperature with gauges.
- Compare the liquid line sensor with a reference thermometer.
- Check the line set for leaks before recharging.
- The remote unit often sits on a roof, where access and electrical hazards call for a trained technician.
- Pressure and line set checks need gauges and certified refrigerant handling.
- The remote fan and its wiring carry full line voltage.
How error code E16 differs from similar codes
Only ICVD remote-condenser machines log E16; self-contained Indigo models log E04 or E15 for temperature problems.
Technical reference
- Document
- Indigo Series Technician's Handbook 000014794 5/17, "Event Log" p.87-91
- Maker documentation
- Manitowoc owner support
- Edition
- Part Number 000014794 5/17
- Models / control
- Indigo series (non-NXT) control board, Event Log (Service menu > Event Log > View ELog)
- Section
- Event Log: code list p. 87, Event Log Detail table pp. 88-91 (Service menu > Event Log)
- 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 Manitowoc ice machine error codes
Can I keep running the machine with E16?
It will not hold a good liquid line temperature, so ice output suffers. It is better to have it checked soon.
Will E16 clear by itself?
If it was a dirty coil or switched-off disconnect, restoring those may stop it. Otherwise it returns.
Is the remote unit part of the ice machine?
It belongs to the system, but it sits elsewhere. That is why we check both locations.
Need help with Manitowoc error code E16?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.