Scotsman Ice Machine Error Code 5: Sump Temperature Sensor Failed

What does Scotsman error code 5 mean?

The sump temperature sensor sits in the water reservoir and tells the controller how warm the water is. The controller uses that reading to manage the freeze and harvest cycle, adjusting timing for cold or warm supply water. When the sensor reading disappears or is clearly wrong, the controller shows code 5. Without the reading, ice size and cycle timing can wander, and the machine may stop or run on limited information. Staff may see ice that is thinner or thicker than usual, or a machine that is working but not quite right. The manual lists a loose sensor plug with bent pins inside it, a damaged cable between the sensor and the controller, water inside the sensor connector, and a failed sensor input on the controller. Each is a connection or wiring condition rather than an operating problem, so the likely fix is a plug, a cable or the sensor. Pulling on the wires can turn a loose plug into a broken wire, so staff should leave them alone.

Affected models and control systems

This applies to Scotsman Prodigy ELITE (MC) cubers and Prodigy Eclipse EH330 and EH430 (C and D) remote cubers with the controller code display, per the Prodigy ELITE service 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

• Code 5 on the display
• Ice thicker or thinner than usual
• Cycle timing that seems off
• Machine stopping or running on limited information

Possible causes

Listed in Scotsman's documentation

• Sump sensor plug is loose with bent pins inside
• Cable between the sensor and the controller is damaged
• Water inside the sump sensor connector
• Sensor input on the controller has failed

Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 5 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.

• Splash from a nearby cleaning hose reaching the sensor connector
• A cable chafed against a bracket where the machine vibrates

Safe checks before calling for service

How a technician diagnoses error code 5

1. Read the code and history to confirm how long 5 has been present.
2. Inspect the sump sensor plug and pins for damage and moisture.
3. Check the cable between the sensor and controller for breaks.
4. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the water temperature.
5. Replace the sensor, cable or controller only after the measurements show which one fails.

How error code 5 differs from similar codes

Code 7 on the same controllers is the discharge line temperature sensor, while code 5 is the sump sensor in the water reservoir.

Technical reference

Document

Prodigy ELITE Service Manual MC0322-MC2148, Jan 2022, "Controller Information" p.15

Edition

January 2022

Models / control

Prodigy ELITE (MC) controller code display; Prodigy Eclipse EH330/EH430 (C and D) controller code display

Section

Controller Information - Code Display legend, p. 15; code recall and clear, p. 30; control safeties p. 29. Our cited 'Prodigy Eclipse EH330/EH430' and 'Prodigy Plus flake/nugget' controllers are not covered in this PDF.

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.