Troubleshooting the W-4 Slow Cooking Warning
Overview
The W4 Slow Cooking error appears on the Quantum Open Fryer at the end of a cook cycle. This message indicates that the actual cook time exceeded the programmed limit for that product. It does not indicate a technical failure but rather a cooking delay, often due to overloading the fryer basket.
Call Avoidance
To help the end user resolve the issue without a service call:
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Check product load in the fryer basket, using the following fill guidelines:
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Top fill line = Half bag of waffle fries
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Middle fill line = Quarter bag of waffle fries
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Verify the product is not frozen
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Press the check mark button to clear the W4 message.
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Verify if a discard warning is shown:
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If no discard warning appears, the food is still safe to serve.
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If a discard warning appears, the food must be discarded.
NOTE: Do not exceed the top fill line.
Field Troubleshooting
If call avoidance steps do not resolve the issue, proceed with the following field troubleshooting steps:
Recommended Parts:
No replacement parts are typically required for this issue.
Recommended Tools:
No tools are required unless further diagnostics are needed.
Troubleshooting
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Check the display for a W4 Slow Cooking message.
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If W4 only, proceed to Step 2.
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If Discard warning also appears, advise the customer to discard the product.
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Ask the operator how much product was loaded.
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If the basket was overfilled, educate on proper fill levels.
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If the basket was not overfilled, go to Step 3.
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Ask the operator if the product is frozen.
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If the product is not frozen, go to Step 3.
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Check amp draw, typically this would cause a W-7 Error.
Other Possibilities
Rare case: If the fryer consistently shows W4 errors without
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Cold oil temperature at start of cook cycle: Ensure oil is at proper temperature before cooking (e.g., 350°F / 177°C).
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Too much oil in fryer: Verify oil level at cooking temperature does not exceed higher than the upper fill line in the vat.
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Reference