How to Fix the C6 Error for an Instant Pot DUO80

Written By: Arthur Shi
  • Comments: 1
How to Fix the C6 Error for an Instant Pot DUO80

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

12

Time Required

10 - 15 minutes

Introduction

This guide shows how to diagnose and repair an Instant Pot DUO80 with a C6 error.

The C6, C6L, and C6H errors means that one of the pressure sensors isn’t working. Most of the time, it’s due to a buildup on the sensor contacts. Cleaning the contacts will likely fix the problem.

Before you begin, check the instruction manual that came with your Instant Pot for troubleshooting tips.

If you're trying to fix a different model, check out this guide.

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    • Be sure to unplug your Instant Pot before you begin your repair. Once opened, there's exposed wiring that can electrocute you if the device is plugged in.

    • Flip the Instant Pot upside down.

    • Use a T15 Torx driver to remove the screw securing the bottom plate.

    • Twist and remove the bottom plate.

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    • Here's a quick overview of the Instant Pot pressure sensors.

    • The T6L (low pressure) sensor and its connector. Some models may not have this.

    • The T6H (high pressure) sensor and its connectors.

    • Each sensor consists of metal strips. Normally, the strips touch each other, creating an electrical path.

    • Once the Instant Pot heats up, the strips flex apart, breaking the electrical circuit.

    • The screws underneath the white resin are calibration screws.

    • Don't mess with the calibration screws! They will change what temperature and pressure the Instant Pot turns off, and can result in inaccurate and dangerous cooking situations.

  3. Use a spudger or your finger to firmly press the top of a sensor. You should hear a loud click, signifying that the metal strips in the sensor are flexing properly.

    • Use a spudger or your finger to firmly press the top of a sensor. You should hear a loud click, signifying that the metal strips in the sensor are flexing properly.

    • Repeat for the second sensor.

    • If you don't hear a click, the contacts may be fused together, or the metal springs are worn out. Skip to this step to clean or replace the sensor.

    • Sometimes, just flexing the sensors will fix the problem. Carefully re-assemble the Instant Pot and check if it works.

    • If the Instant Pot doesn't work, unplug the device, and follow the subsequent steps to further diagnose the problem.

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    • The next three steps show how to test the high pressure sensor more extensively. You should check this sensor if you get a C6 or C6H error.

    • Make sure the Instant Pot is unplugged from the outlet.

    • Use pliers or your fingers to lift and disconnect one of the sensor's spade connectors from the circuit board.

    • These connectors can be stubborn. Gently wiggle the connector as you pull to loosen it.

    • This disconnects the sensor electrically, so we can do a continuity test.

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    • Attach a multimeter/ohmmeter lead to both exposed ends of the sensor wires, making sure the leads don't touch each other.

    • Test lead polarity doesn't matter for these tests.

    • Set your meter to resistance mode or continuity mode.

  6. In its resting state, the pressure sensor should be continuous, which means the meter should read almost zero resistance.

    • In its resting state, the pressure sensor should be continuous, which means the meter should read almost zero resistance.

    • If the meter shows a high resistance or no continuity, it could mean that the sensor contacts are dirty. Double-check your meter contacts and make sure they're grasping onto the wires.

    • Use a spudger or your finger to firmly press on the top of the sensor until it clicks.

    • The meter should change to show no continuity (0.L, in my meter's case). If it doesn't, there is a potential electrical short—the contacts may be fused, or you may need to replace the sensor.

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    • This step shows how to test the low pressure sensor more extensively. You should check this sensor if you get a C6L error.

    • Disconnect the low pressure sensor by squeezing its circuit board connector to disengage the lock, then pull straight up.

    • Attach a multimeter lead to both exposed ends of the sensor wires, making sure the leads don't touch each other.

    • Set the meter to resistance/continuity and test for continuity, when the sensor is resting, and when it's depressed.

    • The meter should show low resistance/continuous when the sensor is resting, and no continuity when the sensor's depressed.

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    • If your tests suggest that you may have dirty contacts, or you suspect the contacts have fused, follow the next steps to remove the sensors to clean them.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw securing the sensors to the Instant Pot.

    • This screw can be very tight. Be sure to use the right sized screwdriver to avoid stripping it.

    • Lift the sensor assembly out of its recess.

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    • Press down on the sensor to open the contacts.

    • Use some sandpaper, a file, or electrical contact cleaner to clean the contacts. Be sure to clean both mating surfaces.

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    • Use a multimeter to test the sensors for proper operation before you reassemble your Instant Pot.

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    • The next step will give you general guidance on how to test a new high pressure sensor.

    • Install your replacement pressure sensor and reassemble the Instant Pot.

    • Add 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for five minutes.

    • If the emergency vent begins to leak or vent during the heating cycle, the pot is over-pressurizing. Immediately unplug the Instant Pot and perform a quick release.

    • Once the five minutes are up, vent using quick release.

    • There should be a strong pressure release. If there isn't, the Instant Pot is not reaching sufficient pressure.

    • If the emergency vent didn't leak during the cycle and the quick release vented with strong pressure, your new pressure sensor is working as intended. You don't need to calibrate the sensor.

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    • If your new high pressure sensor is under-pressurizing or over-pressurizing, follow this step to adjust the pressure sensor.

    • Unplug your Instant Pot and disassemble it until you can access the pressure sensors.

    • Use a spudger to pry away the white adhesive covering the high pressure sensor calibration screw.

    • This reveals the calibration screw's flat screwhead.

    • If your Instant Pot is over-pressurizing, use a screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise (tighten) by a quarter turn. This makes the sensor trigger and turn off at a lower heat.

    • If your Instant Pot is under-pressurizing, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise (loosen) by a quarter turn. This makes the sensor trigger and turn off at a higher heat.

    • Reassemble the Instant Pot and perform the pressure test in the previous step. Readjust the calibration screw as needed.

    • Once you've calibrated the Instant Pot, cover the calibration screw with some silicone or heat-tolerant adhesive. This prevents the calibration screw from turning.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 03/01/18

272294 Reputation

One comment

Great guide. Saved me some bucks on a replacement for sure. Testing was nerve wracking but I get that way when a pressure cooker is on anyway.

Jeremy Becker -