Fix Your Stuff Community Store

How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker

Introduction

Does your pressure cooker show the dreaded C6 error while it makes alarming beeps? Follow this guide to diagnose what’s wrong and learn how to fix it!

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.

This guide was written with an Instant Pot DUO80, but the general procedure can be applied to many electric pressure cookers because most use similar electronics and sensors.

What you need

  1. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Access the pressure cooker innards: step 1, image 1 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Access the pressure cooker innards: step 1, image 2 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Access the pressure cooker innards: step 1, image 3 of 3

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

    • Flip the pressure cooker upside down.

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

    • Twist and remove the bottom plate.

    • Depending on your model, this procedure may be slightly different.

    Edit

  2. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Locate the pressure sensors: step 2, image 1 of 2 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Locate the pressure sensors: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Here's a quick overview of the pressure cooker sensors. Depending on your model, the components may differ slightly.

    • 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 pressure cooker 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 pressure cooker turns off, and can result in inaccurate and dangerous cooking situations.

    Edit

    • 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 pressure cooker and check if it works.

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

    Edit

  4. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Diagnose the C6 or C6H error: step 4, image 1 of 2 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Diagnose the C6 or C6H error: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    • If you don't have a "duo" pressure cooker, you will only have one pressure sensor, and it's this high pressure one.

    • Make sure the pressure cooker 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.

    Edit

  6. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

    • 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.

    Edit

  8. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Diagnose the C6L error: step 7, image 1 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Diagnose the C6L error: step 7, image 2 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Diagnose the C6L error: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  9. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Clean the sensor contacts: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Clean the sensor contacts: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • 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 pressure cooker.

    • 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.

    Edit

  10. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 9, image 1 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 9, image 2 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  11. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 10, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  12. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker, Test and calibrate a new sensor: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • 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 pressure cooker.

    • Add 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker 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 pressure cooker 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 pressure cooker 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.

    Edit

  13. How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 12, image 1 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 12, image 2 of 3 How to Fix the C6 Error for a Pressure Cooker: step 12, image 3 of 3

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

    • Unplug your pressure cooker 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 pressure cooker 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 pressure cooker 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 pressure cooker and perform the pressure test in the previous step. Readjust the calibration screw as needed.

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

    Edit
Conclusion

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

39 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 1 other contributor

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

281,593 Reputation

584 Guides authored

Badges: 47

+44 more badges

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

118 Members

19,407 Guides authored

63 Comments

We almost had to throw some food away because the “C6 L” error in the middle of making dinner. Your instructions were clear and fixed the issue. Thanks Arthur!

Kyle P - Reply

Thanks for this helpful tutorial?

Abdul Kadir - Reply

Great and informative presentation! The pictures show exactly what to do and make everything perfectly clear. In my case, I was able to clean the contacts and the pot is back to working order. It took more time to find my multi-meter than it did to fix the problem. As a bonus, I had to look up what a “spudger” is… Now I can stop calling it that “stick thingy.” ?

Jerry Z - Reply

My IP-DUO80 from 2016 died with C6H. The high pressure switch didn’t click so I ordered and waiting delivery on a KS0105A dual switch. Apparently there’s another version (YCD3008) but I don’t know the difference. I saw your warning not to try calibrating the switch. Anyway, I did find a suggestion for the single high/low switch to turn the sensitivity screw clockwise/counter-clockwise as needed to adjust the high and low pressures.

Teddy Sam - Reply

Wow this post was just 11 hours ago. My

IP-DUO80 from 2016 died with C6H as well last night….wierd. Worked fine for years. Thanks for the part numbers. I have yet to pull the switch to see how bad the contacts are but the high pressure side definitely doesnt click when pushed. If cleaning doesn't help I will order a new switch.

DatsunRob -

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 78

Past 7 Days: 534

Past 30 Days: 2,533

All Time: 205,370