How to Fix the C6 Error for an Instant Pot

Written By: Arthur Shi

Comments: 45

How to Fix the C6 Error for an Instant Pot

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

10 - 15 minutes

Introduction

Does your Instant Pot show the dreaded C6 error while making sad, 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.

Tools

Step 1

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

Step 2

Here's a quick overview of the Instant Pot pressure 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.
These two "pressure sensors" are actually temperature switches. The Instant Pot uses these to estimate pressure using the Ideal Gas Law.
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.

Cant believe Just clicking the sensors worked. Thanks. I was getting C6L

MAYANK MAHAJAN -

Step 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. If the sensor's worn, you'll need to 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.

If I replace the sensor with the same model one that was originally in the instant pot, do I need to recalibrate or is it just install the new one and good to go?

Thank you

Duo80 user -

I dont really know but i'll say that to avoid any problem, just re calibrate it, like that you are sure

Clet -

True. Thank you!

Duo80 user -

Hi Arthur,

I am facing C6L error , as mentioned i have check the sensor its clicking well. When the Instant pot is turn on without the internal steel pot it doesn't show any error ,once the internal steel pot is kept it show's error C6L.

Need your suggestion how to resolve the same

Lucas Chettiar -

Hi Lucas,

That's a peculiar situation. What happens if you disconnect the low pressure sensor's connector (step 7), reassembled the Instant Pot, plugged it in, and put the pot in? If it doesn't show C6L error, then there's something wrong with the sensor or wire.

Arthur Shi -

My high-pressure sensor doesn't click. Where can I purchase this sensor? Thank you!

Joli Toth -

my high pressure sensor isn't clicking as well, I'm ordering this part off amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FSRDGDD

Brian Dropdead -

Step 4

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" Instant Pot, you will only have one pressure sensor, and it's this high pressure one.
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.

Step 5

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.

Step 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.

Step 7

This step shows how to test the low pressure sensor more extensively. You should check this sensor if you get a C6L error.
If you don't have a "duo" Instant Pot, you won't have this sensor.
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.

Found that when disconnected from the board it wouldn't work on continuity. The video testing the high pressure side shows it connected too. This was a very helpful guide though. I cleaned my contacts and resolved the c6L error. Thank you Arthur for answering this issue. Instapot service was not helpful at all.

David Kriston -

Hi David,

I think the continuity didn't work for you because the sensor contacts were dirty. I'm glad you resolved the issue!

Arthur Shi -

Removed the pressure sensor connection from the board, the sensor connection was open. I pressed the sensor tongues for few times, the connection returned!. I did not have to remove the sensor assembly. Thanks Arthur.

Shankar Chakkere -

Step 8

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.

Step 9

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.

what do you do if the sensor is broken off?

Tyler Johll-Bayliss -

Step 10

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

Very helpful. For me, simply pushing down on the pressure switches seemed to be enough to restore operation - at least for awhile. If the problem comes back, I will bother to clean the contacts. I would suggest for those who find the provided instructions daunting, just try unscrewing and removing the cover, push down on both pressure sensors with your finger, then replace the cover and see if the unit resumes proper operation. If it doesn’t, then try cleaning the contacts. The multimeter is useful if the instant pot still does not work and you need to isolate the problem to the pressure switches or the control board before investing in a used replacement pressure switch. Finally, according to an Instant Pot blog, the pressure switches are not bimetal temperature switches. They sense physical expansion of the bottom of the inner pot under pressure.

Paul Yosim -

Thanks for the helpful comments Paul! I'll add your corrections into the guide.

Arthur Shi -

Thank you! My wife loves me even more now🤗

maxmaxfield -

Thank you so much. I cleaned up and worked.

I also bought new ones at Amazon to replace in the future soon.

"Electric Pressure Cooker Pressure Sensor or Switch Works with Instant Pot, Power Cooker, Cuisinart, Farberware, Power Quick Pot, Crock-Pot" This sensor is not created or sold by the mentioned brands. https://a.co/d/5RmcEtu

Vinny Nocentino -

One of the best (and complete) tutorials I've found on the web. Too many tutorials leave something out or assume readers already know more than they do.

Excellent job, thank you

Art Main -

Conclusion

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

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 03/01/18

211132 Reputation

28 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 -

Thanks for this helpful tutorial?

Abdul Kadir -

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 -

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 -

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 -

Adding a lot of rices can make it go C6????

Enmanuel Villanueva -

I'm still getting the C6h and I put a new sensor in any suggestions???

Anthony Curtis -

I ordered a new pressure switch and looked at my old one both very clean and both made the click.. But still throwing the code!!!

Anthony Curtis -

Hi Anthony!

It sounds like there's an open circuit somewhere. Double check the wires going to that sensor, and the motherboard socket connecting the wires.

Arthur Shi -

Thank you for this was very helpful

Richard Hibbard -

Thank you for this great information! Has anyone been able to find the correct replacement sensor for the duo80 v2? I am nervous about trying to calibrate a new switch. I would love feedback if anyone has success stories.

ala_lovell - 13/05/22

Hooray I can do it. Thanks a lot Mr Shi. Easy to follow your instructions.

H Pham from Melbourne Australia.

HaiLan Pham -

I had just replaced the switch with YCD3008, everything seems working, however, it took longer time to cook as before, eg. usually it took about half hour to cook the beef stew, and now it take one hours 15 minutes to have the same result, I realized i am having lower pressure inside the pot than before, I guess I have to take a chance to calibrate the switch to get higher pressure otherwise it is no point to cook with a pressure cooker in hours of time. Anyone here can show me how to calibrate the switch? which screw to adjust? (screw with the red wire or black?) which way to adjust? (anti-clockwise to get higher pressure, increment in quarter turn?) thanks!

Erick -

Hi Erick,

If you're encountering issues in "H" (high) mode, you should adjust the sensor connected to the red wire. If you're cooking in "L" (low) mode, you should adjust the sensor connected to the black wire.

If the Instant Pot isn't pressurizing sufficiently, turn the calibration screw counter-clockwise by a quarter turn. This makes the sensor less sensitive, which means the pot will pressurize more before it triggers the cutoff.

Test by adding 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot to cook for five minutes. Once the five minutes are up, vent using quick release. There should be a strong pressure release. If there isn't, loosen the screw by a quarter turn and repeat the test.

If the emergency vent begins to leak or vent during the heating cycle, the pot is over-pressurizing. Immediately turn off the Instant Pot and perform a quick release. You'll need to tighten the calibration screw to make it more sensitive to pressure.

Arthur Shi - 01/07/22

Hello,

I had to disassemble my entire instant pot after it overcooked. After reassembling, the error C6L came up. So I opened it up again and found, that the low pressure sensor circuit was permanently open. By loosening the middle screw, it clicked and the pot worked. However, I'm a bit worried because I had to loosen this screw and the pot doesn't respond as well as before to settings: e.g. pre-heat at the highest level is not completed. Do you have any idea what I can do?

Thank you for the great instructions! They helped a lot.

Yvonne

The Last Serenade - 16/07/22

Hi Yvonne,

Are you speaking of the mounting screw in step 8? I think that screw transfers heat to the sensors, so it needs to be tightened in order for the sensors to work. Your sensors may be worn out and refuse to close—in that case, you'll need to replace the sensor.

Arthur Shi -

Hi Arthur,

thanks for your reply. Yes, I was referring to the mounting screw. Sorry for expressing myself unclearly.

I completely disassembled it again yesterday and noticed that I had inserted the heating plate a little crookedly. After straightening, the sensor clicked and I was able to tighten the mounting screw. Now everything works exactly as it should. I hope this information is usefulfor somebody here.

Yvonne

The Last Serenade - 20/07/22

Arthur Shi is one badass mother spudger.

I had a C6L error. $@$*, no beans tonight. Popped the bottom off with the ole' torn driver and BOOM, FULL ACCESS. I actuated the sensor with my alternate spudger, also known as a screwdriver. Easy as bros and lady bros. Flipped the unit back over immediately, only because he astutely noted that most sensors just need a nudge to work properly. Plugged her into 120 volts of raging AC and let her rip. BOOM... No more beeps or errors, only the sweet silence of a pressure-rated Droid waiting to unleash a savory pressurized !&&* on my chickpeas or black eyed peas. Maybe a steamed bun tonight with tofu. Whatever.

Non-dairy FUDGE YEAH baby

WHO COOKIN TONIGHT?!

WHO COOKIN' TONIGHT?!

Darren Power -

hi i did the 'open it and press on the sensor and see if it works' thing and it seems to be okay again but now i'm terrified i pushed too hard and broke it worse somehow so it doesn't know it's broken and will blow up if pressurized. is that possible?

KLD -

Hi KLD,

Don't worry—the Instant Pot has a safety vent that will activate and vent if that happens.

Arthur Shi -

alternately it seems like it's struggling to pressurize now even though the error isn't coming back. is that a known outcome?

KLD -

El sensor c6L está sucio de comida empegostada. Con que puedo limpiarlo?

Anabel Suarez -

Hi Anabel,

Use some high concentration isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts.

Arthur Shi -

Donde puedo encontrar una placa de una olla instat pot

Migue -

Thank you for your help! Luckily when I clicked on the pressure bars it worked!

You are a genius!

Janis McGovern -

thank you this is very helpful

Ran

Ram bala -

Thanks for posting this, I was able to fix my Instant Pot and cook our Boxing Day Supper

Ed9957 -

Very informative instructions. The only difficult step is removing the "spade connectors" from the board in Step 4, and even then, it's not that difficult. Does anyone know why these sensors fail? One of my sensors makes a click when pressed, but the other one doesn't and it looks like the metal spring-thing (I assume it is some kind of bi-metallic that bends when heated?) is stuck. I guess these things simply fail with time and use? But it seems like such a simple mechanism to fail....

Michael Ho -