Instant Pot C7 Error: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Finally you got your own Instant Pot, a purchase that you have looked forward to from quite a time now. And you go ahead to try out your first recipe with it.

But wait, oh no! It shows C7 Error Code. Fear and panic sets in, with endless questions to self- What just happened? What step did I do wrong? How to fix it? Is it gone the first time it was used?

Oh my! Stop it, it’s fine. C7 Error Code is an easy fix.For once it all seemed so scary that you might have just broken it without even using it even for once. And honestly you are not alone in this boat, many people face this error code issue.

Instant Pot is a cooking equipment that replaces the need of 10 different kitchen equipment with one Instant Pot, kinda makes the cooking process easy to go. Dive into the article and get your instant pot to cook again.

What does C7 on an Instant Pot indicate?

C7 Error code is one of the most common Instant Pot Error Codes, it appears out of nowhere and leaves you blank. The code indicates a problem with the heating element which can be due to many underlying reasons like a faulty temperature sensor, wiring malfunction, etc.

Now for an instant if something like this happens, our minds wander to the most extreme conditions like the instant pot is dead or something. But that might not be the case.

Troubleshooting the Issue

1. Check the exteriors of your instant pot

You should give a thorough look over to your instant pot, checking for any signs of damage. If you find any, contact the customer support, if none, you are good to go.

2. Check for all the instructions that come along

While you check for all the instructions and learn the know-how, you might find any mistake in the functioning of your follow-up which is completely normal.

3. Following the general rule of filling the pot

It is a general rule to not fill the pot more than 2/3rd of the full, which is essentially to be followed to keep it in a healthy condition.

4. Cross check if you are adding enough liquid

Lack of liquid for cooking can cause the error, because it is what builds up steam or pressure. Check for it carefully.

And if you have done all the troubleshooting the issue and still couldn’t get your instant pot working, read ahead for more tricks to get it working.

How to Fix C7 Error

1. Check the Steam Release Valve

Steam release valve is the little something on top of your instant pot lid which is responsible for controlling the pressure inside. And one of the main causes of C7 error to occur can be due to the misbehaviour of it. The knob might not be air-tight sealed, or maybe stuck in some unforeseen position which would lead the instant pot to not pressurise the inside fully.

Now, to fix this problem, all you have to do is to close the valve nicely, meaning seal the valve knob before cooking.

If this is also not the cause of the error, let’s hop onto the next possible cause.

2. Check the Float Valve for any Blockage

So, now let’s check the float valve which might be stuck and cause the C7 error. Float valve is a metal pin next to the steam release valve which pops when your pot is pressurised. Float valve needs space to function properly, now if anything is causing the float valve to not function properly, it might signal the instant pot of pressurising problems even if it is all good.

To fix this, remove the lid and try to press the float valve to know about its free movement. If you face any difficulty, clean around it.

3. Check the Sealing Ring

There exists a silicone sealing ring at the underside of the pot’s lid to create the airtight seal. It plays a clear major role in the pressurising of the pot. A faulty one can let the steam escape.Now, as with normal pressure cookers, an instant pot’s sealing ring might also subject itself to damage and wear and tear over time or maybe a default from the beginning.

Give your sealing ring a thorough inspection, and if you find anything suspicious of this coming in the way of proper functioning of the pot, replace it.

To summarise, we can say that usually problems with pressurising the instant pot is what causes the C7 Error. But we have one final way of testing through.

4. Cleaning the Pot

A thorough cleansing process can never go wrong. There might be some residue blocking the ways of functioning of the instant pot. Now you might be wondering how to clean your instant pot, it is very simple. You can hand wash the lid with hot water after each use or you can simply run the lid without the sealing ring through the dishwasher.

How to Prevent C7 Error occuring in the Future

Now if you have already gone through all the tips and tricks to get your instant pot back on track, you would also like to know how to keep it out of trouble in future.

1. Thorough Know-How of the Instant Pot

For basics, you should really know the functioning of the equipment you are using. For, in case of an instant pot, you need to be well aware of each element of the equipment, the use of it, how to keep it healthy, etc.

You should have answers to all of your questions about it.

2. Understanding the Safety Features of the Pot

Now if the basics are covered, you need to focus on all the safety measures that come along. It is a smart equipment which comes with its own built-in safety measures.

3. Understanding the Working of Float Valve

Float valve is a crucial element in sealing the pot and building pressure inside. It is down when you close the lid, and then the pressure inside brings it up. And once it is up, it signifies an air-tight seal to the pot. And while it is important for your own safety, if it is stuck upside it might give C7 error code.

4. Significance of Sealing Ring

Sealing ring is what creates a seal between the lid and the pot, which is important to build up pressure inside. Now, if the sealing ring is damaged or not placed properly, it might cause the pot to not build pressure, giving the C7 error.

You should always have spare sealing rings stocked up with you and also advisable to make sure you change your sealing ring from time to time.

5. Safety Mechanisms

Instant pot has many other safety features running side-by-side.

Automatic pressure control feature, to maintain safe-operation.
Pot temperature monitoring feature, to avoid food burning.
Automatic power cut-off feature, to avoid overheating of the pot.

When and How?

To Establish a contact with Instant Pot Customer Support

So, you have tried everything that is mentioned above but your instant pot is still not working. The troubleshooting didn’t solve the problem, it’s time to contact the customer support of the Instant Pot. Just be sure that you have tried all of the tricks on your behalf before hitting your head with the support.

To reach out to the dedicated support team of Instant pot, go to their website, section to instant pot customer care centre, click on the contact us button, fill out the form with all the details, submit your ticket and wait for a response.

Conclusion

It might seem dreading to you to find a C7 error code on your instant pot, but it is not that vile. C7 error code might be one of the most common yet not so stressful error codes to appear on instant pot. Usually it can be resolved on your own within a few minutes.

There are some basic tips and tricks to get your instant pot to work after a C7 error code appears, the cause might be underlying the steam release valve, the float valve, or the sealing ring. Check for it, troubleshoot the issue. Also, follow all the safety measures to ensure that the error code doesn’t occur in future.

Happy cooking with your Instant Pot!