How To Quickly Fix The C6L and C6H Instant Pot Errors

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Nothing’s worse than being in the middle of cooking dinner and having your kitchen appliance go bust on you. 

Instant pots are a great kitchen gadget. They’re simple, straightforward, and they are perfect for cranking out awesome weeknight meals for the family or your meal prep for the week. 

They generally hold up well over time, but occasionally you might get an error message. The instant pot will stop working and will have flashing lights and you’ll see an error code on the front. 

Today I’m going to help you fix the C6L instant pot error. This is also very similar to the C6H error on your instant pot. If you see the letters “C6” light up in red on the digital display, then you know you’ve got a problem. 

I am going to walk you through everything that you could possibly need to know. I’ll cover what the C6L instant pot error is, 4 ways to fix the C6L error, and how to avoid it going forward. 

This guide was designed for the Instant Pot. However, the general procedure may be applied to most electric pressure cookers because they share similar electronics.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick breakdown. 

Need more instant pot help? Here’s my guide on how the instant pot timer works and a list of great instant pot meal prep recipes to try!

What is the Instant Pot C6L Error? What Does the C6H Instant Pot Code Mean?

There are three instant pot error codes that are very similar: C6, C6L, and C6H. Your instant pot has a housing unit with pressure and temperature sensors.

The Instant Pot uses these sensors to estimate the pressure and to create the perfect environment to pressure cook your food. These pressure sensors are actually acting as temperature switches

When one pressure sensor isn’t working properly, your instant pot will stop working and you’ll end up with an error code on the front. This is for your safety because the last thing you want is for your instant pot to blow up from too much pressure. 

The C6, C6L, and C6H error codes are all related to these sensors. 

Error Code	Error Code Meaning
C6	Faulty pressure sensor
C6L	Faulty low-pressure sensor
C6H	Faulty high-pressure sensor

The instant pot has multiple pressure sensors. One that reads low pressure and the other measures for high pressure. 

If you have too low of pressure, you won’t actually cook anything. 

If you have too high of pressure, your instant pot could get over-pressurized and blow up.

The sensors work together to make sure your food gets cooked and you stay safe. 

• If you have a C6 error code, then generally it means that the pressure sensors aren’t working properly. 
• A C6L error code means that the low pressure sensor isn’t working. Fortunately, this one is easier to fix because it could just be a user error. 
• A C6H error code is a sign that the high pressure sensor isn’t working. 

There are a number of reasons that you could be getting a pressure sensor error code. 

1. The pressure sensors could be faulty. In this case, you’ll have to return it and get a new one. 
2. The connections could be faulty. Same solution as above. 
3. User error in the amount of liquid or the seal knob. Easy to fix. 

Let’s talk about how to fix the C6, C6L, and C6H instant pot errors.

How Do You Fix the Instant Pot C6L, and C6H errors?

If you are experiencing the C6L, or C6H error on your Instant Pot, you must first check your electric pressure cooker for any problems with the pressure.

One of the most common reasons for these errors is a faulty sensor. Many electric pressure cookers, including the Instant Pot, use pressure sensors to estimate pressure and detect dangerous cooking situations. To check whether the sensor is working correctly, you must use a multimeter to test lead polarity. 

Step 1: Check Sensor Continuity

First, turn the instant pot upside down and detach the sensor’s spade connectors and perform a continuity test. (Ensure that your Instant Pot is unplugged from its power outlet to avoid any risk of electrocution.)

Here is an overview of how to perform an inspection the pressure sensors

• There are usually two sensors, the CL (low pressure) and CH (high pressure) sensors, on most Instant Pot models. 
• Proceed to disconnect the spade connectors from each pressure sensor by gently pinching and pulling them straight up. Now take your multimeter and set it in resistance or continuity mode to analyze the continuity of each sensor. 
• The meter should show almost zero resistance if the pressure sensor properly operates. If the meter shows a high resistance, the sensor contacts might be worn or dirty. 
• In the case of worn-out or dirty contacts, you’ll need to clean or replace the pressure sensor. (Remember that the sensor consists of metal strips and springs, and it is important to observe the strips and springs for any signs of wear or corrosion.)

Step 2: Inspect and Replace the Pressure Sensor

If you decide to replace it, make sure to use the right sized screwdriver to unscrew the screws underneath the bottom plate. Once the sensor is removed, you can test it with the multimeter. 

To do so, firmly press the meter contacts against the sensor contacts and check if the meter shows a low resistance. If the sensor is working correctly, you should move on to the next step.

Step 3: Check the Electrical Circuit

You’ll need to use both exposed ends of the sensor’s wiring. Make sure to pull straight and gently wiggle the wires. Then, test the two metal strips on the sensor’s depressed side with the multimeter in continuity mode. 

If the tests suggest low impedance, both exposed ends of the strips touch,  and the electrical circuit is functioning properly. If they don’t, firmly press the screwdriver to turn the calibration screws and make sure the metal strips flex properly. 

Step 4: Clean the Metal Springs and Mating Surfaces

If the problem persists, you should use an electrical contact cleaner to clean the metal springs and the sensor’s mating surfaces. Then, use the multimeter to check if the strips still show low resistance mode in the resting state. If not, the sensor’s worn, or the strips are not touching.

Step 5: Check Sensor Contacts Path

Finally, if you’ve checked all the components and the CL and CH errors still appear, you should check the sensor contacts path once more to rule out electric dysfunction. Use the multimeter lead to check for continuity between the meter’s case and both exposed wiring of the sensor’s ends.

If the meter indicates a low impedance, the electrical path is complete and the problem is likely a faulty sensor. If it still shows a high resistance, the problem is likely with the wiring or the circuit board. In this case, you should replace the wiring and/or the circuit board to ensure proper operation. 

Step 6: Test the Instant Pot

Once you are done with the tests and any sensor replacements or recalibrations, you can proceed to reassemble the Instant Pot in the same manner in which you took it apart but in reverse. Reattach everything securely and tighten all the screws.

Now, it’s time to test the functionality of the Pot to make sure everything’s working as it should. 

1. Press the ‘START’ button until the Instant Pot Turns on
2. Select a simple cooking setting and add some water 
3. Check the display panel for any error codes
4. Listen for the presence of any alarming beeps coming from the appliance during cooking
5. If there is no C6L error while cooking, the problem is resolved and your Instant Pot is in working order
6. If the error persists, retrace your steps and double-check all the connections and components. 
7. After trying all troubleshooting methods, contact Instant Pot customer support or take the appliance to an authorized service center.
8. Keep your Instant Pot clean as a preventative measure and to prolong its lifespan. You can do this by wiping the unit’s exterior, cleaning the sealing ring and steam release valve, and inspecting for wear and damage.

Deep Clean Your Instant Pot

If the above quick fixes don’t work, then the next thing to try is giving your pot a deep clean. 

Sometimes food can get lodged in and around the lid or where the lid locks in. This can prevent the pot from properly sealing. 

If your pot isn’t sealed, then it won’t pressurize. 

Deep Cleaning Your Instant Pot Can Be Done by Following the Subsequent Steps Below:

1. Wait for the instant pot to completely cool down before you clean it.
2. Unplug the pot and remove any accessories
3. Take the lid off and set it aside. 
4. Wipe down the inside of the pot with a damp cloth. 
5. Check around the rim and inside the lid for any food particles or residue and wipe them off. 
6. Clean the sealing ring by removing it from the lid and washing it in warm soapy water. 
7. Check the float valve for any build-up or residue and clean it if necessary. 
8. Carefully re-assemble the lid and secure it onto the pot. 
9. Plug the pot back in and test it. 

Contact Customer Support

If all of the fixes above fail you, then the only thing left to do is contact customer support.

You’ll need the following information:

• The model name
• Your personal information
• Order number (optional)
• Date purchased (optional)
• Item / UPC number (optional)
• Where purchased (optional)
• Upload a picture of your receipt and the label (optional)

I recommend filling in the optional information. This will save you time and frustration by not having to go back and forth with the customer service people.

You can find the model name and item number on your instant pot itself.

There’s a box for you to fill in questions or comments. This is where you need to make your request. I’ve done the work for you if you want to copy and paste this! 

You’ll also want to upload a receipt of your purchase and a picture of the label on the back of your instant pot. 

This will help them process your replacement as fast as possible.  

How Do You Avoid the C6L and C6H Errors?

If you have a manufacturer defect, then there’s no way for you to avoid a C6L or C6H error with your instant pot. The hardware is messed up and needs to be replaced. 

Here are tips to maintain and properly use your pot.

Don’t Use Frozen Food

Avoiding the C6L and C6H errors with your Instant Pot means not using frozen food. This is because it takes longer to reach the correct pressure when you put frozen food into the pot. To avoid this, take the food out of the freezer and let it thaw before putting it in the pot. This will help the Instant Pot reach the correct pressure faster and avoid errors.

Keep It Clean – Especially the Lid and Rim

This means wiping down the lid and rim after each use and ensuring that any food debris, liquid, or residue is removed. It is also essential to check the float valve, seal and steam release handle to ensure they are free from blockages. 

Make Sure It Is Properly Sealed Before Cooking

Ensure the pot is properly sealed before cooking. To do this, ensure all the lid’s components are properly in place and that the steam release valve is turned to sealing. If the steam release valve is not turned to the sealing position, it can lead to errors on your appliance.

Use the Right Amount of Liquid

The Instant Pot requires a minimum amount of liquid to build up enough pressure to cook the food properly. The Instant Pot will display an error if there is not enough liquid. 

Generally speaking, the minimum for a 6-quart Instant Pot is 1 cup of liquid, but this may vary depending on the recipe. When adding liquid ingredients, such as broth or sauces, use the same measuring cup or spoon to measure all liquid ingredients.

Additionally, be sure to use the correct size of ingredients. If a recipe calls for certain-sized ingredients, such as diced vegetables or cubed meat, follow the recipe and use the correct size to ensure that the Instant Pot heats up and builds up the right amount of pressure.

Allow the Pressure to Release Naturally

This means not manually releasing the pressure by turning the pressure release valve. Instead, you should leave the pressure release valve closed and allow the pressure to release over time. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Additionally, allowing the pressure to release naturally will help maximize the flavor and tenderness of your meals.

Good luck fixing your instant pot C6L and C6H errors!