Common Vending Machine Problems and How to Fix Them

Most vending machine faults are simple, and you can fix many of them yourself in a few minutes. Here are the most common ones we see, and what to check first.

Safety first: turn off and unplug the machine before you touch anything inside, except for simple checks on the front panel. Leave electrical and refrigeration work to a qualified technician.

Product gets stuck and doesn’t drop

This is the number one complaint.

What to check:

• Is the product loaded the right way in the spiral? Bottles and bags need to sit straight.
• Is the spiral the right size for that product? Small items in a big spiral can twist and catch.
• Is the spiral bent or out of position?
• Is the drop sensor at the bottom dirty or blocked?

Fix: reload the spiral properly, swap to the correct spiral size, and wipe the sensor with a dry cloth.

Coin jam or coins being rejected

What to check:

• Open the coin mech and look for jammed coins, foreign coins or rubbish.
• Check that the coin tubes aren’t overfilled.
• Clean the coin path with a soft brush.

Fix: clear the jam, clean the path, and empty the tubes if they’re too full. If it keeps rejecting good coins, the coin mech may need recalibrating or replacing.

Note reader not taking notes

What to check:

• Is the stacker full?
• Are the sensors dirty? Many readers have a cleaning card you can run through.
• Is the note crinkled or damaged?

Fix: empty the stacker and clean the sensors.

Card reader offline

What to check:

• Does the reader have power and a signal? Look at the status lights.
• Has the SIM or network dropped out? Many readers use a mobile signal, and some spots in a building get poor reception.
• Has the reader’s account or plan lapsed?

Fix: restart the reader (or the whole machine), check the signal, and contact your card reader provider if it stays offline. Sometimes moving the antenna helps.

Fridge not cooling properly

This one costs the most if it’s ignored, especially in summer.

What to check:

• Is there a gap behind the machine for airflow? It needs room to breathe.
• Are the condenser coils full of dust?
• Is the machine in direct sun or next to a heat source?
• Is the door seal damaged?

Fix: clean the coils, move the machine out from the wall, and check the seal. If it still won’t cool, call a refrigeration technician.

Display or lights not working

What to check:

• Is the machine plugged in and switched on at the wall?
• Has a safety switch or fuse tripped?
• Are the LED strips loose?

Fix: check the power first. If the machine runs but the display is dead, the display board or its cable may need replacing.

Machine says “sold out” but there’s stock

What to check:

• Are the selection and price settings right after the last restock?
• Is the motor for that row working?

Fix: go back into the service menu and check the row settings, then test the motor.

Prevent problems before they start

• Clean the coils every few months
• Wipe the sensors and coin path on every restock
• Load products carefully, with the right spiral for each
• Check the card reader is online after each visit
• Keep a log of faults so you spot patterns

Run a site and don’t want to deal with repairs at all? On suitable sites, the vending operator handles all servicing. Check your location.