Owning an AMS vending machine is a smart investment—but like any piece of equipment, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly and maximizing profits. Proper care not only prevents breakdowns but also ensures a better customer experience, which leads to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

AMS vending machines are designed for durability and ease of maintenance, but ignoring routine upkeep can lead to issues like product jams, payment failures, and poor cooling performance. This guide will cover everything you need to know about maintaining your AMS vending machine, from daily and weekly cleaning to troubleshooting common issues.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained vending machine is not only more reliable but also more profitable. Regular maintenance helps to:
✔️ Ensure consistent product delivery
✔️ Improve customer satisfaction
✔️ Extend the lifespan of the machine
✔️ Reduce costly repairs
✔️ Maintain energy efficiency

Neglecting maintenance can lead to clogged delivery mechanisms, sensor malfunctions, and damaged payment systems—resulting in frustrated customers and lost revenue. Fortunately, AMS vending machines are designed to make maintenance as simple and straightforward as possible.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips

Daily and weekly maintenance helps prevent common issues and keeps the machine looking and operating like new.

✅ 1. Clean the Glass and Exterior

Keeping the glass and exterior clean ensures the machine looks professional and inviting to customers.

• Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the glass and exterior surfaces.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the glass or paint.
• Pay special attention to the keypad and payment slots to remove dirt and smudges.

👉 Pro Tip: Clean the glass early in the day or after a busy period to prevent buildup from fingerprints and dirt.

✅ 2. Check for Blockages

Product jams are one of the most common issues in vending machines. A quick daily check can help prevent blockages and ensure smooth operation.

• Open the machine and inspect the delivery tray and helix system.
• Remove any products that may have become lodged in the vending path.
• Test the vending motion to ensure products are dispensing properly.

👉 Example: A stuck candy bar could prevent the helix from rotating correctly. Removing the blockage ensures the machine is ready for the next customer.

✅ 3. Monitor Temperature Settings

For refrigerated AMS machines, maintaining the correct temperature is essential to keeping products fresh and meeting health standards.

• Check the temperature display daily.
• Ensure the machine is cooling properly—if the interior feels warmer than usual, check the ventilation and compressor.
• Clean the ventilation grilles to prevent dust buildup, which can cause overheating.

👉 Ideal Settings: AMS recommends setting refrigerated machines between 36°F and 45°F for optimal performance.

✅ 4. Test Payment Systems

Payment failures are a quick way to lose customer trust. Regular testing helps ensure seamless transactions.

• Insert a bill, coin, or card to confirm the machine is accepting payments correctly.
• Ensure that the coin return button is working properly.
• Test cashless payment options like credit cards and mobile payments.

👉 Example: If a customer’s payment fails repeatedly, it could signal an issue with the machine’s firmware or the payment system itself. Early detection prevents lost sales.

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

Monthly maintenance involves deeper inspections and part replacements to keep the machine running at peak performance.

🔹 1. Inspect the Coin and Bill Validators

Over time, dirt and debris can clog the payment system, leading to rejected transactions.

• Open the coin and bill validator compartments.
• Clean the sensors and pathways with a soft cloth and alcohol-based cleaner.
• Remove any stuck coins or bills.

👉 Pro Tip: If the validator is not functioning properly, reset the machine’s control board or contact AMS support for guidance.

🔹 2. Clean the Vending Mechanism

Residue from packaged snacks and drinks can build up on the helix and delivery tray.

• Remove the helix and clean it with warm water and mild detergent.
• Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling.
• Check the alignment of the helix and motor for proper rotation.

👉 Example: A misaligned helix could prevent a product from dispensing correctly—realigning it ensures smooth operation.

🔹 3. Test the Sensor System

AMS machines are equipped with a guaranteed delivery system that relies on a sensor to detect whether a product has been dispensed.

• Clean the sensor lens with a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
• Test the sensor by running a test vend to confirm the machine detects the product drop.
• If the sensor fails, check the wiring or contact AMS support for assistance.

👉 Example: A malfunctioning sensor could result in product jams or failed transactions.

🔹 4. Inspect the Refrigeration System

For refrigerated machines, maintaining the compressor and ventilation system is essential to preventing overheating and product spoilage.

• Clean the compressor coils with a soft brush to remove dust and debris.
• Ensure the fan is operating correctly and the vent is not obstructed.
• Test the temperature control system and adjust settings if necessary.

👉 Pro Tip: Keeping the refrigeration unit clean helps reduce energy consumption and extend its lifespan.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper maintenance, vending machines can experience occasional issues. Here’s how to handle some of the most common problems:

🔸 1. Machine Not Accepting Payments

✔️ Ensure the machine is properly connected to the payment processor.
✔️ Clean the payment slot and test for dirt or debris.
✔️ Reset the control board if needed.

🔸 2. Product Not Dispensing

✔️ Check for product jams in the helix or delivery tray.
✔️ Test the sensor to confirm it is detecting product drops.
✔️ Ensure the helix motor is operating correctly.

🔸 3. Machine Not Cooling Properly

✔️ Clean the ventilation grilles and compressor coils.
✔️ Check the temperature control settings.
✔️ Ensure the fan is running and unobstructed.

When to Call for Professional Help

If you’ve followed all the troubleshooting steps and the machine is still not functioning properly, it’s time to contact AMS support.

• AMS provides detailed manuals and technical support to help operators resolve complex issues.
• Replacement parts can be ordered directly from AMS or an authorized distributor.
• AMS technicians can provide on-site repairs for major issues.

👉 Pro Tip: Keeping a spare set of key components (like coin validators and helix motors) on hand can help reduce downtime.

Conclusion

Maintaining your AMS vending machine is essential for maximizing sales and ensuring customer satisfaction. Regular cleaning, testing, and part inspections help prevent issues before they arise and keep your machine running at peak performance. By following this maintenance guide, you can ensure your AMS vending machine remains a reliable source of revenue for years to come.