Why is the temperature pictograph flashing on my Quincy QGS?
Short answer: High element outlet temperature warning. If your Quincy QGS 20-30 (INFOLOGIC controller) is showing Element outlet temperature warning (temperature pictograph flashing), the controller has logged a specific, documented condition. This page covers what it means, what causes it, what you can safely fix yourself, and when — and why — it takes a technician.
What exactly is the machine telling you?
The compressor element outlet temperature exceeded the shut-down warning level of 105°C / 221°F. The alarm LED lights and the temperature pictograph flashes; the warning clears itself when the temperature drops.
Which machines show this?
Quincy QGS 20-30 hp rotary screw compressors with the compact INFOLOGIC controller, including tank-mounted and integrated-dryer variants. There are no numbered fault codes on this controller: it communicates with LEDs and pictographs — a flashing temperature symbol, a motor symbol, an e-stop symbol, a service wrench — plus small scrollable screens (like d.06 for service-timer hours). Identifying a fault means reading which pictograph is lit or flashing and whether the alarm LED is steady (warning) or flashing (shutdown). Warnings clear themselves when the condition passes; shutdowns need the cause corrected and the unit reset. Larger QGS machines from 40 hp up use the different Airlogic2 controller instead.
What causes it?
- Element outlet temperature passed the 105°C / 221°F warning level
- Poor room ventilation or restricted cooling-air intake
- Fluid level low after cooldown and depressurization checks
- Dirty cooler faces
Can you fix it yourself?
Yes, usually — this warning is the cheap early signal: fix ventilation, clean coolers, and correct the fluid level before the 110°C shutdown does it for you. The warning self-clears when the temperature drops.
Step by step — what to try, in order:
- Press the down-arrow key to display the actual element temperature
- Press the stop button and wait for the compressor to stop
- Switch off the voltage and inspect: check room ventilation and cooling-air intake
- After full cooldown and depressurization, check the fluid level
- With the unit off, clean the cooler faces before restarting
When do you need a technician — and why?
If the flashing temperature pictograph keeps returning after those basics, the cooling circuit itself is degrading, and that diagnosis involves the hot, pressurized fluid system.
If it does come to a service call and you're in Nashville, TN or Birmingham, AL, we maintain independently compiled lists of local companies that service industrial air compressors — real businesses with verified contact information, none of whom paid to be listed.
Related questions
What does Element outlet temperature warning (temperature pictograph flashing) mean on a Quincy QGS 20-30 (INFOLOGIC controller)?
High element outlet temperature warning. The compressor element outlet temperature exceeded the shut-down warning level of 105°C / 221°F. The alarm LED lights and the temperature pictograph flashes; the warning clears itself when the temperature drops.
Can I fix Element outlet temperature warning (temperature pictograph flashing) on a Quincy QGS 20-30 (INFOLOGIC controller) myself?
Yes, usually — this warning is the cheap early signal: fix ventilation, clean coolers, and correct the fluid level before the 110°C shutdown does it for you. The warning self-clears when the temperature drops.
When does Element outlet temperature warning (temperature pictograph flashing) on a Quincy QGS 20-30 (INFOLOGIC controller) need a technician?
If the flashing temperature pictograph keeps returning after those basics, the cooling circuit itself is degrading, and that diagnosis involves the hot, pressurized fluid system. Call for service if the warning returns after improving ventilation, cleaning coolers, and correcting fluid level.
Verified against service documentation: Quincy QGS 20-30 (INFOLOGIC controller) documentation for Element outlet temperature warning (temperature pictograph flashing) (airenergy.com)