No one likes to get an error code on any piece of technology, especially on a Raypak heater. It means something is wrong and needs to be addressed soon. The panic really doesn’t set in until you realize error code BD1 means absolutely nothing to you. Error codes are both curses and blessings. Although an error message is never really a good thing, at least it’s an indication of what the problem is. Just imagine how much easier it would be to diagnose diseases if humans came with error codes.) Usually, depending upon the manufacturer, the manufacturer will include a manual detailing what may have triggered the error message and possible solutions to fix the issue. All error code guides are not made equal.
Still, even if the error codes were listed in the manual, what are the odds you know where that manual is? Unless you’re like my mom who keeps all her paperwork in a filing cabinet, the manual was probably tossed a week after your product was working properly. Heaters, though, can be rather tricky without the manual. I love the saying, “hindsight is 20/20,” because it’s so true. How many times did you wish you kept something after you have convinced yourself that you didn’t need it and threw it away? Or maybe it’s just me.
Our goal with this blog is to aid you in identifying and defining the error code on your Raypak heater and to provide possible solutions, as per the manufacturer. If we don’t have a solution or do not address your particular issue, it’s always best to contact Raypak directly.
The majority of Raypak heaters will have a digital readout. The digital readout helps pool owners read error codes on the actual heater. The models with digital thermostats are programmed to display a variety of status and diagnostic messages, depending on the operating conditions.
They are also equipped with onboard diagnostic controls. If there is a safety fault, a fault code will be displayed along with a service indication. (see pic on right) The word “SERVICE” will flash on and off if the PC board detects a known issue. The fault code is displayed in 3 big letters in the lower left of the display.
Below is a chart we created to help pool owners identify the meaning of Raypak’s fault code. It also includes possible solutions to fix the issue. Keep in mind, this is not a substitute for the installation and operation manual. Should you need further advice or technical information, please give Raypak a call at 805-278-5300.
| Fault Code Display | Definition | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| BD1 | Board failure | 1. If this code appears and stays on, turn off power to board at toggle switch and source, then re-establish power. 2. If code reappears, replace board as the main processor failed to start. |
| EEP | Indicates that memory failed to start on main processor. | 1. Turn off power at toggle switch and source, then re-establish power. 2. If code reappears, replace board as memory has failed. |
| FAN | Indicates the Pilot was lost, or the air pressure switch is not closed when required. | 1. Check for correct incoming power at fan relay- 120V or 240V and at fan motor. 2. If pilot is confirmed, check for 24V minimum out of fan relay to pressure switch. 3. If switch does not make when fan is operating, verify the tuning between fan housing and switch is connected and is not kinked. 4. Soft lock out after 3 attempts- automatically resets after 5 minutes. |
| FFL | Indicates a false flame signal. | 1. Check to see if pilot is staying lit after CFH is satisfied. If pilot stays lit, the pilot valve in the gas valve is hanging open. Replace gas valve. 2. If gas valve is working properly, problem lies with the pilot system or board. Turn power off at toggle switch. 3. Unplug ignition wire from board and pilot and remove green ground wire from burning tray. Clean and reconnect ground wire. 4. Turn power on. If no spark at ignition module, turn power off and replace the PC board. 4. If you saw a spark at Ignition Module, turn off the power and reconnect wires. 6. Turn power on and unit should fire. |
| GVC | No power detected at PV or MV when commanded. | 1. Turn power OFF and disconnect Ignition Wire and Gas Valve wires from board. 2. Power ON and watch for spark at module. 3. If no spark, turn power OFF, and replace board. 4. If spark is observed, turn off power and reconnect wires. The unit should fire. 5. If unit does not fire and code reappears, power OFF, disconnect valve wires from board and remove MV, PV, and ground wires. Clean and reconnect. 7. If unit does not fire, replace the gas valve. |
| GVO | Power found at either PV or MV at the incorrect time. | 1. Turn power OFF and disconnect Ignition Wire and Gas Valve wires from board. 2. Power ON and watch for spark at module. 3. If no spark, turn power OFF, and replace board. 4. If spark is observed, turn off power and reconnect wires. The unit should fire. 5. If unit does not fire and code reappears, power OFF, disconnect valve wires from board and remove MV, PV, and ground wires. Clean and reconnect. 7. If unit does not fire, replace the gas valve. 8. Low power to transformer can cause a GVO fault. |
| HL1 | The high-limit has exceeded 135F | 1. Possible excessive water temperature in the tube bundle. Once heater cools, high limits resets automatically. 2. Check for blockage in tubes. 3. Check for low water flow. 4. Check Unitherm governor- replace if necessary 5. check bypass assembly- replace spring or bypass if necessary |
| HL2 | The high-limit has exceeded 135F | 1. Possible excessive water temperature in the tube bundle. Once heater cools, high limits resets automatically. 2. Check for blockage in tubes. 3. Check for low water flow. 4. Check Unitherm governor- replace if necessary 5. check bypass assembly- replace spring or bypass if necessary |
| IGN | Ignition failure | 1. If the unit fails to hold a flame after 3 attempts, it will go into a hard lockout. Interrupt the power supply to clear the lockout and check for air in the gas line or not enough gas pressure. 2. IGN only appears after pilot has proved and main valve has been powered. |
| ILO | Ignition lockout (Propane units only) | 1. The heater has performed too many attempts to ignite the main burner and will take a short break. 2. Inspect pilot assembly. 3. If pilot assembly is OK, then the culprit may be your PC board. |
| PRS | Low water pressure | 1. Check water levels at skimmer face. (should be middle of skimmer face) 2. Ensure pump is running. 3. Check filter pressure. Backwash if necessary. 4. Check heater location- if more than 5 ft above or below water level- adjust pressure switch. |
| ROL | Thermal fuse tripped inside heater due to excessive heat or flame roll-out detected. | 1. Possible downdraft of burner flame. If sensor has red reset button, press button & determine cause. 2. Does your unit need a high wind stack? 3. Check wiring for burns- especially the ground wire and wires at gas valve. 4. Replace wires if necessary. |
| SNS | Temperature sensor is out of acceptable range. | 1. Water temperature is below 36F or above 110F 2. If the two thermistors are more than 2 degrees apart, the SNS code will appear. 3. Loose or corroded connection at P1. 4. If the sensor is not mounted all the way into the JACO fitting on the header, it may give a false reading. |
HELLO MY RAYPAK MODEL H-1262 MARK ERROR LWCO, THE KEYS ARE OPEN THE CIRCULATION ENGINE WORKS NORMALLY, AS I CAN KNOW THAT THE LWCO REMOTE SENSOR IS WORKING OR HOW I CAN TRY THE LWCO CONTROL
Is this a water boiler, like for hot water in your house or is this a pool/spa heater? I do not recognize that model number.
There doesn’t seem to be a reset button unless it is under the cover where you turn the valve on and off but it seems to take a security torx fitting to remove it. Thanks
I have a rollout switch open code on my heater model number cr-406a-en-c
I understand this is a flame issue and am wondering if there is a possible reset I can do to see if the message goes away. We live in Las Vegas and it gets quite windy here and wondering if maybe that caused the issue.
What if nothing at all is showing up on the display?
Have you checked if power is reaching the heater? Does the heater turn on?
What does PLT mean? Rp2100 digital
The PLT fault code on Raypaks is acknowledging a pilot failure. This can be fixed by replacing the pilot, or you need to clean the orifices and burners. Call a local service company to come inspect and correct the issue.
i have a raypak pool gas fired with a code w/o cfh and the ignighter not turning on ive never seen this code before been a tech for 20 plus years has me stumped must come to conclusion
This is the only code I could find with the “w/o” in it:
Flame w/o CFH – Pilot flame detected with no Heat Demand. Control Remains locked out until flame is not present. Gas valve (pilot) may be stuck open.
what does that mean though? And how can i fix it?!? I’m getting that same ‘flame w/o CFH’ error. I’ve read numerous places the same description you quoted, but no answer as to what exactly that means or how i’m supposed to fix the issue?!? Is it dangerous if the pilot is stuck open? If so or if not, how can i fix it, or do i need professional help? Mine happened when i turned the heater on and then shut the pump off for a second. I quickly contacted my pool builder, he suggested shutting it off for 20 minutes and trying again, but i left i about an hour and still no good?!?
It’s dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Get a professional to take a look at your heater. Pool heaters with open gas lines, faulty equipment, and a novice poking around can lead to an accident.
Hello,
I am having a problem with my Raypac 206. The temperature was reading 207 degrees (No Demand), but obviously the spa was not 207 as it was more like 50 degrees. So I thought it was the Sensor and so I replaced it…. no changes…. so I thought it was the circuit board…so I replaced it…. no change….
Anyone know what could be the issue?
Chris, at this point you have replaced the two things I would have suggested. I think it is time to stop guessing and have a technician look at it in-person. There comes a point, where guessing what the issue is is costing you more than what hiring a technician in the first place would have cost.
My heater says revision 1.03 when I turn it on. Does not ignite or give any other code. I can’t find this code anywhere. raypak heater digital panel purchased 2015. Model number M266A
That seems more like a firmware version instead of a code. if there is no code, no code and the heater still isn’t firing, you may want to try calling the manufacturer for their suggestion or having someone onsite to inspect the heater.
Hi
My electric heater immediate flashes off when the breaker is turned on. When I try to turn up the temperature, it either flashes r25 or lets me click it up to desired temp but then goes back down by itself. It is sporadically working. It is model R410A
R410A is the standard type of freon used in air conditioners and heat pumps, it is not a model number.
Also, because it is a heat pump, the codes will likely be different than the ones for a gas heater.
It is R5350TI-E
Is this blog only for gas?
Thank you
Karen, this article is for Raypak’s RP2100 Series, gas heaters only if you want codes for the Raypak Heat Pump, try this owner’s manual.
I have a gas Raypak RP2100 R265 that is about 10 years old. I recently replaced the heat exchanger with no issues. I go to turn the heater on and there is no reading on the digital display and the unit does not spark and light. It appears as if there is no electricity to the unit. Are there fuses on these heaters?
When you turn on the heater, does the breaker flip? Do you hear any noises like clips or hisses?
The only fuse I see is the Thermal Fuse, part # 005899F. According to the manual, “This is a “single-use” type fusible link or thermal fuse, that must be replaced when disabled by an over temperature condition, caused by excessive restriction in the heat exchanger flue passage.”
Mr Simmons, thanks for all the info; you’re a huge help. I have an issue with my Raypak pool heater (r206a) and hoping you can help. Unit lights fine, gas burns evenly: However when the unit gas feed “steps up”, it kicks in a horrible jack hammer like sound, like it’s trying to ignite gas that’s already burning. And it’s not every time, it’s sporadic. I get no error code, system just says heating. At a loss on this one. Thanks!
Anyone have any ideas on this issue? Thanks,
Everything I have read leads me to think it is a water flow issue. the jackhammer or knocking sound could water boiling inside the exchanger. Obviously, not good. This may be caused by scale, bad bypass valve, pipe blockage. Because I am not a licensed tech, I couldn’t tell you safely check your heater, so I suggest calling a service tech.
By the way, cool name.
Yes! Great name, ha ha. Just a follow up. The sound emanates from the gas valve itself. I’ve seen all kinds of weird valve issues in my life but this is a new one. Anyway, thanks for the response. I should have went with hayward, ha ha.
I have a Raypak 2100 unit which is 12 years old , I have replaced the control board but it would seem that the first problem was the switch on the side.
So I finally have a code R1/ 1 exactly like that , what does that mean it then shows the water temp but off and I cannot change the state.
can anyone help
Hi Matthew, I have a raypak 266A pool heater with no error codes. It makes a squealing noise when heating. Not at first, but 30 seconds after ignition. What are your thoughts on this?
There may be a deformation of one of the gas orifices or the gas line causing the squealing noise. Kind of like when you purse your lips to whistle.
To check the line, you need to get a professional out there to take a look.
I have an RP2100 works fine but the temperature setting went to 104 and I can’t adjust it down. Heater seems to work fine, I have to turn it off when it reaches desired temperature. Do you have any idea which part or parts could be bad?
I’m not a heater tech, but that sounds like you have an issue with the hi limit switch or the thermister. You probably want to give a call to the manufacturer just for a quick troubleshoot.
My Raypak control board is reading VNT and SERVICE in top right corner? I believe this means there is an issue with the Vent switch but not sure how serious this is?
VNT code means the vent switch is open. The manual does not show too much information about it. They only state to turn off the heater at the breaker, turn off the gas and power; then call a technician.
HI can you help me
Possibly. Did you have a question?
I have a Rheem Electric Heat Pump M8350TI-E. It reads DEL. What does that mean and how can I fix this issue. The unit won’t operate. Thank you for your help.
I have looked everywhere, and I cannot find that code. I have looked for Rheem and Raypak manuals and they have nothing on this code. It is very strange. You may need to call Raypak.
Honestly, if this was a slower part of the season I would give a call myself, but the pool season is in full swing for me. If you get an answer, please post an update.
Hi I have a raypak model p- m206a-en-x . I had error code of sensor had burnt wires and repair turned on and it ran . Then turned on in morning and unit would run and then error of ta6 and fan codes are coming up? Any ideas of what to look for? Thanks
The TAb code alternating with a FAN code means there is either a bad air switch.
I have Raypak (Rheem) 266A that is nine years old and I have my manual but it does not show fault code TA6, can you help?
The TA6 is actually a TAb code. Is the TAb code alternately flashing with any other codes?
The CLK fault code means “Clock – Time Clock. Heater is off by programmed control of a Time Clock.” Is your heater controlled by an automation system like an InteliTouch or Aqualink
No. I’ve tried resetting to factory default and “re-booting”. CLK keeps coming back.
Then it could be a PCB issue. Unfortunately, those ignition controls are expensive, 013464F. You may want to try calling the manufacturer as a list ditch effort before plunking down cash for the part.
I have a Raypak 336A and I am getting a CLK message. I don’t know if it is wired through the pump timer but the pump is running.
What does an internal fault message mean? And the pool temp is only reading 36f when it is more like 78f
What is the code that is being shown on the display? The code will only be three letters long.
Going by the 36-degree reading, and the time of year I would say something is wrong with a temperature sensor. But that is a guess until we get more info.
I don’t get a code ether
My unit is set for 85* but as the unit is heating it stops at 81* and flashes internal fault and won’t heat any more
just had mother board replaced this summer
I am seeing this same issue (internal fault with no error code). How did you resolve it?
My heater is a model 406a has the code CFH the pilot light is lit but the burner will not come on
Does the SPK code display after the CFH?
No aparece solo se queda en CFH pero si enciende el piloto
I have a Raypak 406A pool heater. After ignition and flame an “low voltage” error displays on digital panel for the duration of operation. No explanation in manual.
Have you tested the voltage of the power lines on your heater’s circuit? That would be my first step.
Matt,
Raypak 336A gas heater. Unit in service for 10 years. Getting code “no pilot sensed ignition failure.” Pilot sparks for minute or two like it wants to light but will not and I get the code and pilot continues to spark. Any ideas for me? Low/no gas supply from clog maybe? Yes, there’s gas in the car (gas supply turned on).
Thanks
Kevin,
You may have a pilot or gas valve problem. The parts breakdown for the heater is listed here: Raypak Atmospheric Digital Heaters 206A-406A (11/01/04-Current) I have seen a few DIY-guy solutions for this, but they seemed a little dangerous to me. I suggest you call Raypak to see if it something you can tackle safely under their supervision. Raypak Tech Support – (805) 278-5300