Home / Articles / Raypak Heater Fault Code Guide

Raypak Heater Fault Code Guide

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.

Raypak Heater Parts

Get replacement parts for your Raypak Heater

  • PCB Boards, Wiring Harnesses
  • Heat Exchangers, Thermostat
  • Control Panels & More…

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 DisplayDefinitionPossible Solutions
BD1Board failure1. 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.
EEPIndicates 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.
FANIndicates 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.
FFLIndicates 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.
GVCNo 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.
GVOPower 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.
HL1The high-limit has exceeded 135F1. 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
HL2The high-limit has exceeded 135F1. 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
IGNIgnition failure1. 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.
ILOIgnition 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.
PRSLow water pressure1. 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.
ROLThermal 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.
SNSTemperature 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.

Raypak Heater Parts

Get replacement parts for your Raypak Heater

  • PCB Boards, Wiring Harnesses
  • Heat Exchangers, Thermostat
  • Control Panels & More…

author avatar
Charlie Ramirez
Writer at InyoPools.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in pool care and equipment, helping pool owners make informed decisions for over a decade.

Related Videos

310 responses to “Raypak Heater Fault Code Guide”

  1. nat Ficarra Avatar

    i have just brought a raypak spa heater po 131 natural gas .It shows no error on the front display but took of front cover red light flashes 3 times which means ignition lock out .How can I fix this

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      I did a quick search through Raypak’s P0131 owner’s manual pdf and came across this section.

      In the event of an over-temperature situation, the heater will shut down and lockout. The reset lamp will be illuminated and the reset button must be pressed to resume operation. (This is a safety requirement of AS4560). Should an over temperature situation arise regularly, you should check the following:

      1. Ensure skimmer box is not jammed and that the filter is not blocked.
      2. Ensure all valves are in the correct position and that there is adequate water flow through the heater.

      If the above conditions check ok and the reset lamp continues to illuminate, contact your Rheem Service agent.

    2. Stacey Avatar

      I have a R3350ti-e and it will work for awhile then give different error codes, like F51 or F52. I can’t find a manual anywhere for my t. It’s manufacture date is 2014

      1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

        I believe the FS1 and FS2 code is referring to “Control Faults”. The Classic Heat Pump’s owners manual says the following:

        FS1 is a compressor relay failure; the recommended action is “Auto reset in 1 hour or Recycle control – replace control if fault continues.”
        FS2 is ROM CRC Failure with the recommended action being “Auto reset in 1 hour or Recycle control – replace control if fault continues.”

  2. Ken Avatar

    I have a Raypak electric heat pump mod# 8450 TI-E; serial #WO 52145953.
    Shows an error code H2O sensor fail. I found water temp sensor – H000031.
    Not sure if this the correct part because my exact model # is not shown.
    Am reluctant to order if incorrect & not returnable. Please advise.Thanks

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      According to the manual, the correct replacement sensor is H000329

  3. Tom Panagiotidis Avatar

    Hello,
    I installed a 400k BTU Raypak pool heater, LP last summer and i am getting the following error message after it runs for about 15-20 minutes “Press Mode to Reset Limit” what can be causing that.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Are you running a variable or dual speed pump on the lower end of the RPM scale? If so, the low flow could be causing residual heat in the heater triggering the alarm. I’d up the RPMs to see if that clears the problem.

    2. William Paredes Avatar

      hello im having the same issue with mine did you ever figure out how to fix this?

  4. Craig Avatar

    Hello,

    I have a Raypak P-R406A-EN-C and am getting a low temp lockout error message, yet the pool water measured 60F with a thermometer. So is the temp sensor dead again or is the board the issue?

  5. Kelly C Avatar

    I have a RAYPAK Model P-R206A -EP-C PROPANE Spa Heater. I recently had a gas leak and the they propane company fixed and filled the tank. When they tried to fire up the heater the error “No Pilot Detected” came up. They did not know why as they say gas if at the unit. I have checked all the blogs and can not find the error listed anywhere. Do you know what may be the issue?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      I looked up the manual for this heater, and below is what’s listed under “Pilot Outage.” Did the gas company install the same sized gas line as the previous? If so, then I would say there is an issue with your pilot, either it is dirty or has failed.

      Low gas pressure………………………….. Adjust gas pressure.
      Restricted pilot………………………………. Clean pilot.
      Weak pilot generator………………………. Replace pilot.

  6. Justin Avatar

    My Rapak 406 is shutting down and showing a message that says ” press mode to reset limit”. Aftre going through mode and it re-firing up it gives shits down again after a few mninutes and same message. any advise?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Is this a new or old heater? Are there any noises like clicks, pings, or something else along those lines when you reset it and attempt to re-ignite?

      1. CB Avatar

        Not the same poster but the same problem. Mine is a brand new heater. There are no unusual sounds from the heater. What limit is it referring to? The water is only 80 degrees so could it be a flow limit?

        1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

          Is your pump running while the heater is trying to fire up? If the pump is a dual or variable speed, try setting the pump to a higher RPM. And lastly, try cleaning your filter.

          Does HL1 or HL2 get flashed as well?

          From the manual:

          High Limit events require a manual-reset: To reset unit press MODE.

          Helpful tips to prevent High Limit events:
          1. Confirm circulation pump is running during heating cycle.
          2. Pump should shutoff a minimum of 5 minutes after heating cycle ends. Failure to follow these steps may cause residual heat buildup – triggering a High Limit event.

          If issues persist, contact your service installer.

    2.  Avatar

      I have blinking next to my temperature on heat pool mode why is it blinking?

      1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

        What exactly is blinking?

        1. Tanya Avatar

          I’m having the same issue of the screen flashing something about remote start. I held the up and down arrows for 3 seconds but now when I push buttons nothing happens.

          1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

            Press the MODE button until it appears on the digital display. Press and hold both the UP and DOWN buttons for 5-7 seconds until DEFAULT SET appears. This operation resets the operating program to its factory default values.

  7. Lisalisa Avatar

    Code FA displaying when pump not on? Usually just E3 which indicates no water flow. Obviously because pump is not on. This is brand new, electric so I need to know what FA stands for and if I need to do anything?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      I’d check your brand new manual; page 24 says the “FA” fault code means ‘PFC module over current protection.” On that same page 24, the manual shows “E3″ means ‘low water pressure protection.” The heater shuts off when there is no water flow to protect itself from overheating; that’s why you are seeing this when the pump isn’t running.

      Do the codes clear when the pump is running? If so, there isn’t a problem. If the FA doesn’t clear, you need to recheck your wiring.

    2. Dennis Avatar

      Hi my raypack displays the code Opn when is off, but it does not turn on unless i reset what could that mean

      1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

        What is the model number of your Raypak heater?

        1.  Avatar

          Is an H3-0402B

          1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

            That appears to be a boiler/water heater. Our company and our guides only deal with Raypak’s pool and spa heaters.

          2.  Avatar

            Is a pool i use it for

          3. Matthew Simmons Avatar

            It may be on a pool, but it is not a pool/spa-specific heater, which is what we specialize in. Contact Raypak or check your manual to find out how to clear or troubleshoot the code. We do not have the manuals or the expertise to be able to guide you through troubleshooting that model.

    3. Michael Shanholtz Avatar

      Need help with a new 8450t1-e heat pump. Pool heater. Not heating pool and the control panel has half letters. Hard to read. But kind of looks like control fault.

      1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

        How new is it? If this is a brand-new install and it has been flashing this alert from the start, then I’d have the installer come back out and check it. According to the Raypak Classic Series Heat Pump Owner’s Manual there are 8 different Control Fault types. You must know the specific error code to know the remedies.

  8. David R Avatar

    Hi, I have a Raypak E3T, Model ELS 005-1-Ti. Stopped working around 1.5 years and pool tech found element and triac to be bad. Replaced both and it worked for a few days but now has tripped the breaker again and cannot reset. Pool tech said element tests ok but triac is bad again. Anyone have any experience with this?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      If you remove the power of either heating element does it still trip?

      Is it tripping a regular circuit breaker or a GFCI?

  9. Bob Avatar

    Help I have a Raypak 266A that worked fine and after no use for several months reads SENSOR FAILURE.
    All connections look good . Does the sensor just fail like that or is it a board failure?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Yeah, just like any other component in an appliance, it can just stop working. Sometimes there are warning signs, some times there aren’t. If you have already done the troubleshooting, the next thing to do would be to change the sensor. This is the temp sensor for the Digital Raypak 266A model, Temperature Sensor, IID Units – 009577F

  10. Michael Hutchison Avatar

    I have a new Rheem-Raypak gas pool-spa heater. This unit was installed in April of this year. The rollout switch open message is on the control. How do you reset the rollout switch?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      From the article under ROL:

      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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *