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.  Avatar

    I get a Sw open default. The manual states it is a Water Pressure switch open.
    Now what? Can’t find what to do about it in the manual.
    Thanks!

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      The Raypak manual states this in its troubleshooting section: Pressure switch. Verify water flow and pressure CLEAN FILTER / STRAINER – backwash if neccessary

      Make sure your pump is primed and your filter and baskets are clean.

      1. Jeff Avatar

        I have a 266A with the same sw open code. I have done all you suggest and it will not clear the issue. What next?

        1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

          Call a professional to come take a look at it. Or contact Raypak directly for some ideas.

  2. Edd Avatar

    R5350ti-E, what does F52 mean?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      I found an R5350ti-E owner’s manual but it does not list the FS2 error code. It does show an FS error code that explains it is code for the heat pump’s defrost cycle. The fan will spin but the compressor is shut off.

  3. dennis Avatar

    What does “SPK” mean on my Raypak P-R405BL?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      SPK is a status and not a fault code for “Spark” on the Raypak PR405BL. The code only notes that the heater is attempting to spark for ignition and does not denote an error has occurred.

      1. Alan Avatar

        I have the same model PR405BL and same message…When I flip the switch it reads RV 0, then CFH, then SPK as well as showing a pic of the flame and the spa temp that I set it to. (104) It clicks once and that’s it. I don’t smell any gas and nothing else happens.
        I cleaned out everything on the heater as well as backwashed and cleaned the filter.

        Any suggestions on why it won’t start and how to fix this issue?

  4. Anthony Avatar

    what does F52 mean?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      What is the model number of your Raypak heater?

      1. Edd Avatar

        I got the same code, muheater is R5350ti-E

  5. George Avatar

    I have PRS code clean filter heater won’t start. I already backwash filter, pressure now normal but heater still won’t start showing the same error

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      George, you should have a technician come take a look at the heater. Or at the very least call the manufacturer.

    2.  Avatar

      Pressure Switch. Filter is clean that’s good. Pressure Switch is at fault.
      Call a technician. After replacement new switch must be adjusted precisely.

  6. Tom Avatar

    I have a Raypac model8350 led reading LP , heater was working fine had tech by to check my pool temp sensor going to my pentair touch unit he told my wife sensor was fine even though it was reading 104 degrees in the pool that was actually 88 . Said one of the wires in touch unit was rusty and cleaned it and the temp then read 63 10 minutes after he left heater stopped giving heated water , 4 hrs later got the codeLP

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      According to Raypak’s manual the LP & LP3 error code means the following: “Shortage of refrigerant gas in the unit or faulty low-pressure control. The unit will show (LP3) after 3 LP faults and shuts down the unit and pool pump for protection. If this occurs, you should call for service.”

  7. Rol Avatar

    I have a Rheem M366A that is displaying, Flame w/o CFH. I just finished rebuilding the burner box and replaced some burner tubes. The heater has worked fine for a month and now shows this on the display.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      According to Raypak, it could be a bad board/control module. And in very rare instances, it could be that the gas valve is being over-pressured keeping the pilot light lit when it shouldn’t be.

  8. Bill Balthasar Avatar

    I have a raypak p-r266a-en-c ever since I replaced the pilot assembly after I turn it on it sparks then pilot lights then CFH the burners all light with strong blue flame then quickly shuts off. It then repeats this cycle for unto 60 minutes before the burners stay lit. do you thinks I got a bad pilot assembly or is there another sensor that is keeping the burners from staying lit.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      CFH is supposed to display before a normal ignition cycle. Are there any other codes that flash before the heater shuts down?

  9. Anh Avatar

    Hi. I have a raypak p-r406a-ep-c propane heater. It is flashing CFH. I turned off the power for 90 seconds and restarted. It will try to spark (spk) but nothing happens. Then goes back to CFH. Thanks for any help.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Is your heater hooked up to an automated control or remote system?

  10. Heather Avatar

    My unit is saying high limit 2 fault. What does that mean?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Heather, it is in the blog, the code HL2.

Leave a Reply

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