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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.

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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

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  • 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.

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310 responses to “Raypak Heater Fault Code Guide”

  1. Alan S. Avatar

    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.

  2. Leann Avatar

    What does an internal fault message mean? And the pool temp is only reading 36f when it is more like 78f

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      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.

      1. Jeff Avatar

        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

        1. Rob Avatar

          I am seeing this same issue (internal fault with no error code). How did you resolve it?

  3. Art Avatar

    My heater is a model 406a has the code CFH the pilot light is lit but the burner will not come on

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Does the SPK code display after the CFH?

      1. Leonsrdo Avatar

        No aparece solo se queda en CFH pero si enciende el piloto

  4. ALB Avatar

    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.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Have you tested the voltage of the power lines on your heater’s circuit? That would be my first step.

  5. Kevin Kelly Avatar

    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

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      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

  6. Chris L. Avatar

    Raypak heater turns on, when turning on the heater after winter it just sparks and doesn’t ignite…please advise.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Are there any error codes? Do you smell gas?

  7.  Avatar

    I have a customer with a raypak heater that has a code that says either water supply or water switch open. Is that a pressure switch problem? It hasbeen backwashed and put on recirculate to test unit.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Well, let’s start with basic info like what model heater your customer owns.

  8. Bert Avatar

    I have a LoNox Tab Fault in my Raypak P-R406A-EN-X. I already reset factory defaults and cleared fault codes, but error keeps reappearing. Low Nox Tab is not broken and I know the manual says that “If TAB is NOT broken and the board detects power at Lo NOx connector, Lo NOx Tab Fault is displayed and the heater will not operate”. Manual does not say how to fix this. How do I fix this/make sure board does not detect power?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      The TAb code with a LowNox unit means you have to replace the main board.

      1. Christina Avatar

        I just installed a new pc board and have gotten this code upon startup

    2. ChrisH Avatar

      I am getting the same code (LoNox Tab Fault). Were you able to diagnose how to fix this issue?

  9. Ryan Avatar

    Ignition failure Raypak 266,000 btu.
    I hear clicking but no ignition, could this be a bad ignitor? Heater is 2013

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Best guess: The burner near the ignitor might be clogged. If you hear the ignitor attempting to spark but there is no flame, there might not be enough gas or air to make for proper combustion. That is something you should have a professional come out and take a look at, for safety reasons.

  10. Pooldok@aol.com Avatar

    Raypac heater P-R407A-en-G S/N 0707003973 error code PA6. What could be the problem

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Hello Pooldok, are you sure that is the correct code and model number? I searched PA6 in a few manuals and come up with nothing. Also, the model number ending of “G” is not a usual number, it should be a “C.”

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