Autopilot DIG-220 SWG cell replacement?

[EquestrianNancy]

My pool was installed in 2013 and we still have our original Autopilot RC 35/22 cell. I have inspected it and did not see a reason to clean it. The Tri-sensor is leaking, so I have ordered a new o-ring for it and will inspect it soon. I am beginning to get low Amp warnings on the Autopilot. I did a 24 hour boost last night and the readings were Cell = 27V 2.6A. Tonight the readings were Cell = 29V 2.2A (no boost, just after I started the pump running).

Questions:
1. Since the cell is 7 years old and I have read that they last around 5 years, is this possibly a signal that we should replace the cell?
2. How often does a Tri-Sensor need to be replaced? I plan to do the INYOPools check tomorrow.

Thank you,
Nancy

Current Chemistry:
FC - 1.5
CYA - below detection, 5 lbs being added in socks
pH - 7.2
TA - 60
CH - 30
salt - 3000

 

[Newdude]

Hey Nancy !!

1) you are very well in the end of life stage. They just quit. Sometimes they make the manufacturers life expectancy (hours 'on'), sometimes they dont, but most manufacturers lowered their life expectancies so that kinda says something.

2) sensors are cheap pieces of crud and fail all the time. More with some brands than others but everyone is at risk to some degree. Hopefully someone chimes in with knowledge of your unit.

Personal relevance to your saga : my cell did similar at 6.5 years. A replacement sensor/flow switch was over $100 and *if* it worked the cell could have died a week later anyway so I chose to just replace it.

 

[EquestrianNancy]

Hey Nancy !!

1) you are very well in the end of life stage. They just quit. Sometimes they make the manufacturers life expectancy (hours 'on'), sometimes they dont, but most manufacturers lowered their life expectancies so that kinda says something.

2) sensors are cheap pieces of crud and fail all the time. More with some brands than others but everyone is at risk to some degree. Hopefully someone chimes in with knowledge of your unit.

Personal relevance to your saga : my cell did similar at 6.5 years. A replacement sensor/flow switch was over $100 and *if* it worked the cell could have died a week later anyway so I chose to just replace it.

Thank you! I was hoping that my instinct was wrong, but oh well. I'll probably order and replace the cell. Fix the Tri-Sensor leak, and be prepared to replace it soon as well. Unless I hear any other words of wisdom from this wonderful forum!

Nancy