Hayward 250FDN CE flashing error code

[Jsherman]

Howdy fellow TFP’ers. Looking for some expert help or possibly if someone has had same issues....... my Hayward 250FDN Nat gas heater has crapped out on me. I was out of town and we got a pile of rain with TS Beta and now the heater won’t work. The display screen is blank on the heater and only shows a “CE” error if you push or hold one of the mode buttons but only for a second. It then flashes the same CE error every 10 seconds or so. I’ve tried cycling the power, but before I order replacement parts I wanted to throw this on the forum to get thoughts. I’ve read that it’s fairly common for the display piece to have to be replaced as well as the control board, however none of the symptoms (CE code flashing or only on when you push or hold a button) appear to match others symptoms where they just have a CE code solid on the display, or nothing displayed at all. Thoughts? Much appreciated!

 

[ajw22]

It seems to be a common problem with water getting into the display circuit board...

Design Flaw in Hayward Pool Heaters Causing CE Error Codes

I have been a pool owner for about 20 years now. I have a 21' diameter above ground pool. It is heated by a Hayward 250 unit. The unit is the 2nd one we have had over a period of 20 years. I too experienced problems with the control panel on the and ended up replacing it on the first unit. The...

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CE error Hayward 250 H series pool heater, natural gas

I have been checking my pool temp for a few week just to see where it was. Today the error CE appeared. Last year 2010, exactly to the day, I had the board replaced for the same problem, service determined it was a bad board. That board was the original for the heater which was installed Oct...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jsherman]

Definitely and unfortunately, yes it does. I’ve read some reports of DIY water proofing the display panel, which I intend to do once I figure this out. It’s just odd to me that I can’t find any instances online of the blinking CE, rather then just a solid CE or nothing at all. Hopeful someone will have same issue and can advise if only a single part is needed or both, or something else. Sigh....... not very impressed with Hayward products thus far.

 

[ajw22]

@ps0303 @Pool Clown any thoughts on the blinking versus solid CE code?

 

[Jsherman]

I believe I’ve found the problem..... I was lazy and asking for help before ripping it open. There was a rodent living in there. After scaring me more then him, it’s clean and Inspected. The 4 wire ribbon wire from the display board to the main board was chewed through, only on the black wire. In no electrician but that may explain why its flashing CE (broken relay assuming). All other wires and parts look ok. Problem is now, where to find a replacement wire, as all I can find is expensive entire board replacements. Any help appreciated on that part!

 

[ajw22]

Post a pic of the chewed ribbon wire so we can see your situation.

 

[Jsherman]

Dang I already tried to repair it.... I sanded down the two ends of the chewed wire and replaced with a small
Wire and electrical tape. The display was still showing the blinking CE but it fired up! Tried it a second time and it went back to original. My kiddos are going to wake up shortly. I’ll have to try again tomorrow when mom is home and will update/post pics.

 

[ajw22]

Is there a connector on both ends of the ribbon cable?

 

[Jsherman]

See that’s the issue here, there isn’t. It’s straight connected to the board via solder. I’m sure Hayward designed it that way so rather then a couple bucks for a ribbon cable it’s 160 for the whole board.

 

[Jsherman]

Ok here is a pic. Can see my “repair job” by the plug in section as well as the soldered end from the board

 

[Jsherman]

And now the even crazier part. I did a better repair job to the ribbon wire and the heater works perfectly. BUT it’s still flashing the CE error and buttons on the heater are not responsive. I’m lost for an explanation........

 

[Jsherman]

And further update...... after running the heater on both pool and spa for over 30 min, i shut off the heater and it won’t restart.