21-1648.RevA

Common Controller Error Messages

Hunter controllers incorporate automatic self-diagnostics that

display the following error messages when electrical faults

occur:

• Err - indicates problems with SmartPort

™

wiring

• # Err - indicates the station number for the shorted

station(s)

• P Err - indicates a high current draw on the P/MV

circuit

Common Controller Problems

• Blank Display

• Scrambled or Locked Display

• Display Shows “No AC”

• No Station Output

• Controller Does Not Recognize Module(s)

• Sensor Does Not Shut Controller Off

Visual Inspection

Before taking steps to diagnose and troubleshoot problems,

it is recommended to make a quick visual inspection of the

controller. Things to check include:

• All station modules are installed and locked in their

proper locations

• Power module is properly installed

• Front panel ribbon connector installed

• Check front panel ribbon cable damage

• Sensor bypass switch in active position

• Check for damaged components

• Tighten all terminal screws

TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON

CONTROLLER PROBLEMS

Resetting Hunter Controllers

Pressing the reset button will reset the micro-processor

and initiate module recognition (for modular controllers).

Sometimes a “full reset” may be required to clear the

memory return the controller to factory settings, (requires

reprogramming of the controller).

Hunter Quick Check

™

The Hunter Quick Check feature can be used to identify

electrical problems such as shorted wires, or defective

solenoids. Quick Check is an easy way to diagnose electrical

problems quickly.

Troubleshooting Controller Problems

Display Shows “Err”

A display showing “Err” is an indication

of an issue with installation or

interference on the SmartPort wiring. It

could also be as a result of a defective

device being plugged in the SmartPort.

STEP 1: Check Device (Remote Receiver)

If error message occurs when device is plugged into

SmartPort, the device may be defective and should be

replaced.

STEP 2: Check SmartPort Wiring

If the Err message is displayed without a device attached,

check that SmartPort wiring is correct.

Make sure that the SmartPort wiring is not bundled with

the ﬁeld wiring. (Bundling wires may cause interference.)

STEP 3: Replace the

SmartPort

The SmartPort connector may

be damaged. Replace the SmartPort.

Display Shows “Station # & Err”

A display that shows a number and

Err indicates that a station has faulted

due to a short on that output. Common

reasons for this station fault include:

1) a defective solenoid, 2) defective ﬁeld

wiring, or 3) poor wire connections.

STEP 1: Verify Station Fault

Remove the ﬁeld wire for the faulted station. Start the

controller manually. If the Err message is not present, the

problem is with the valve or ﬁeld wiring.

STEP 2: Check Valve Wiring

Check the electrical resistance within the ﬁeld wiring

circuit for the defective zone. Troubleshoot ﬁeld wiring.

Display Shows “P Err”

A “P Err” message is displayed when

the P/MV circuit is drawing too much

current. Common causes include:

1) a defective solenoid on the master

valve, 2) incompatible or defective pump

relay, or 3) wire run too long between the

relay and controller.

STEP 1: Check Master Valve Solenoid/Wiring

If a master valve is being used, the problem may be a

defective solenoid or faulty wiring. Conduct a resistance

check on the circuit to verify the fault.

STEP 2: Check Pump Relay

If a pump relay is being used, problems may be caused

by: 1) incorrect wire size and run from the controller to

the relay, 2) a defective relay, 3) poor wire connections for

circuit. If necessary, replace the defective pump relay or

correct wiring issues.

To Full Reset the Controller:

1. Press and Hold the

–, ➡, and

PRG buttons.

2. Press and release the reset

button.

3. Wait until 12:00 am is

displayed.

4. Release the

–, ➡, and PRG buttons. The

controller has been successfully reset.

To Start Hunter Quick Check:

1. Simultaneously press the ➡,

, – , ✚ buttons (Press ➡, –,

✚, PRG for ICC). All segments

on the LCD will be displayed.

2. Press the ✚ button to start

Quick Check.

3. A fault will be displayed as the station

number and Err.

RED - to the ﬁrst AC terminal

WHITE - to the 2

AC terminal

BLUE - to REM terminal

REM

Blank Display

Common reasons for blank displays

include: 1) no primary AC power at the

controller, 2) a defective transformer, or

3) a defective front panel or controller.

STEP 1: Check for Primary AC Power

Check the main circuit breaker, any GFI outlets, and AC

outlet (when used with plug-in transformers). Verify with

a voltmeter that there is 120 VAC +/- 10% (or 230 VAC if

applicable) power at the controller.

STEP 2: Check Transformer Output

With a solenoid or voltmeter,

check for 24 VAC power on the

terminal strip. If there is power,

from the transformer at the

controller and no output, the

transformer is defective and

needs to be replaced.

STEP 3: Install New 9-volt Battery

Install a new 9-volt battery and pull the ribbon connector.

If the display is still blank, the front panel is defective.

Replace the front panel.

STEP 4: Check Ribbon Connector

Check for bent pins on back

of the front panel. Re-install

the ribbon connector into

front panel.

STEP 5: Check Station

Modules

A defective station module

may also cause a blank display. Remove all station

modules from the controller. Insert one module and press

the reset button. Repeat until the defective module is

found. Replace the module.

Scrambled or Locked Display

Scrambled or locked displays can be caused by electrical

surges into the controller, which do not physically damage the

controller, but result in locking up the microprocessor. The

most common ﬁx is to reset the controller.

STEP 1: Reset the Controller

Press the reset button. If the controller display is still

scrambled or locked, conduct a full reset. The controller

will need to be reprogrammed.

STEP 2: Replace the Front Panel

In rare cases, the front panel may be defective. Replace

the front panel if resetting does not solve the problem.

Display Shows “No AC”

A display blinking No and AC is commonly due to the loss

of primary AC power at the controller. Common causes

include: 1) AC power is Off at the controller, or 2) a defective

transformer.

STEP 1: Check for Primary AC Power

Check the main circuit breaker is on, if any GFI outlets

have tripped, or power at the outlet (for plug-in

transformers). Verify with a voltmeter that there is 120

VAC +/- 10% (or 230 VAC if applicable) power at the

controller.

STEP 2: Check Transformer Output

With a solenoid or voltmeter, check for 24 VAC power on

the terminal strip. If there is power at the controller and no

output, from the transformer, the transformer is defective

and needs to be replaced.

STEP 3: Check Main Module

In some cases, a defective main module may cause a

blank display. Remove and replace the main module.

No Station Output

No station output (24 VAC) at the station terminal screw(s).

Common causes for no station output include: 1) modules

not properly installed, or 2) damage from high surges

(lightning strike, etc.)

STEP 1: Check Each Station Output

Start the controller manually by

pressing the ➡ button. Use a

solenoid or voltmeter to verify

24 VAC at each of the terminal

screws.

STEP 2: Check that Modules

are Properly Installed

Remove and re-install each module. Verify they are locked

in place. Press the reset button.

STEP 3: Replace the Defective Module

Remove the module with no station output and replace

with new one. Press the reset button.

Controller Does Not Recognize Module(s)

The display is showing too many or too few stations than the

number of modules installed.

STEP 1: Check that Modules are Properly Installed

Remove and re-install each

module. Verify they are locked

in place. Press the reset

button.

STEP 2: Check Station

Modules

Remove all modules from

the controller. Insert one module and press the reset

button. With the dial in Set Station Run Times, verify the

correct number of stations. Repeat this procedure until the

defective module is found. Replace the module.

STEP 3: Check the Front Panel

Remove and replace the front panel.

Sensor Does Not Shut Controller Off

For systems with a rain sensor installed.

STEP 1: Conduct a Quick Inspection

• Has enough rain fallen

for sensor to shut

system off?

• Is the metal sensor

jumper installed? If so,

remove it.

• Is the bypass switch in

the active position?

• Verify SEN terminal

screws are tight.

STEP 2: Manually Test

Sensor Operation

Start the controller manually

by pressing the ➡ button.

Press the spindle on the rain

sensor. The system should shut off.

STEP 3: Check Sensor and Sensor Wiring

Remove one sensor wire from one of the SEN terminals.

If the controller displays SEN OFF, a problem exists with

the sensor and/or sensor wiring. Common problems with

sensor wiring include: 1) staples through wire insulation,

2) poor wire splices, 3) metal contacting sensor wires

through cut in the insulation.

REMOVE

➝