Osmolator won't turn on

[msn711]

Osmolator/auto top off isn't turning on. On the unit, sometimes the lights come on and sometimes they don't. If you "jiggle" the power wire, sometimes it will kick start things and make the unit start running normally. Lately, when the unit does seem to have power, the light will be green indicating a normal level, but in reality, the pump hasn't run for probably a couple of days and the water level in the sump is at least 2" lower than where it should be.

Is this some type of short issue? Anything I can do about it short of buying another unit?

Shay

 

[rvitko]

Check the power connection. The most common cause of this issue is that at some point the male DC tip landed in a puddle or in the sump. The inside of the tip will be corroded, this occurs almost instantly if it was plugged in and contacted saltwater as it is the cathode and essentially reverse electroplates. If this is not bright nickel plate any longer, this is likely the culprit, I would then inspect the female receptacle to be sure it is OK and if so a new power supply may solve the problem.

The other likely culprit is that the screw terminals for the pump connection are corroded. If these get wet, the terminals corrode and the water also wicks up the wires of the controller and pump and the very high resistance in the short term will cause the pump to not run and the light display to always show green, in the long term it can destroy the circuit board as it will run much hotter from this high resistance.

You are welcome to send it in, unless the board was destroyed by overheating, it can generally be repaired, the range of repair costs would be $25-$70.

If you send it in, include a note with your return address and phone number-

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753

 

[msn711]

Thanks for getting back to me Roger. I'll check it out when I get home and let you know.