Hayward Pool Heater IF Code/Ignition Failure [Solved]

Hayward pool heater IF code basically signifies the ignition failure of your heater system.

The major reasons for Hayward pool heater code IF/ignition failure include lower gas supply, clogged filter, and malfunctioning of the gas and plumber valve.

Also, a faulty transformer, defective flame sensor, bad igniter, and incorrect thermostat temperature setting are the root reason behind this IF error code.

Here, we have compiled a complete guide for your Hayward pool heater 1F code troubleshooting. 

What Is The Difference Between IF And 1F Code?

There is no difference between IF and 1F codes on the Hayward pool heater. Both are the same. You are basically asking this question being confused with the capital “I” and the number “1”.

Like you, a few users search for the IF code as the 1F code as they get confused with “I” and “1”. However, both the IF and 1F code tells you the ignition failure of your Hayward heater.

That means there is a fault with your heater ignition system which won’t allow your heater to start.

How To Fix Hayward Pool Heater IF Code or Ignition Failure

Throughout this article, you will come to know all the responsive factors for displaying the IF code on your Hayward pool heater.

That means the common reason behind your Hayward pool heater ignition failure. So, if you don’t know how to fix Hayward if code, go on reading the guide below…

Note: Also read how to fix Hayward pool heater code lo

1. Power Cycle the Heater

If you notice the IF code on your Hayward pool heater’s display, be sure it is the indication of the ignition failure as the error code. When the main burner of the heater fails to ignite after 2 or 3 attempts, the heater will shut down and go into lockout.

This time, a power cycle through the heater will prove well. That means, here, you will need to reset the electrical circuit breaker of the pool heater. 

Solution:

• First of all, locate the heater’s breaker from the sub-panel of the pool’s equipment enclosure.
• Turn the breaker “OFF” and then the “ON” position. 
• Now, remove the digital control board cover and select the mode to the “Standby” setting.
• Then, press the “Up” and “Down” buttons and hold the buttons simultaneously.
• You will find the ‘IF” code flashing on display.
• Press the Up and Down button again to reset the desired maximum pool temperature.
• Finally, turn on the heater system, and the IF code problem should be solved.

2. Low Gas Pressure

Low and insufficient gas supply or gas pressure is the high possible reason behind your Hayward pool heater ignition failure.

For fluently igniting, the heater needs a sufficient gas supply. Without gas pressure, it will fail to ignite. First, let’s know the reason for low gas pressure:

• Blocked gas orifice
• Clogged burner system
• The center nozzle is blocked with spider web
• Insufficient fuel in the tank
• Closed gas line at the tanks,

Anyway, it is time to fix this low gas pressure issue from your heater:

Solution:

• First of all, check out the fuel tank. There should be a maximum of 30% fuel level on the tank.
• Now, look through the burners. You will find a metal rod near the burner attached to the wire. Simply take a wire brush and clean the rod precisely. 
• Also, clean out the clogged burner orifice. 
• This time, locate the center nozzle from below the igniter. You will find spider web blockage there that is creating obstacles in gas flowing. Remove the nozzle by unscrewing it. Clean the spider web out. Replace the nozzle if needed
• Ensure the gas line is turned on.

3. Clogged Water Filter

After long-term use, the water filter of your pool may get blocked by debris. There would be a high possibility of the dirty filter is the root reason behind the ignition problem. Because of dirty filters, there may be low gas pressure in the heater.

When the pressure is too low than normal, the pressure switch activates and shuts off the heater. So, without any more delay, let’s move through the cleaning process of the filthy filter:

Solution:

• First, locate the filter of the heater.
• Now, remove the filter cover to access the filter.
• Set the cover aside carefully and lift out the filter.
• Place the filter on a hard surface and start rinsing the filter using the hose.
• Keep rinsing the filter with water until the filter gets cleaned.
• Finally, reassemble the heater and turn it on.
• Ensure the secure installation of the filter.

4. Malfunctioning of The Valves

While troubleshooting the complete heater ignition system, we can’t ignore testing the essential parts of the heater.

Sometimes, because of the malfunctioning of the valve, the ignition system fails. Several times, we want to cease the flow of the water.

For this, we shut off the plumbing valve, which leads to ignition failure. Moreover, closed and clogged gas valves and gas supply valves create obstacles to smooth gas flowing.

Solution:

• To ensure that water flows to the heater, check out the multiport of the heater. You will find it close to the pump and filter. Now make sure each of them is open.
• Ensure that the gas valve is also open.
• Check out the wiring of the gas valve. Replace if you find any defects.
• Measure the voltage of the gas valve. If there are 24 volts but the gas valve is not opened, be sure the valve is defective and it needs replacement. Otherwise, replace the control module.
• Don’t forget the gas supply valve to troubleshoot the heater for this problem.

5. Faulty Heater Transformer

The heater transformer is an essential part of any pool heater. Basically, it controls the energy which is being supplied to make it safe and usable. Malfunctioning this transformer can be a leading reason behind the heater ignition system.

So, this time, you will have to check if your heater transformer whether it is getting current or not. Follow the below instructions:

Solution:

• Take a voltmeter and attach its lead to the one terminal of the transformer.
• Attach the other lead to another terminal.
• There should be a voltage reading between 20 and 28 volts.
• If you don’t find the voltage reading in this rage, be sure there’s a problem with the transformer.
• Replace the transformer to prevent the ignition problem of the heater. 

6. Defective Flame Sensor

If still, you are noticing the IF code in your heater display, there may have a defective flame sensor. The flame sensor is basically a safety component designed to confirm the respective gas valve is open when the flame is correctly burning.

For several reasons, it may burn out or get cracks that lead to ignition failure. Anyway, it is time to inspect the flame sensor and check it out deeply:

Solution:

• Turn off your heater and disconnect the unit from the power connection.
• Now unscrew all the attached screws from the front panel and remove the panel very carefully.
• You will see a flame sensor in a rod shape connected with wires and screws.
• Simply disconnect the wire from the flame sensor.
• Now, unscrew the screws connected to the flame sensor to remove it.
• If you find burns or cracks over the sensor body, replace the sensor.

7. Bad Igniter

A faulty igniter is another leading cause for displaying the IF code on the Hayward pool hater. There may have been faulty igniter wirings in the igniter system.

Sometimes, the connection with the control module is not secured, which would lead to the heater LED displaying such an error code. When you are confirmed a bad igniter, your next step should be to replace it.

Solution:

• First of all, turn off your heater.
• Then, inspect the igniter and the wiring.
• Replace the defective wires. If needed, replace the complete igniter.
• Ensure a secured connection of the igniter plugs into the back of the control module.

8. Faulty Thermostat Setting

The thermostat is an essential part of any pool heater, which is responsible for controlling the temperature of your pool.

When the thermostat level drops or the temperature decreases than the temperature of the pool, the main burner of your pool heater fails to ignite. Anyway, fix the thermostat malfunctioning in this troubleshooting period:

Solution:

• First, increase the thermostat level.
• Increase the temperature of the thermostat than the pool.
• If still, the heater igniter is not responding, be sure there is a faulty thermostat. 
• Disconnect and check out the visible wiring.
• Readjust it correctly after checking. If needed, replace the defective thermostat.

9. Defective Heater Switch

The heater switch is also an important part of the ignition system. If the switch is turned on and the heater is not coming, there would be a high chance of a faulty switch.

Also, the high switch limit is an essential component that is responsible for turning off the heater when the heater temperature gets exceeded. A defective heater switch and high-limit switch can be the cause of your ignition failure.

Solution:

• To troubleshoot the switch problem, you will have to do a bypass test on both switches. 
• For this, take a jump start cable and connect it to the metal terminals on the heater switch.
• Jumpstart the heater and if the heater comes on, be sure the ignition switch gets fault. Replace it.
• Also, check out the high-limit switch in the same way. Replace it as well if needed.

FAQ:

What does BO mean on a Hayward pool heater?

The BO is mainly an error code on the Hayward heater that signifies the bypass operations. When the heater’s internal thermostat bypasses to control the set temperature, the heater display BO as the error indication. Well, if you want to get rid of the BO code, you should follow our instructions on how to deal with Hayward pool heater BO error code.

What does LO mean on a Hayward pool heater?

LO on the Hayward pool heater is an error that appears because of low water pressure. There may have defects in the temperature limit switch or water pressure switch. 

Why does my Hayward pool heater keep turning off?

Low gas pressure is highly responsible for shutting off the heater constantly. The major reason for low gas pressure includes a clogged water filter that needs to be back washed. Also, incorrect installment of the gas valve prevents a heater from igniting.

Final Words:

Hayward pool heater ignition failure is the most common issue in the Hayward heater system. Also, it is the leading cause for showing the error code IF on display. From the above guide, you have come to know all the trouble points for this error code. 

Hopefully, now you can conveniently fix this heater’s error code by following our guide. Still, if you have any questions regarding this guide, don’t hesitate to let us know through comments. We will be highly glad to help you.

Note: Also read how to fix Hayward pool heater H5 error code