Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Codes [13 Easy Solutions]

If you are bothered by Sta Rite pool heater error codes, then settle here. In this Sta Rite pool heater troubleshooting guide, we will be discussing the most common Sta-Rite pool heater error codes you are likely to face. 

These Sta Rite error codes are E01, E02, E03, E04, E05, E06, R3, R8, R13, AFS, AD0, 14, 124. Take a quick look at these error codes and instant solutions before jumping into the details:

STA-RITE Error Codes	Error Codes Meaning	Solution
E01	Faulty thermistor	Replace the thermistor
E02	Temperature overheating	Replace the high-limit switch
E03	Open thermal fuse	Replace the thermal fuse
E04	Blower fan failure	Replace the blower motor and the airflow switch
E05	Ignition failure	Replace the back ignitor/sensor/burner
E06	No Electricity	Replace the board sensor
R3	Servicing is required	Thorough checkup + cleanup
R8	Control board failure	Replace the control board
R13	Startup sequence  (not an error code)	Not applicable
AFS	Airflow switch issue	Replace the airflow switch
AD0	Flue sensor failure	Replace the stack flue sensor
14	Revision level (not an error code)	Not applicable
124	Extreme high temperature	Shut off the device + call a professional

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Codes [13 Easy Solutions]

The STA-RITE pool heater error codes are very easy to solve. Below we have elaborated on the meaning and solution to each of these error codes.

Just give these a quick read and fix the issues easily.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code E01: Faulty Thermistor

The thermistor is a crucial part of the STA-RITE pool heater. It is an electronic temperature sensor used in the STA-RITE pool heater. 

This sensor detects the water condition and controls the burner according to the temperature set on the operating control. If this sensor gets bad, the unit can’t get any signal to work with, and the whole system shuts off with error code E01 on display. 

Solution:

The STA-RITE error code E01 can be fixed by just replacing the thermistor. Here’s how you can do it properly:

• Disconnect the pool heater from all power connections
• Drain all the water from the heat exchanger
• Unscrew the 4 bolts holding the front access panel to remove it
• Unscrew the 2 bolts holding the control box cover to remove it
• Disconnect the thermistor connector from the ignition control panel
• Pull out the thermistor through the heater chassis hole
• Remove the thermistor from the inlet side of the header by unscrewing the bolts holding it
• Take a new thermistor and install it, reversing the whole process

Now with the new thermistor, your pool heater should work just fine.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code E02: Internal Temperature Overheating

The lack of airflow, excessive friction, or pressure side restrictions can cause the internal temperature of STA-RITE to overheat. When this happens, the ignitor stops working. So if you get an E02 error code on your display, it means the ignitor will not ignite the fire to warm up the water.

However, the main culprit here is the high-limit sensor. How? 

The high-limit sensor was supposed to shut off the whole system before it reached a certain heat level. As the unit is overheating, you can conclude that the high-limit sensor has broken.

Solution:

You have to replace the high-limit switch of your STA-RITE to reach the solution. Here’s how you can do it:

• Unplug the whole unit from the power
• Wait for the unit to cool down
• Locate the faulty “high limit switch” beside the connector tube kit
• The limit switch is located between the pipe plug and the thermistor
• Pull out the high-limit switch
• Install a new high-limit switch in its place
• Start the unit

The heater should work perfectly now.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code E03: Open Thermal Fuse

The error code E03 means that the thermal fuse of the STA-RITE is open. The thermal fuse is usually sealed with wax. This bond opens due to excessive heat. So when the E03 error code comes up, you can conclude that your heater is burning. 

Solution:

As the thermal fuse has gone bad, you have to replace it. Here’s how,

• Shut off the whole system
• Remove the back panel
• Locate the thermal fuse in the heater housing
• Remove the old fuse just by wiggling it
• Install a new fuse in its place
• Put everything back in their place

Now turn on your heater. If the thermal fuse opens again, call an electrician and let them detect the issue.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code E04: Blower Fan Failure

The E04 error code of STA-RITE indicates that the blower fan has failed in the unit. You will notice unusual noises coming from the fan once this error code appears.

As a result of this issue, your heater will fire up abruptly for a few moments and then turn off after a while.

Solution:

You should check the airflow switch and the blower motor. If either of them seems like they are not working, replacement is the solution. Here’s how to replace the blower motor of the STA-RITE water heater,

• Open the control panel of the blower motor
• Unscrew the blower motor to remove it from its place
• Detach the wiring before dislocating the blower motor
• Bring a new blower motor for STA-RITE and screw it down in place
• Connect it to the wiring 
• Assemble all the parts back

Now the pool heater should work just fine once you turn it on. However, if the problem remains, try replacing the airflow switch.

Here’s how:

• Unscrew the lower enclosure
• Locate the terminal board holding box
• Unscrew that box to expose the airflow switch
• Unscrew the airflow switch and remove it from its place
• Disconnect the wirings
• Take a new airflow switch and attach all the wiring
• Screw the airflow switch in its place

And now everything should work just fine.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code E05: Ignition Failure

The E05 error code of the STA-RITE pool heater means that the ignition has failed to start a fire.

This code will appear even if the ignition goes out after staying up for a while. Such a problem usually occurs when the heater is put to use after a long gap. 

Solution:

Make sure to take care of the following points to solve this issue:

• Shut off the STA-RITE power supply
• Clean the rusty ignitor properly using sandpaper
• If the ignitor seems bad, then unscrew it from its place, disconnect all the connections, and install a new one 
• See if the sensor is damaged in any way. If it is, disconnect it from its place, and install a new one before restarting the device
• Clean the intake and outtake venting of the system
• See if the control board is showing the correct indication light

These points will make sure your STA-RITE ignites perfectly from now on.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code E06: Sensing Absence Of Electricity

STA-RITE shows the E06 error code when the board sensor reads 0 ohms of electricity supply. The problem is either with your central electrical supply or a faulty sensor.

Solution:

Firstly, call up an electrician to check the electrical supply of your house. Ask the professionals to fix the electrical supply issue. However, if the problem is with the sensor, then you have to replace it. Here’s how to do it,

• Shut off the whole unit
• Unscrew the control board kit of the STA-RITE 
• Locate the stack flue sensor there
• Pull it out using a long-nose plier
• Take a new sensor 
• Put it properly in its place, securing the sensor wires
• Screw everything back to their place

This should keep your pool heater working again. 

Sta-Rite Pool Heater Error Code R3: Servicing Is Required

The R3 is not an error code of the STA-RITE pool heater. It is actually a revision of the board that happens every now and then.

This code will come basically do a few checkups. You should be worried when there is a “Service Heater” code along with R3. 

Solution:

When the R3 error code comes up, you have to do a bit of service. Here’s a checklist of what you need to do:

• Restart the heater 
• Replace the thermistor in the way we discussed in the first point
• Clean the filter
• Replace the filter if it’s damaged
• Make sure that all the electrical connection is in perfect condition

Taking care of these things will fix the R3 error code.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code R8: Control Board Failure

STA RITE pool heater won’t fire up when the R8 error code remains visible on the display. According to experts, this is basically an indication that the control board has failed to signal the whole system.

Solution:

You have to change the faulty control board to deal with this situation. Here’s how to do it,

• Locate and unscrew the control board enclosure
• Once the control board enclosure is removed, find the control board kit
• Disconnect all the writings attach to it
• See if any wire is damaged
• Replace the damaged wire with a new one as you unscrew and take the control board away as well
• Take a new control board 
• Screw it in its location and secure the wire connection in the perfect manner
• Carefully put the control board enclosure back on

Once you have installed a new control board, your STA-RITE should work just fine. 

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code R13: Startup Sequence

The R13 is not an error code of STA-RITE. It’s an indication of the startup sequence. 

Solution:

As this is not an error code, you don’t need a fix as well. Although, whenever R3 comes up on your STA-RITE display, you have to press the temperature setting button and set the temperature.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code AFS: Air Flow Switch Issue

The AFS in STA-RITE indicates to airflow switch. This code usually occurs when there is any problem with the rubber tube connecting the draft inducer blower and the airflow switch.

Solution:

You have to make sure that the draft inducer path to the airflow switch is perfectly fine. Here’s how you can do it,

•  Locate the terminal box and open it up
• Find the rubber tube connecting the airflow switch to the draft inducer
• Detach this tube and clean all the dirt clogged inside
• If the rubber tube is damaged, then throw it away and install a new one
• Once the rubber tube connection is tightly secured, put everything back to their position

Now your pool heater air switch should work just fine.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code AD0: Flue Sensor Failure

The AD0 code indicates that you need to stack the flue sensor. You won’t be able to adjust the pool heater temperature till this code stays on.

Solution:

As the stack flue is the culprit behind this problem, you have to replace it with a new one. Here’s how to do it,

• Shut off the whole unit
• Disconnect the wirings from the old stack flue sensor
• Use a half-inch wrench to turn the flue sensor anti-clockwise to remove it
• Install a new sensor in its place, re-establishing the wire connection
• Thread the sensor through the exhaust elbow
• Seal the new connection with RTV sealant

The new flue sensor will keep the STA-RITE pool heater perfectly working.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code 14: Rev Level

Code 14 is not an STA-RITE error code. Rather it’s the rev level or the revision level of the system. This mainly indicates how many times the settings have been changed. 

So if you see the number 14 on display, it means you have changed the heater setting 14 times.

Solution:

If you don’t want to have this code on your display, you can remove it by resetting the unit. You can do it just by turning off the unit and unplugging it from the electrical connection.

Sta Rite Pool Heater Error Code 126: Extreme High Temperature

This is not an STA-RITE error code, to be exact, but it works like one. This indicates that the pool heater unit has exceeded the internal temperature of 126, which is a lot. If you don’t take action as soon as you notice this code, accidents may occur. 

Solution:

To be honest, this is not a good situation. The primary solution to this issue is turning off your STA-RITE unit as soon as possible. This will remove the risk of a blow-up. 

Don’t start the device once it has cooled down because the problem isn’t solved yet. You have to call up a professional for the ultimate fix. And this is how you will get your STA-RITE pool heater back to work.

Now that you know about all the STA-RITE pool heater error codes, you shouldn’t face any difficulty using the device. 

FAQ:

Why does my Sta Rite pool heater keep shutting off?

Your STA-RITE Pool heater keeps shutting off probably because the incorrect water chemistry damaged the pool’s gas exchange.

How long does a pool heater last?

A good pool heater like STA-RITE lasts around 12 to 20 years.

Why is my pool heater turning on and off?

This can happen due to power supply issues.

How do I reset my pool heater?

You can reset your pool heater by flipping the breaker switch to the “OFF” position and then immediately to the “ON” position.

Can I leave my pool heater on all night?

You shouldn’t leave your pool heater on all night

Final Verdict:

Despite being a good device, STA-RITE sometimes gets into trouble. However, these problems are easy to solve because of the error codes. How?

If you know all the STA-RITE error codes and their solutions, you will know the exact problem and what you can do about this. This is why it is a good idea to save this article. If you have an STA-RITE, you might need it.

If you have any further questions, you can comment below.