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The Hayward heater IF code, sometimes confused with the 1F code, is an ignition failure code designed to let you know that there is something wrong with the ignition system preventing your heater from starting.
In short, the Hayward IF error code indicates problems with the ignition Control system, flame sensor, closed gas valve, reduced (or no) gas supply, or a gas valve relay failure.
HAYWARD HEATER IF CODE CHART
| IF CODE POSSIBLE CAUSE | IF CODE MAIN FIXES |
| GAS SUPPLY VALVES ARE CLOSED | ENSURE THAT THE GAS REGULATOR AND GAS VALVE ARE ALL OPEN |
| DEFECTIVE FLAME SENSOR | CLEAN OR REPLACE THE FLAME SENSOR |
| GAS VALVE WIRING OR CONNECTION PROBLEM | CORRECT ANY BREAKAGES/FAULTS IN GAS VALVE WIRING |
| GAS VALVE FAILURE | REPLACE THE GAS VALVE |
| IGNITION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE | REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL SYSTEM |
| DEFECTIVE IGNITER | REPLACE IGNITER |
When you see the IF (or 1F ) CODE on your Hayward heater, the first thing you want to do is try to restart your heater on the breaker. If the error does not go away, you’ll have to jump right into troubleshooting possible issues causing that error.
The IF code on your Hayward Heater will typically appear when the control system exceeds the maximum number of ignition retries. And usually, when that happens, the heater automatically shuts down and goes into lockout for at least 60 minutes.
Consider a new heater replacement:
Here are some of the ways to diagnose and fix the IF Code.
How to Diagnose Ignition Failure (IF Code)
1. Make sure that the gas valve supply shut off valves are all open
2. Check also if there is a low gas supply pressure (a low gas pressure supply will prevent your heater from igniting)
3. Check for the faulty flame sensor and flame sensor connection
4. Ensure to check for faulty gas valve wiring or connection
5. If the above steps are in order, check for the gas valve failure or gas valve relay failure
6. Check for any blockages in gas orifices and burners.
7. Look for cracks on the ignitor( A defective ignitor will usually have cracks)
IF CODE FIXES
1) First thing you want to do is make sure that the supply shut-off valve that is installed adjacent to the heater is open for gas to flow to the burners. You can do this by looking at the knob on the gas valve, it should be in the “On” position.
If the valve is open, proceed to the next step.
2) Because a low gas pressure supply will often result in the Ignition Failure code, ensure that the inlet gas supply pressure is between the minimum and maximum values that are indicated on the rating plate. If that’s within the range, move on to the next step.
3) It’s also important to have a look at the flame sensor wiring. Sometimes, a flame sensor could be in good working condition, but the wiring connection is what could be the problem. Make sure also that the harness wiring is securely attached to the flame sensor and to the control module. But if your flame sensor is defective, it’ll need a replacement. The following part should work for most Hayward Heater models:
- Fd ignitor replacement kit
- Fits hayward universal h-series low nox pool heater models h150fdn, h150fdp, h200fdn, h200fdp, h250fdn, h250fdp
- Also fits hayward universal h-series low nox pool heater models h300fdn, h300fdp, h350fdn, h350fdp, h400fdn, h400fdp
- Weight 5.9 pounds
To remove and replace the flame sensor, follow these steps.
- Turn the pump, gas supply, and heater power “OFF”.
- Remove the front access panel.
- Disconnect the wire from the flame sensor.
- Remove the screws that secure the flame sensor to remove the sensor.
- Reverse the above procedure to install the flame sensor
If this is fixed, move on to the next step.
4) At this stage, you need to inspect the gas valve wiring. Remember to make sure that the wire harness terminals are securely fastened to spade terminals on the gas valve.
5) If the above steps do not fix the error, do this;
- Start with a trial for ignition. Then measure the voltage across the gas valve. If you have 24 VAC across the valve during trial for ignition, chances are that you have a defective gas valve.
- If you don’t have 24 volts across the valve during trial for ignition, the problem could be with the gas valve relay on the control module. For that matter, you’ll need to replace the control module.
- Fd integrated control board kit
- Fits hayward universal h-series low nox pool heater models h250fdn, h250fdp
- Also fits hayward universal h-series low nox pool heater models h300fdn, h300fdp, h350fdn, h350fdp, h400fdn, h400fdp
However, it should be noted that attempting to temporarily fix the gas valve could make your manufacturer’s warranty void.
So, for a defective valve, I recommend buying a replacement. And, if you feel doing this on your own is hard, it’s best to call professionals. But if you are interested in doing it yourself or want to save some bucks, here are a few steps to help you dismantle and replace your gas valve:
How to remove and replace a defective gas valve:
- Turn the pump, gas supply, and heater power “OFF”.
- Start by disconnecting the union joint in the gas supply piping outside the heater cabinet.
- Then remove the front access panel.
- After that, disconnect the wiring terminals from the gas valve.
- Remove the gas manifold assembly.
- Unscrew the gas valve from the gas manifold pipe.
- Start Reassembling the gas manifold assembly (using the new gas valve.)
- Reverse the above procedure to re-install the gas manifold
6) Find out if there are any blockages in the gas orifices. These blockages could be preventing gas flow. If possible, remove and inspect the burners as well for blockages.
7) A defective ignitor can cause IF code on your Hayward Pool Heater. Just as with any other part of your heater, your ignitor might have saved its purpose in your heater, and this could be the time to replace it.
Usually, a defective defector will have a visible crack on it. But the best way to find out whether your ignitor is working or not is by testing it for continuity (use a multimeter for this or borrow one if you don’t have one.) So, you will need to remove the ignitor before testing. And if it’s defective, it’ll need replacement.
- 150-400 mv natural gas valve replacement
- Fits hayward h-series ed1 style pool heater
- Weighs 101-pound
How to remove and replace an ignitor
- Firstly Turn off the pump at the breaker
- Remove the front access panel.
- Disconnect the igniter wires from the ignition control board.
- Remove the screws from the igniter access panel.
- Slide the igniter wires through the slot on the panel and pull the panel free.
- Remove the screws that secure the igniter.
- Pull the igniter straight back until it is free of the combustion chamber, then out of the air box.
- Reverse the above procedure to install the igniter
Final Thought
The Hayward heater IF code, as we have seen, has a few causes. And these have to do with the ignition control system. We hope you have been able to find the solution to your heater problem after reading our article. Otherwise, we recommend calling in a professional to help solve this problem.
More resources
https://www.hayward-pool.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/h-series-millivolt-owners-manual.pdf
HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.