Hydro Hot fluid level switch

[George Harwell]

o3 Monterey changed emergency cutofff switch (fluid level sw.) 13 April 08 and it has already failed. Talked with Aqua Hot and naturally they are not having a problem with these. I suspect the new items are made in China. Last year the price was $65 but today it has grown to around $125 plus shipping. I will replace it again but Aqua hot will get it returned with a not so friendly note if it doesn't last longer than a year. For those of you not familar with this the 2 red wires going into slots 1 & 2 on the right edge of the control board are the fluid level switch  and its function is to shut down the system if the fluid (antifreeze) gets low. If you see a red light on the control panel and it is labeled low fluid level or emergency cutoff then you have low fluid. If you see fluid in the holding tank then we are back to the bad switch. To get it operating until it can be repaired simply place a jumper wire across terminals 1 & 2 but do not operate it until you ensure the fluid level is normal. I repeat, do not operate it until you have assured the fluid level is normal or it could get very expensive. Has anyone else had this problem or am I just the token frog? CHEERS!

[Bill Johnson]

We had the same problem with ours.  Aqua Hot replaced the "emergency cut-off switch" twice (we paid for one, and when the new one failed they replaced it for free).  Like you, once we knew the coolant level was not the issue, but the emergency cutoff switch was, we jumped the connections and all worked fine.  My one caution is that with the new "improved"  cutoff switches, you need to be really careful to not over-tighten the switch -- they are very easy to break off (cheap plastic?) and that then provides you with a whole new set of issues and opportunities (sic).
Bill

[Don and Kathy DuCharme]

We had the same problem with our 07 Contessa. After some discussion, Hydro Hot sent us a new switch at no charge since our unit was still under warranty.  Replacement is working fine, but has only been a few months.  Will keep our fingers crossed.

[Jay and Raylene Todd]

We just joined the "failed float switch" club last weekend. Ours isn't anywhere near the warranty so it's full bore price for the replacement. I'm hoping that they aren't still having the bad new switch problem.

One word of warning for those who are testing for this - the OP indicates that his float switch connects to terminals 1 & 2 on the upper right terminal strip on the board. This is not the location on all models - ours connects to terminals 15 & 16.

If you are testing for a bad float switch, call tech support prior to doing any jumpering and make sure what terminals are used on your specific unit.

[Orman Claxton]

George
I know this is quite a time since you made the posting regarding your Aqua-Hot float switch.
I just have something to add: DO NOT BY-PASS the switch untill everthing is checked
Please understand, Just because you see fluid in the recovery tank, don't assume the Float switch has failed, the only positive way to check is
#1, Make certain your A/H is absoutely cool
#2, Remove the coolant (radiator) cap, try to touch the coolant with your finger,If no fluid, fill from this location (a small water bottle makes this a little easier)
I also see your switch failed a second time, Check for proper installation, (proper position), even coolant PH
Thanks
Orman Claxton