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This video is brought to you by Heatcraft. Refrigeration Today we've got an interesting one. So we got a call about I don't know. week and a half ago and the customer said we need the password for the intelligent display and I'm like wait, what? Why do you need the password and they're like it's asking for the password and I'm like there's no reason you should ever need the password.

They had taken it upon themselves to take the coils apart and clean them and then someone was poking their nose around and we had to come out. They had no F Motors running. We got it going, but we're still having issues. We're having communication issues now, so who knows what happened here.

Uh, the two coils are running independent of each other. Now they're not running uh as a uh, Master Slave or primary secondary anymore. So we got to figure that out. For whatever reason, they won't you know, connect or whatever.

So we're going to jump in here and see what we can find. My first thought with this is because they were up in here. they had all the panels off I wasn't here, it was another techn But my first thought is that they uh, got something wet. but I don't see anything going on with this board.

It just looks like normal operation. So we're just going to go through the settings and see what we can figure out here. Going to look at the Box settings I Went ahead and put this one in service mode. Um I thought I already put this in service mode.

it's asking me for the basic pin again. That's all Eights Okay Box Temp Box Set Point Box Differential I Don't need any of that off time refrigerant Primary EV Select Primary EV Okay, so that's correct. That's this one. Now we need to go to the other one.

Condensed Unit Wired No. Okay, so we're going to go check on the other one to see if it's set up. Condensing unit, Wired system, name, and Service Mode Okay, so let's go look at the other one. Now this is the other one and we're going to go here.

Oh no, not. General We don't want to be in there. Uh. Box Settings: There you go.

Okay. Box Temp No good value that's not good. Box Set Point Differential Product Load time, Minimum run time It says that the other one is the primary. Yeah, and the Box J would would be good if we had a connection, right? Condens Unit Wired System Name nothing.

Okay, let's go to what the heck is going on here H So they do have a calm cable. They're running shielded wire. It's not grounded on this end. it's grounded on the other.

That's what communicates the two coils. I Don't see anything wrong with this board visually on your way. So this coil has an active alarm system. cxn I Believe that's connection.

It's lost communication All right. So to clarify here cuz I'm sitting here thinking about this. Our initial call was the customer was asking me for the password and I was like why do you need the password something's not right and then they revealed to me oh cuz the fans aren't working and I was like why aren't the fans working and they were like oh cuz we shut them off and I'm like why well cuz we took them apart it was weird I had to like pull all this information from them they're like oh we took the coils apart and I'm like why they're like oh to clean them and I go no and they're like we just need the password and I said no, there's no reason for you to have the password. So um and mind you, this is a corporate chain, they are not the owners, they are just management.
They are not allowed via corporate to have any of this information. So they went way over their heads. So we came out. we got the coils running but we were having these communication issues and we realized that the coils weren't communicating back and forth anymore.

So our first step here is to we're going to pull these Comm lines out and we're going to M them out to make sure we have a good wire first before we go any further. All right, disconnected The Comm lines connected them together with a Wo. So now we're going to M out the wire to see if we have continuity. so go ahead and test it over there.

Good continuity. Yeah, Okay, so we have continuity across the wires. so we proved that the wires are good. Next, we're going to connect them back and we're going to proceed to see if there's what's causing our communication loss.

We're going to inspect the terminals, make sure nothing corroded about them, don't see anything there. So we're going to go through and just inspect both boards. Make sure there's nothing funky with these terminals right here. Check this out! I Just saw something on the bottom of this board.

There's a burn spot right next to that EV where it says e that is a burn spot and it's also on the other board too. Look right here. so this is the other board. Both of them have that same Little Burn spot right there.

I Wonder if they screwed up the board? Okay, we're going to turn off the breakers and we're going to pull this board and inspect it. So if you look right here, there is a clear like burn right there right now. If you look right here, it's a printed circuit board. There looks to be like uh, you know, a connection going through there and if you flip it over, you flip it over.

There's no burn on the back, but that's the spot right there. Where that Burn's at, it looks like something shorted. That's really interesting. I'm thinking that we have I'm thinking that they got something wet and it shorted that connection.

I Mean these things have been in operation for years. never had a problem and then right when the customer opened it up and they did that now again, when the customer opened it up, it was working before they touched it. Everything was good. they just wanted to clean it and then it stopped working after and we were having the Comm issues and stuff.

and then we were able to get it to where they were operating independently in the meantime. But yeah, so to get them to operate together as a primary and a secondary or a master and a slave, we need to. uh, we need to fix this Comm issue. and I think it has to do with that little burn right there that's on both boards.
So I happen to have a board because I have my contractor kit from Heatcraft. When you become a certified contractor, you get the kit. Um, not for every technician. but I think it's for a company, but it comes with all the goodies that you need to repair one of their thing.

So that's the incentive. one of the incentives of becoming a certified contractor, taking their training classes and going through all the procedures. Um, so we're going to open this board up, have an inspection, see if that where we're going to look at the spot where the Burn's at and then I happen to have another board in this box down here too if we need it. All right? So yeah, I mean if you look right there compared to over here, these are actually they look to be.

There's a hole going through where that little burn Mark is on that board and uh, it's not on the other one. There's no like there's a solder bead right there and if you pull this one, there's actually a hole. I Think that that is our problem. I Think that somehow something got shorted here.

Um I I Know the customer was up in here. so I think they played with something, got something wet, shorted something out. So we're going to swap out these boards. we're going to do them both and then, uh, hope that that fixes our problem.

All right. We've got a new board connected on this. This is the secondary coil. Okay, so we're all connected in.

We uh, made sure the shielding wires are correct. Everything else is good, all reconnected. Um I pulled off the little redundant connector things cuz we just don't need those there right now. We're not going to be adding anything else at the moment, but I'll save them now.

We're going to go over and do the other one real quick. All right. We got this one all done. Same thing.

everything's all connected. Uh, we fixed the shielding wire because it was grounded, but we actually grounded it on the right terminal. which you should to use that connector. You only ground it on one side on the shielded cable.

But yeah, everything is the same. We're all connected, basically ready to turn this on, and then we're going to recommission it like it's a brand new install because they both should start up in brand new mode where we got to program and set it up. and we should be doing all the setup from this one right here. And let's hope that one, two, three, please don't blow up.

Nothing blew up on that one. Now let's go have a look at the other one. All right. So let's go ahead and enter our expert pin which is all nines.

Okay, configure from yes, discovering equipment right now. it's seeing both sides and then we're going to set it up Okay, cool. and the other one over there is reflecting what we're seeing right now. Okay, Two evaporators found.
continue. Yes, uh. we're setting it up as a cooler. That's correct.

Uh. second evaporator is cooler. 1B That's correct. So we're uh, addressing the system right now.

Select Primary evaporator. That's this one right here. That's correct. Is the condensed unit wired? No, uh country? United States We're Pacific time zone.

We're good. daylight savings. No, uh, let's see 2023. So 2023 and it's December 5th.

What time is it Leo It's like it is 9:119 9:119 in the morning? Okay, 9:20 and we're going to set it for A.m. Okay, we're done. Air Defrost that is correct. Defrost Style Timed that is correct.

Refrigerant is 448a Box temp 35 That is correct. Start system correct. Okay, so now both of them are starting up. We're going to let it run for a minute and then we're going to review the parameters and the settings and make sure everything's set correctly.

All right. One thing I'm going to change because this customer does not use their equipment correctly is we're going to change the number of defrosts per day. So we're going to click this and we're going to change it to six defrosts a day. Because this customer is nuts.

Defrost, We don't. Oh, look at that. We can even set our exact times that it defrost. So I'll do that right now.

We'll go in here and set the exact times. Now we're going to change our fail safe time. We don't really shouldn't need that much. So we'll do.

Yeah, we'll do a fail safe time of 25 minutes because they really shouldn't need that much time. All right. And then Defrost termination temperature is 45. Um, I'll leave that fine.

Uh, drain down dual coil termination. Um I mean we really should have it on Dual Coil termination to be honest with you. Uh, because then if one of them ices up and the other one doesn't Um, but this is the primary coil and this is the one that ices up the most, that one doesn't I think I'll leave it on single coil, refreeze time. We're not worried about that.

Okay, so I mean we are set up this. This thing's ready. So basically we just need to go into Monitor and wait for it to kick in. It's just in a delay right now.

Uh, after the delay, it was. What a a 2minute delay. 1 delay. Something like that.

It's in cooling mode now, so we're going to let it operate. We're going to watch it satisfy, make sure both of them come down a temp, and then hopefully we should be good. It shouldn't take long. It says our box temp at the moment is like 39.

So all right, this guy's satisfied. Everything's working. We're just waiting for it to turn back on, so we're going to step out. come back in a minute.

Both of them are communicating Now they're just scrolling through their normal display, so it's saying that it's off cuz it's satisfied. Um, yeah, everything's good. Good Hky Dory Happy campers. That's pretty cool.
Like you know. I've never had to, you know, diagnose these boards before, but that was a pretty easy fix. Super thankful that you know. I I Work on a lot of Heatcraft evaporators.

Uh, and a couple years back I used to do a lot of installs because my customer was purchasing nothing but Heatcraft evaporators. Now they made the switch over to a different brand. Uh, you know corporate decisions and stuff. So I'm not installing as many of those anymore.

So I carry the the. The most common thing that I used to carry was the sensors because the sensors would fail. Um, but then I went through the certified contractor program and got that little kit and that has been nice to have that because it's like hey, I've got everything I need for the most part to get a system going Exv board, pressure, transducers, sensors Transformer all that good stuff. Um, and it's nice.

So that was a cool benefit of going through the certified contractor program. Um, not only you know, actually getting the training, but then also getting that kit with you. So that was really cool. So I was glad I had that.

and then I happened to have another board. uh I Kind of had a hunch there was going to be a problem with the boards when my other Tech kind of told me what was going on. so we went and picked up another board. so that way we had two and we were able to get the system up and running.

But I knew there was a red flag when the customer called me and it was so weird too because they weren't giving me information. they were like, you know we need the code. Why? Because the fans aren't working? Why? Because we shut them off, you know and it just got kind of silly. So went ahead and um, replace the board and everything was back up and running.

So that was really awesome. Uh, customer? definitely learned a lesson on this one. That was a very expensive repair for two circuit boards, but it is what it is. We got them back up and running and all was well.

So thank you so very much for making it to the end of the video. I Really do appreciate you. If you haven't already, please consider checking out my website Hvacr Videos.com And and uh, sorry, my dog is over here whining in the background. Um, come here.

Come here sweetie. Come here. Come here. Come say hi.

Come say hi. Come on. Oh, look at that. Look at that.

Oh look at that. look at that. Oh yeah. So yes, my dog does interrupt my videos.

Get out there. She didn't want to be trapped in my office anymore. So um, but yeah, it was really cool to be able to get that up and running. So anyways, check out the website Hvacr Videos.com If you're interested in supporting the channel, go to uh again, the website Hvacr Videos.com There's merchandise available on there you can also go to: True Tech Tools.com Uh, find any tools that you want.
You can use my offer code. Big picture. One word: You get an 8% discount on checkout on majority of the items on their website. There's a few things it doesn't apply to um, but when you do use my offer code I get a small commission so that's a great way to help support the channel.

You can support the channel via Paypal Patreon YouTube channel memberships Uh, but the easiest way to support this channel is literally watch the videos from beginning to end. That really is the easiest way. Um, again, thank you so very much! Find out more about Heatcraft at Heatcraft Rd.com and uh, we will catch you on the next one.

33 thoughts on “Heatcraft intelligen troubleshooting”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @jasontexter1721 says:

    And welcome to why anytime that piece of shit carrel valve craps out or the control board has issues i ALWAYS give an option to convert over to a regular TXV solenoid and temp controller. Can usually do it for cheaper than jusr ONE of major components on an inteligen or qrc system…. Like a temp plus defrost controller WITH a coil probe, a txv and a solenoid coil are still chesper than just the carrel valve….. Not to mention all thay wxtra computer crap that can be done much much cheaper from other companies.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @watomb says:

    The conformal coating looks very thin and not uniform(it’s might have been lighting). Good video

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @MariosACandRefrigeration says:

    this goes to probe that boards do not like moisture,and not a single fuse to protect them,only a 15 amp non gfi.if the unit is iced up,it will be above 45 deg RT and the defrost will not activate.just my 2 cents.thanks for posting,be safe on your road trip.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @buixote says:

    I'm assuming from your comments that these boards never get "refurbished"… plus the fact that that's where we're headed in our just-buy-a-new-one society 🙁 Is it even possible that you could send a board to the manufacturer for some sort of testing?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Thomas-lq1jw says:

    You might want to start to blur out the PINs in your videos. Just for the case that a customer finds your vids

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @oscalerup1129 says:

    Very interesting, the holes are actually called via’s and they are plated to connect that trace to the trace on the back and depending on the board design there can be more between those two layers. That top trace doesn’t look like it went to the com connector wonder what actually made it do that I would hope there was some conformal coating on the board but that could’ve been week after years in use or someone poking the wire in it during install.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @helmsajr says:

    Great job Chris has always.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @aristotlesfate3015 says:

    If your contractor bag doesn't have ribbon cable in it, you should stock it with one.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @23Mulch says:

    Now your customer watched your show and knows the pw. Lol

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @arthurhartwick7974 says:

    Could be a multi layer board. There can be more traces than just the outside surfaces. Some boards are constructed like a club sandwich with multiple layers of traces.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @colinstu says:

    Shouldn't DST be set to yes? Since you enter the date and time on the next screen and the TZ, I think it would then be smart enough to know if DST is applied or not to the time? If DST is set to No then it will be an hr off when the jump happens? (but that's just my assumption)

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @petenikolic5244 says:

    Plated thru hole connection from one side to the other is has corroded bit of wire and a soldering iron .

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @natetronic1970 says:

    they were having issues starting it. messed with those wires and shorted it when trying to put wire back in the terminal block.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ulairecantea9231 says:

    Thank you for providing this kind of information for free. I worried a bit when I got a notification a few days ago that this is only for members. Your channel is among 3. I've learned the most from inclouding Rick (HVACR Survival)and old Jim Pettinato. Thank you !

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @nutsnproud6932 says:

    I have to giggle you won't tell the customer the passwords but so far over 1500 viewers now know them!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @NorCal-refrigeration says:

    Intelligen = sideshow bob kryptonite 😂🤘😂🤘😂

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ICountFrom0 says:

    I see doggo, I hit like.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @fshn76 says:

    Glad it was an easy fix. Although be it an expensive one for the customer. Hope you had fun in Montana and packed some warm clothes, lol. Temps can get brutal there during the winter. Great Video as always Chris.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Jeremy-t2 says:

    -Normal price for job 3-4k
    -Idiot pirice 6-7k
    -Look on the faces of staff when you tell them its their fault for burning two PCBs…👀
    Priceless 🤣😂🤣

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @sivalley says:

    Leave the empty phoenix connectors on the board, it'll help keep moisture off the exposed terminal pins. Are you in Barrhaven ?

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @tonylaw196 says:

    But the customer get the password now after watch this clip Service area Orleans??

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @inothome says:

    Corroded via and the newer board they filled the via with solder to prevent the same issue in the future.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @_iLLuSiv3_ says:

    That "burn mark" is 100% corrosion. Not knowing what they were doing, they got that board wet and toasted the RS485 circuit.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @markseneca7510 says:

    Good find there.nice to have the kit also on hand.most of us dont.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @stazeII says:

    Yeah, looks like they connected 24v to wrong header. Kinda poor design on their part not putting protection (diodes) on the non-24v headers. Not defending them doing shit they shouldn’t, but a tech not paying attention could short a board out too. :/

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @jasonjohnsonHVAC says:

    Hahahaha….we need the password……i totally know your spidey senses were tingling on that one. Sometimes a customer will only learn when handed an expensive bill for their "help". Thise are pretty cool. I've never messed with any of the smart evaps…..it doesn't seem like it would be very hard to navigate through it. Thanks for sharing Chris

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ToxicwasteProductions says:

    In a week costumer goes… Hey so I uhm found these codes in a video online right. And now I don't know why but I think nothing is working any more. Can you help?

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @FrNMGuy says:

    Damn man. If i had touched that shit at whataburger, i would have been fired on the spot. I hope the chain does some kind of "retraining". Service area Nepean??

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @ShukenFlash says:

    I'm certainly no expert like Clive, but those look like through-hole connections, possibly to the ground plane on the board. If they shorted a wire against that they could have burned something up. If the circuit board in multi-layer it could be that a trace was burned in the middle that isn't even visible from the outside. Wouldn't take much to zap it. Service area Kanata??

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Alexelectricalengineering says:

    Considering that the circuit board has a conformal coating and the communication is low voltage maybe it's not from moisture (and the blown via in the circuit board), I would say they try to rewire something.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @willspeed4585 says:

    One of the banes of my existence is people plugging in 24VAC into the COM ports. The magic smoke gets let out real quick.

    That burn does look like someone got the board wet. That hole probably connects to the ground plane of the board. Are you in Ottawa ?

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @bradwilmot5066 says:

    Someone's gonna lose their job (deservedly, IMO) for costing the company quite a bit of money on not only both boards, but your time…

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @The98deville says:

    1st commenter 2nd viewer

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