It is very common for the main and brine pistons of the Fleck 5600 to need replacement after 5 - 10 years of use. The valve will get stuck trying to complete a regeneration cycle. Very often this occurs at the beginning of the "brine rinse" cycle. The timer motor may stop at this point also. The motors are made to stop instead of forcing the valve ( which would result in gear damage ).

The solution is to replace the main piston ( # 60102-00 for water softeners ) and the brine valve piston assembly ( # 60032 ). If the valve is on a chlorinated water source or over 10 years old, it is recommended to replace the main piston seals ( # 60125 ) at the same time.
On rare occasions the timer motor may also need to be replaced. But try the pistons replacement first, this usually does the trick. 
( Pistons & Seals Set = 60102-00, 60125, 60032 as part # 3456PSkit )

Replacing the Main & Brine Valve Pistons and Seals is easy.

1. Put valve on By Pass, or turn water off

2. Manually put the valve in "backwash" to relief pressure

3. Remove the screw in the center of the main piston and the 2 on either side of it

4. Slide the Power head forward and up to remove

5. Remove the 3 screws holding the metal plate to the valve body

6. Pull out both piston assemblies and the main piston seals & spacers.

7. Put new seals & spacers in place and insert new piston assemblies.

8.  Reassemble. No special alignment is required.

NOTE: It is much easier to replace the brine valve piston assembly this way, then how the service manual explains it ( Service Instructions # A. ). Also, you can  replace the o-rings on the Injector Drain Module, as the manual recommends. We do sell them all, if you need them ( 13303, (2) 13301, 12683 ) as a SET part # 3456IDMO 

If the system can be regenerated manually, but never seems to regenerate automatically, then the problem is either a "dead" timer motor or a bad "meter cover".

Replacing the timer motor involves the 2 small screws on either side of the motor, and two wire nuts connecting to the power supply. No special alignment is required. It is recommended that you check the retaining pin when you change out the motor. 
See: < Retaining Pin Problem >

The meter problem can occur with the Fleck 5600 Econominder ( metered ) valve. The gears inside the meter dome cover fail. This can be due to a number of reasons. The way to tell if this part ( # 14038 for the black 3/4" commonly used ) needs replacement is to remove the meter dome, turn the cable attached by hand and observe the small white gears inside. You should be able to make them turn with normal finger pressure. They should also continue to spin for a brief moment after you stop applying pressure. If you can not turn the white gears, you need to replace the "meter cover". Most residential models use the standard range ( 0 -21, i.e. 2,100 gallons ) black plastic meter cover and matching program wheel on the control. There is an extended range ( 0 - 55, i.e. 5,500 gallons ) that is also available ( # 15150 for an additional $ 7.00 in cost ). Fleck also makes a brass 1" meter. This would only be found on large commercial applications ( these are also available as special orders ).

Please e-mail any additional questions you may have.