Autotrol Logix Err 3 on 740,742,760, or 762 Logix Timer

Question:
I have an Autotrol 760 water softener that is displaying an ERR 3.
My manual said the most common problem is the optical sensor, so I ordered one from you, but it failed to fix the problem.
The motor is working and the cam shaft is rotating. What should be done next?

90% of the time, Err 3 is a bad sensor, and replacement is the correct way to fix.

Other 10% includes:
1 ) Poor connection of the wiring at either end ( sensor or back of control panel ).
2 ) Sunlight... Sensor has difficulty working with the Cover Off the Valve and there is bright light shining on it.
3 ) If the Sensor gets WET, this too can ( will ) cause it to malfunction. Once dry ( and source of moisture / water on sensor is stopped ) it should work again.
4 ) In very rare cases, the fault could be with the actual control board.

****
If the timer has been unplugged / off for a while, the first thing it would need is to have you SET the current time & day.

That is what 4 dashes ---- means.

If you see 3 dashes --- that means you are in the RESET and initial programming mode.

**** NOTE: One other possible cause for Error 3.

If you have the Logix 742 / 762 controller, it will "Normally" be set up for the Valve Type it's attached to, but should you get a replacement Logix controller, or the Logix control is generating an Error 3 code after running the first cycle ( C1 ), then you may need to
"Select Valve Type" step.
There are options ( different Valve Types ) you have to select from ( Your Valve Body type is marked on the silver ID sticker on the back or side of the valve body ).

255 = 255, conditioner ( water softener ).
263 = Performa filter 263, filter backwash
268 = Performa conditioner 268, ( water softener )
Also, less common Valve Types, 268FA, 273, 278, 293, 298

It's Critical that it matches your valve body type, if you are using the Logix 742 or 762 controller.

Most common is the 255 ( as shown in our example / programming article - video ) and the slightly longer bodied Performa ( either 263 or 268 ).

You would need to start from the un-programmed state:

Press and hold "set" ( square ) and "down" ( arrow ) buttons together for 5 seconds.

Then press and hold "set" ( square ) button for 5 seconds.

You will now see three or four flashing lines: ...

* Use Arrows to SET to your Valve Body Type ( 255, 263, 268, etc ), and select ( press "set" Square ).

Then follow Initial programming directions ( program Steps ) from the beginning to re-program the controller.

If the Error 3 was caused by Wrong Valve Type, it should now be "solved". Again, this only occurs ( can occur ) with Logix 742 or Logix 762 controllers.

The Logix 740 and 760 do not have this Valve Body Type option... and they "Don't Care" which Valve Body you have ( assuming it's the 255 or the Performa 268 / 263 ).

Also, if RESET is not working with the front Buttons,

Try a master reset by un-plugging the board from the power and remove all cables.

and PUSH the end of a paperclip in the small hole at the back of the timer for 60 seconds.

Also note ----- If you connect a 12 volt DC ( direct current ) transformer instead of the required 12 volt AC ( alternating current ) transformer,
you will see 2.13 on the display and not be able to operate the control.
You need the correct Autotrol transformer ( the same 12 volt AC used on 440i, 460i, and Logix controllers since around 1996 ).

***
LOCKED BOARD = Code 1.05 is a Meter Test.

That is a meter test.
Pull the meter cable and run a magnet along the flat edge of the meter probe
or
if you can run water to service to get the meter spinning that will also clear the meter test.

Code 1.01

Customer reported problem and later the solution,

?My issue with the 1.01 display,

just in case anyone else ever asks was because I was using a different/lower power supply

so once I found the original and plugged in it worked as it should