The most common pool timer used for inground pool pumps is the Intermatic time clock. These clocks determine when your pool pump turns on, and how long it runs. Intermatic time clocks are the workhorse of your pool equipment collection, and oftentimes outlive the equipment they control. But eventually, like all equipment, intermatic clocks wear out and need to be replaced or repaired.
In this post, we discuss a few quick and easy ways to troubleshoot your pump’s Intermatic timer clock problems. No matter what caused the issue, there is typically an easy fix!
Incorrect Time Due to Power Loss
To reset the time clock to the correct time, grasp the outer edges of the large yellow dial, and pull gently outward. This will disengage the dial and allow you to spin it in either direction. Set the current time to the center time pointer, pointing downward at 6 o’clock.
Intermatic Time Clock Not Moving
Look into the visual motor check window, near the top of the timer mechanism. If power is coming to the timer motor, you will clearly see the gears moving through the small window. Then turn the breaker, that the time clock is connected to, off and back on again. If there is still no movement, test the wires coming into the time clock to see if power is reaching the time clock. Remove the plastic insulator cover, and use an AC test meter to check for power on the terminals where the wires from the breaker connect to the time clock.
If power is reaching the clock, but the motor gears are not turning, that usually means either something is jammed in the gears, or the timer motor has burned out. It could also be loose wires, either on the time clock terminal board, or on the timer motor. With the breakers turned off, remove the mechanism from the box. Use a power meter set on AC volts to verify the power is off, before handling the timer mechanism.
If power is reaching the clock, and the gears are turning, but the dial is not turning – this means the gear on the back of the dial is not engaged. Pull the timer out and turn it to the correct time. As you release the dial, you will feel the gears engage.
Dead Intermatic Timer Clock Mechanism
If the motor or wires are faulty in your Intermatic time clock, it’s time to replace the mechanism. Turn the power off at the breaker box and carefully remove the wires to the clock. Then remove the mechanism by pressing the clip at the top of the timer box. Pop-in a new timer mechanism, and replace the wires to the previous configuration.
Intermatic time clock motors can be replaced, but unless the time clock is brand new, it’s best to replace the entire Intermatic mechanism.
Loose Pointer or Timer Dogs
The screw in the center point timer occasionally comes loose due to vibrations from the pump and filter. Simply screw it back into place until it’s snug. Same goes for slipping timer dogs! Gently tighten the screws to securely hold the dogs in place.
Manual Lever is Hard to Flip
Spray WD-40 or any kind of lubricant onto the manual lever to loosen it. If it doesn’t improve, inspect the contacts behind the time clock for insect infestation.
How to Wire an Intermatic Pool Timer
First, verify the power is turned off at the breaker panel. For extra safety, shut-off the ‘Pool’ breaker on the main home panel too. Below is a breakdown of how to wire different Intermatic timer models.
240V or the T104 model
The 240V or the T104 models have 5 brass screws (terminals) underneath the plastic insulator cover. Refer to the wiring diagram on the timer door for more information.
After securing the wire conduit (flexible or rigid) to the box, knock out with the proper 3/4″ conduit connector. First, secure the green ground wire to the green ground screw, then connect the other two wires to terminals #1 and #3.
120V or the T101 model
The 120V or the T101 model has 3 brass screws (terminals) underneath the plastic insulator cover. Check out the wiring diagram that comes with a new timer, or is printed on the door of the timer box.
Secure wire conduit to the knock out with the proper conduit connectors, and first connect the green ground wire to the green ground screw labeled GRD. If your 120V wires are properly colored, the White wire connects to terminal A, and the Black wire connects to terminal 1. If unsure, the White (Neutral) wire connects to the neutral buss bar in the breaker panel, and the Black (Line) wire would connect to the circuit breaker.
Tighten down all brass screws securely, to hold all wires firmly in place. Replace the plastic insulator cover, turn on the power, and observe the visual motor check.
And there you have it, the quick and easy ways to troubleshoot common Intermatic pool timer problems. For any wiring concerns, always refer to the wiring diagram printed on the inside of the timer door. Check out our online selection of new Intermatic timer clocks at InTheSwim.com!
The gears on my timer motor are clearly turning, but when the timer dog reaches the power-on lever, the switch won’t flip. I can, however, hear an intermittent click as if the mechanism is trying to switch on.
Hi Derrick, first try to reposition the timer tripper, making sure it is all the way on the dial. Inspect the tripper portion, if it looks rounder or worn, replace them. Also be sure that the dial is not pulled out, but is engaging the gear behind the dial. In most cases like this, replacing the trippers is the solution.
I have a white, red, and black wire coming from the power source.
Above you said to connect white to A. and Black to 1…what do I do with red?
Hi Rich, is one of those wires (white?) the ground wire? White is usually neutral (for 115V power), and black/red are usually hot, but sometimes people don’t always use the correct wire color. Put a meter on the wires or trace them back to find out their voltage and source.
hi, I have a smart pump for my pool, the time clock turns on in the morning and at the same time I see that the pump has power but it doesn’t turn on, I have to turn on manually, is it something that the electrician has to connect to the pump so they are synchronized? please help me.
Hi, if you have a variable speed pump, you do not need to use the external timer anymore, but should program with the on-board pump timer.
Hello. I have an intermatic T20004R and my timer is working because it is keeping the correct time. One morning I noticed my pool didn’t automatically turn off. I bought new trippers. I made sure the trippers were fully inserted and tight. The timer seems to get stuck prior to reaching the ‘on’ trippers therfore the pump can’t turn on. The same happens prior to the timer reaching the ‘off’ tripper. Any idea what may be causing this?
Hi Rhomell, are you sure you got the correct trippers? I guess if they look the same as before… maybe the dial is warped? Depends maybe on what it is getting stuck on, or what is catching the tripper, and are the motor gears still turning when it gets stuck? If not, the motor may be failing.
I have a T104. Pool pump comes on fine with the “on” dog, but won’t turn off. I don’t see any debris blocking the “off” dog. What is the problem?
Hi Phil, usually the OFF dog may not be fully pushed onto the dial, or if you examine it closely, it might be worn.
Thanks. I think I have found it. I believe it’s the manual on/off switch that is the problem. I see a little groove worn in the corner of the on/off switch where the “off” timer dog touches. So, the “off” dog just slips across the switch and doesn’t allow the switch to turn off the motor. Does this mean I need a new T104, or is there a replacement manual on/off switch?
Phil
There is no replacement on/off switch available, you would need a new T104 mechanism, unless you are able to melt some solder, or fix it with duct tape or something, lol!
I have an Intermatic 277/208v T104 timer controlling two 60Hz 120v outdoor lighting circuits. The timer quit after a nearby lightning strike. After I replaced the motor with a 60Hz 277/208v motor the timer ran, but gained 1 hr/day. The circuit is protected by two ganged breakers.
Any guidance on how to fix this?
I have heard that perhaps a run of mis-marked motors went out and you may have a 50 Hz actually. I would suggest calling Intermatic and suggesting that idea and a free replacement? Or other advice or explanation.
We had a storm last week and the yard flooded my pool so I went and switched the pool off at the breaker so it would not come on with the tabs until we were able to handle the pool. When I turned it back on now the pool clock goes backwards. It was always fine before. I’ve reset the time 5 times and just realized that it’s going counter clockwise. What happened?
Hi Jennifer, power down (shut off the breaker) again, to see if it will switch back. If not, Turn off breaker, release the mechanism with the tab on the inside top, to drop the mechanism forward. The timer motor cover (the oval silver box with the printing) can be pried off with a sharp screwdriver. Inside, the 1″ gear on the right side can be removed to access a metal bar. The position of the metal bar forces the gear next to it to turn one way or another. Turn the metal bar until it contacts one of two plastic side tabs. Flip it from where it is now, to the opposite side.
Does the manual lever stay in the “on” position always?
Luis, it will, until it is switched to OFF, or until the OFF tripper shuts it off.
For some reason, whenever my timer hits the time it’s supposed to kick the pump on, it gets stuck at that time and the pump won’t come on. I unscrewed the clip and put it back on and it’s still doing the same thing. Any ideas why it’s doing that? Thanks for your help!
David, check the wiring, the power in and power out wires may be reversed. Either that or if an older clock, the motor may be failing, or the switch mechanism worn (the part that is tripped by the tripper).
The Intermatic Model T104R Timer that turns on and off the motor on my pool recently, about two or three times week, trips my GFCI requiring me to reset it which has been increasing very hard to to reset. I have removed the ON TRIPPER and turn the motor on at the pump and it never trips the GFCI. Have you any suggestions at to why I am experiencing this problem?
Hi Jere, that could be the timer motor failing. GFCI breakers trip at a very low threshold, doesn’t take much. It could be a worn switch and/or tripper on the timeclock, struggling to switch it to on, which creates enough overload to trip the breaker. Shut off the breaker and check that the wires are tight on the terminals, and that the white wires are connected well on the motor (depress the tab at the top to inspect behind the time clock). If all looks tight and no foreign objects or insects are found to be in there, and the switch mechanism does not look worn (the silver part next to the tab you manually flip to turn on/off), then it’s probably a failing timer motor. You can replace the timer motor only, or the entire clock, both fairly easy to swap out. it could also be a failing breaker, but that would be a last resort.
Confused…. when the lever is in the off position the gears stop turning…is this unit wired incorrectly
Natural goes to A
Black goes to _1
2nd black goes to -2
How can it keep time if lever is in off position (manual lever)
Ty
Hi Bob, you have two blacks and one neutral? 110V or 220V? The A terminal is not normally used, unless you have a 3 wire service. I found a diagram showing neutral to A, line 1 to terminal 1 and line 2 to terminal 3. Terminals 2 and 4 are used for wires going to the load (pump).
My timer works good – it turns on and off when I set the time. However, the timer will stop around 10pm everyday and will not continue moving forward again. I have to reset the time every day. Why it always stop around 10pm by itself and not moving again?
Hi Alfred, I would guess that either the time dial is bent, or that the larger gear behind the dial is missing a tooth, at 10 pm, or has a bit of grit stuck in the gear at that point.
Hello, I notice today that my pump wasn’t running so I opened the pool breaker panel where the timer is and noticed the breaker was tripped. It would not reset itself and could not get power back to the timer. The timer switch has a solid click between trying to turn it on and off but since no power is going to the timer I get no juice tot he motor. I went to my houses main panel breaker and Flipped that breaker which leads to the pool panel breaker and replaced that breaker which goes straight to the timer. However the new breaker is in a constantly tripped position. I’m going to try inspecting the back of the timer to see if a wire go knocked loose or something.
Yes, likely a short to ground. A wire inside the motor may be touching another wire, or the metal sides of the motor. Or one of the wires may have broken, or lost the protective plastic insulation. The capacitor for the motor may be bad. The tabs on the back of the timer may have fused together, or the tabs on the stationary switch at the rear of the motor, from a power surge.
I have an Intermatic t104. My pool pump and skimmer are on two different motors. With this model can I control both of these motors with two different on and off times.
Hi Matthew T104 can only turn one pump on and off.
My timer clock does not run and the manual on off switch does not turn off the pump motor. The motor is running and I turn off using breaker in the electical box, I put a new timer in and does the same thing. Can breaker be bad?
Eldon, the breaker should not be bad, but the timeclock may be wired incorrectly. Check the diagram on the box label, and connect the wires from the breaker to the terminals marked Line, and the wires that go to the pump connect to the terminals marked Load. The power should run from the breaker, to the timer, to the pump.
Resolved! I took the electrical box cover off and check the breaker connections. At some time the timer was disconnected and the pump wired direct to the breakers. So I connected all leads as on the directions and the clock and on off manual switch working.Not sure if timer was never connected or someone disconnected it. Thanks for the suggestions..
I have a 2 speed pump. My timer doesn’t seem to be working or my pump in either speed. I reset the breaker and tested the GCFI and I have 240V going in and out of the timer still but my pump isn’t moving. I replaced the pump and still nothing is moving. Please advise.
Hi Casey, perhaps the cord or wires are broken? 240V out of the timeclock (Load/Load terminals) and nothing on the motor terminal board? Sometimes old power wires split or short-out. Next step would be to inspect the wires going from timer to pump motor, or test them for continuity. “the problem lies, where the power dies…” as they say.
Hi there,
I have the Intermatic T103 autotimer on my pool. And Ive noticed lately that the ON is not functioning all the time. Today is the second day that I have had to turn it on manually. It seems flimsy when I click it on…Once on, it works like it should and shuts off every time. It just seems to have a weak start??
Any thoughts before I run out to replace it?
Thank you…
Miriam, I would check that the timer dogs are pushed fully onto the dial, and the dial is tight also – check the screw for tightness in the center of the dial. With power off, you could also check the tightness of the on/off switch, it may be missing the tension spring also, check that it’s there.
My Intermatic Pool Timer still works like normal but, when it gets to the time set to turn pump on or off it doesn’t. It just stays at that time. Almost like it doesn’t have the strength to click the timer on or off. If I manually push the lever, it moves without much pressure. It I set the timer again it will jeep time until it gets to the next dog ear. Any suggestions? Thanks in advanced.
Hi Jerry, it could be that the lubricant is gone, or needs more lube on the switch. Or the switch can suffer wear over many years, and might not make solid contact. Or be loose and not making good contact. Check that the motor gears are still moving also, when it gets to the switch and the dial stops moving. If not, that sounds like a weak/bad motor.
Hello. Two days ago after my pool pump shut off automatically I decided to turn it back on because the pool was still dirty. However, since I did that the time clock stopped working I looked at the motor visual window and nothing is moving. I turned the breaker off and back on and still not working. Now I’m having to turn my pool pump on and off manually. Is there anything else I can do or do I need to get a new one? Thank you.
Hi Catherine, turning it on manually should not have damaged anything, so go easy on yourself 🙂 It might have just been time to go. If the motor gears are not turning, check the wire tightness (Breaker off first), and depress the tab at top to inspect the rear of the mechanism, to see if anything looks funny back there. Look for any disconnected or damaged wires leading to the motor on the rear of the clock. If all looks well, and the gears are still not turning, you may need to replace the mechanism.
Hi, I got the same problem as my clock not working. Replace a new T104. Turn on / off manually work fine, but The clock gears still not moving.
Hi Chinh, if the clock gears are not moving, check the two small white wires going to the motor, on the reverse side of the timer mechanism. Be sure they are intact and are connected firmly on both ends, to the front terminals and to the motor on the reverse. If no damage is seen and the wires are intact, and the motor gears are not turning, and you find nothing stuck in the gears (sand, insects, any obstruction), and some spray WD-40 on the gears and a little push from a small flathead screwdriver does not help – then, you can assume that the motor is dead, at which point you can replace the motor itself with the exact replacement, or replace the entire clock.
Hello. My pool timer is in the off position and it is still running. I flicked the switch between on and off and it will not shut off. How can I fix this?
Hi Sandra, does the on/off tab switch crisply, or softly? If soft, it may not be fully engaging the switch, which is (sort of) visible next to the tab. Check the wire connections to be sure they are tight, and look for any burnt wires. If that’s all ok, shut off breaker and depress tab at the top, to release the mechanism from the box, and look at the copper tabs in the back. Move the switch and see that they separate when off, and come together when on. They may be fused together, or could be a lizard stuck in there, or some other foreign object or insects.
I have a PF1112T. The timer appears to be working fine (keeps time). However, intermittently after the ON tripper switches pump on the pump will stop. Then after a bit, the pump restarts. During this the pump cannot be manually switched on. Is this a bad timer mechanism or loose wire?
Karl, good question. The freeze protection on your clock, the probe may be bad or malfunctioning, and may be turning off the pump. You can turn off Freeze protection and it should stop, or replace the probe if faulty.
Replaced timer motor on a T10404R Now time is running fast about 2 hrs
Paul, it could be that you got a 50hz motor, instead of a 60hz? Assuming the wiring is all correct.
I have the same issue currently, and it makes no sense to me so far. A 50 hz timer would run faster on 60 hz, but the housing of my replacement motor says 60 hz and it is the correct replacement model. I’m ready to send my back for a replacement. Please let me know if you find the solution! I’ll do the same.
Found the answer. Some of the replacement motors make it past quality control with the incorrect gear setup. Just replace it and hope for one that isn’t defective. The rest of your setup is probably fine.
Hey there! I’ve got a weak pump battery so every time the mechanism shuts off it looses time. What I’m wanting to do is just disable the turn off/on and just keep power 24/7. That way I could schedule the pump once again. Is it possible to do this by loosening the timer screw a bit?
Thanks in advance! This page is fantastic!!
HI Ben, yes just remove the OFF tripper, and the clock will always be ON.
Hello, newer pool guy here. I replaced a bad timer (90% sure I put the wires in the correct/same spots but there was one time when two wires got loose, so it’s possible I wired it wrong) and now it turns on and works, but the on/off switch doesn’t work. It stays on until I turn off the circuit breaker. Did I wire it incorrectly or did I just get a bad timer? Thank you so much.
Shannon, compare the wiring to the diagram for Line and Load (line is power coming in, Load is power out to your pump). If the switch simply does not move side to side, it may be a bad clock, if you cannot see what is stopping it from moving
Hello have a question some what related. I replaced T104 timer it runs and shuts off with no issue but once off the timer does not move or turn back on.
Hi Doug, Check the wiring. It sounds like the Line and Load wires are reversed. Line is incoming, Load goes to the pump.
Hi Davy…I just installed a new timer after being told by the pool inspector that the old one was dead. I copied the wiring config exactly and my clock gears still aren’t moving, so now I’m thinking the wiring was wrong all along. Could I send you a picture of my setup? Thanks!
Hi Mike, yes I sent you an email to your yahoo acct.
Not sure if you still answer these but I have a weird one for you. The works fine and keeps time while it is on but the second it turns the filter off, it stops keeping time and the cogs stop moving. Any ideas?
Hi Tanya, yes that sounds like it might be wired incorrectly, check the wiring diagram on the label, or if missing, you can find them online for your timer model.
I had a thunderstorm last night and my power went off for like 3 hours. I notice my pool pump was not on so I went and I hear timer running but no juice to the pool filter. I look through the window of the panel and see the gears running well. Did somthing else maybe burnt out or what is a good troubleshooting I can do before I call an electrician.
Hi Carlos, is there a GFCI outlet in the circuit? Check that the TEST button has not popped out. Did you try to flip the switch of the timeclock? The clock will also be missing 3-hours of time, so will need to be reset to the current time. If still not working, check the wire connections and then test voltage on the clock incoming wires, outgoing wires, and then at the pump motor – the problem lies, where the power dies, as they say.
Did you find the issue? What was the fix?? I had the exact same thing happen recently.
I have a T103 24 hour dial time switch and noticed the time was off so not reading the DO NOT UNSCREW on the pointer I unscrewed it and moved the pointer to the right time and screwed it back tight. Now ever sense I did that last week my timer won’t shut off or turn on my pool pump. Do you have an answer to why my pump won’t turn off or on? Thanks.
P.S. The pump worked perfectly before I unscrewed it.
Hi Tyler, maybe the dial is now pushed forward, far enough to where the trippers do not contact the switch? Is it keeping time normally? The pointer should point straight down, and you pull out on the dial, to set the correct time, aligning the current time with the pointer.
Can the pool timer be placed inside the garage to protect it from the harsh weather. Pool co says T104 timer needs replacement and filter cartridge. but ythe costs for T104 models vary greatly…Have ahayward 1 1/2 horsepower pump inground pool in Fl
Beverly, it could be, but the cost of running wiring to the garage may be more than replacing it every 15-20 years. T104 mechanisms (without the box) are cheaper than buying the mech + box, but if your box is old with rusty hinges, missing gaskets, latch that won’t work, it may be best to replace the box as well.
Thank you, I don’t know about the box, was just told the mechanical timer a T104 is needed. by pool co. , so wondered about the cost. we purchased the house 5 years ago so not sure how old the timer is? charging for timer($150.00) and filter cartridge replacement ($90.00) and a gasket($25.00)…called bc of a hose leak, assume that is the gasket but then told that the other 2 parts are needed.
Hi Bev, seems legit to me! 🙂 Go for it, a little maintenance expense. Pools are not cheap!
my pool timer the does not turn itself on only shuts off I put new trips in but still not working I don’t see any ant build up inside there or anything could it just be time to replace the old girl because that’s what I’m thinking
Hi Joe, could be time, for new timer. Is the ON tripper all the way pushed onto the dial? It is an ON tripper right? Not two OFF trippers? 🙂 Is the dial bent or warped?
i have a P1121 intermatic timer connected to a hayward above ground pool pump. on two occasions the plug from the pump almost melted and the second time the pool pump plug had to be replaced and i discontinued using the timer and disposed of it. i would like to use a timer but am now afraid to try another. the timer was directly plugged into a gfci and the pump directly into the timer. any suggestions about how i might avoid another situation like the above would be appreciated. do i need to do something different? did i do something incorrectly?
Hi Fred, the only thought I have is that the cord should not be unplugged to turn off the pump, instead, rotate the dial until it turns off, because I don’t believe there is a switch to turn off the timer. The instructions say “THIS TIMER IS NOT TO BE USED AS A POWER DISCONNECT”. That was probably what burned the plug.
Hi, hope you are doing well. Recently i just notice my T104R timer a bit noisier than usual. The time is in my workshop and i normally sit next to it all the time so i know its noisier but its still working fine. I looked through the visual motor check and the gear still moving fine. Dont know what the issue is. Does it need lubricant or something? Thank you.
You could spray some light lubricant like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil onto the gears both for the motor and behind the dial. That should quiet it down.
On mine, the gears behind the dial look metal, but the motor (behind the plate) they look plastic (maybe?) – how should I lubricate those?
Same way, WD-40 or any light lubricating oil.
I had a power surge last night ( funny as there was no storms here ) and now my intermatic T104M timer doesn’t work anymore. I can turn the pool pump on via the manual power lever that’s located at 5 O clock on the timer. But no gears or any sound. Is it toast ?
Flip off the breaker. Push the tab on the top, and let the mechanism fall forward. Look at the copper tabs on the back and observe the action as you flip the switch manually on and off. Sometimes during power surges or lightning, these will be fused together and not come apart. Or may be bent and not come together. Or might find something else…
Hi Dave, my pool timer’s not working but when I look in the little window I do see the largest back gear turning (possibly the yellow time plate gear as that appears to be moving..yet not keeping correct time.) The other gears are not and the pump will not turn on or off unless done manually. The on/off pins are tight and pretty new still…any thoughts?
The other gears move very slowly, and appear to not move at all, except for one I believe…? Check to be sure that the yellow time dial gear on the back is engaged with the connecting gear, and pushed all the way in. be sure the pins are pushed onto the edge of the dial fully. Check that dial is not warped.
Hi. I had to replace my 2 year old intermatic timer motor this season as gears weren’t turning. Now it works…but it’s really fast. Basically 12 real life hours equals about 14 on the timer. After a few days its off by 6 or 7 hrs but still turns on and off fine… any suggestions?
Hi Andy, when a clock is running slow, we might assume power outages, but when it runs fast, we might assume either a 60 hz (US) timeclock hooked up to 50 hz power service (Europe), or vice-versa, or a manufacturing defect in the gear tolerances could cause a synchronous motor timer to run fast. Check the motor, and be sure the label is not printed 50 hz.
Dead as a door nail. Won’t power on pump but can hear timer clicking away. Wired correctly, #10 wire, nothing. Won’t work manually or by timer function.
Richard, pull the mechanism out of the box by releasing the clip at the top and inspect the copper strips and pads on the rear. When you flip the switch does it separate and reconnect the tabs? If so, is there power coming into the clock (on the line terminals)? And when switched on, power to the load terminals? The problem lies, where the power dies, as they say…
Thanks for the response. Everything’s OK now, unit works just fine. The problem was the connections I made inside my main electrical panel, I used romex wire nuts to attach the solid core #10 wire that I used to hook up the timer to the existing stranded #10 wire and it didn’t ‘make the connection’ so to speak. So out comes the soldering gun and the shrink wraps and that did the trick. Deep down, I figured it was something I did wrong and it was. I’ll revise the scathing review I gave the unit on Amazon ratings to reflect the change. Now, I’m going to order some additional timer clips. Thanks again for your help. Rich
Hi Dave,
I have a inground pool with T10003RT4 control panel. I used to run the pump for 8-9 hrs a day. The pool was running on a timer. Things are working fine and all of a sudden the pool pump did not start in the morning. I went to the control panel and saw that the timer needle stopped just after the start pointer. I looked to see if the gears on the timer are running. I noticed that they had stopped. I bought a new timer and replace the T104 timer clock. Still no luck. There is a switch control panel and replaced the 20amps DP switch as well. Still no luck. I replaced the fuse(BUSS 300v GLR 3) as well. No luck. I noticed one thing that the power from the breaker is going into the control panel. I have three outlets going out one to the pump , one for the salt system and one for the GFCI outlet. Using a tester i noticed that there is no power going thru the lines for the pump and salt system. There is also a light switch for the lighting in the pool in the control panel and when i turn on the switch the light in the pool turns on. I don’t see timer gears rotating on any power going to the pump or salt system. Any help is greatly appreciated.
How about the GFCI outlet TEST button, is it tripped? Sometimes those are looped back to the control box. Also, does it sound like the power is not leaving the breaker? Breakers go bad sometimes, after many years. Or there could be a bad relay in the control panel, if you have ice cube style relays. Tracing the power… it goes from breaker to control panel, and then to the time clock, then to the pump. Sound right? The problem lies where the power dies, you’ve probably heard that before. Is there a control board, PCB in the panel that could have problems?
Hello Davy,
I need to replace a timer for my pool vacuum. It is a dayton time switch model 2E259 with switch rating of 40 amps, 2 HP, 250 volts AC with clock motor rating of 250 volts and 60 cycles. It has 4 screws below the dial labeled from left to right: LINE 1, LINE 2, LOAD 1, LOAD 2. I can’t seem to find the exact replacement for this timer on the web and wanted to ask if you knew which intermatic pool timer model would match the one I have. Many thanks!
Hello, yes that sounds like you need the Intermatic T104 – https://www.intheswim.com/p/2-circuit-pool-timer
Hi, Davy, seeing lots of complaints here. We are on our third timer. Other than a couple of weeks, we have spent fifteen years manually turning on our pump. Just installed a new timer. Followed all directions and even watched YouTube troubleshooting videos. There is power; gears are moving. The tripper will not move. Since it came out of the box today, it probably is not trash in the gears.It seems the plastic gears and/or the coil in the clock mechanism are not strong enough to engage the on/off points or not for long. Advice?
My time clock has an ant infestation!
Can I spray the timer while there is electricity going in the timer box? They are little ants that just came.
Yes, seen that before! I would shut off power to the clock while you spray, and release the tab at the top so you can spray behind the clock, and then find the nearby nest, and dig it up and add in some ant killer granular, or other method, to get the colony to move somewhere else.
I have a intermatic T101 and the clock doesn’t move … I replaced the old one due to burned out motor . Gears are moving , clock is seated correctly and everything is wired per diagram … now that pool season is here I have to manually turn my pool on and off at the timer …. sometimes I’m forgetful lol… what are your thoughts?
Hi Peter – you say that clock is seated correctly, and I assume you mean that the dial is pushed in, or the gear on the back of the dial is engaged with the turning gear. Inspect that the gear behind the timeclock dial, is turning (very slowly), and that nothing is caught up in the gears, like sand or a lizard’s tail, or bugs, etc.
I have an intermatic timer thats 2 years young. It randomly loses the time that it is set to. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot?
HI Jeff, do you have power outages sometimes? That will do it. Or if power is interrupted to the pool pad, for some reason, maybe breakers flipped off for some electrical work? Could also be grit or insects inside of the gears of the clock motor.
I am having the same problem. My intermatic timer is about two years old as well. We had a few power outages the last couple of weeks, but I’ve reset the time and it continues to lose time. It loses about 1.5 to 2 hours per day without any outages. I also don’t see any ants or other insects. Should I go ahead and spray it anyway? Any other thoughts?
Terry, unusual but check all connections, making sure that bare wire is tightly contacting the terminal screw plates. Check that the breaker is firmly pushed onto the bar, and is not loose. Is there a separate switch somewhere between breaker and timer? (usually not). If it continues and can’t find solution, suggest replacing timer motor, or entire mechanism.
Hello Davy, Terry here again. There is a second switch between the breaker and the timer. I didn’t check the connections because it seemed like an ordeal to take the timer apart to get to the wiring and I didn’t want to make matters worse. I have noticed that the gears turn when the pool pump is on but they do not when the pump is off, which surely is the reason why it is losing time. Does this give you a better idea of the problem?
Hi, then the power for the clock must be from the switch, and not from the breaker? Generally the power goes from the breaker > Timeclock > pump, so that the power is always on to the clock. Since you have another switch in between the breaker and clock, the breaker will lose power when the switch is turned off. Ideally, the switch would be placed after the timeclock, not before. If moving that is difficult, you could just avoid using the switch and turn the pump off with the timeclock instead, always keeping the switch on, and maybe taping the switch, to remind people not to use the switch. A switch is easier to use, so you don’t have to open the clock and stick wet fingers in there, and using the breaker is also less than desirable, as they can wear out faster if used as a switch.
I just replaced an Intermatic WG1573-10D timer motor. I’m sure I hooked it up correctly but when running it gains a little over an hr of time every 24 hours. Would I suspect this is a defective motor? Or is there anything else I can check?
I would check that the motor says 60 hz on it and they did not send you a 50 hz by mistake. Also check that the motor number is compatible with your clock model. I see that the Intermatic WG1573-10D Replacement 208-277 VAC, 60 Hz Motor, is compatible with For use with T102, T104 and WH40 clocks by Intermatic.
I’m wanting to use T101 to wire my above ground pool pump. My pump has a plug. I not sure if this is the best timer to use. Can I wire this timer to an outlet or should I search for another solution?
Hi David, I suppose that you could wire the T101 from the outlet, but I’m not sure if that is in accordance with code. Another time clock that you can plug your pump directly into, and then plug the timer into the outlet, is the 24-hr Timer https://www.intheswim.com/p/24-hour-pump-timer (currently we are out of stock, but you can find at any home or hardware store)
HELP! I just replaced my T101 timer 2 years ago. (For outside light timer) The one before was original to the house & I had no trouble. I tried to change the on tripper due to Daylight savings time & dropped the screw. Ordered new ones. Until it came in, I manually turned on and the tripper turned it off. When I put the new one on, the trippers do not work. The dial turns, but when it gets to the trippers, both now, the dial stops & there is no sound the gears are working… I am not an electrician but I can do small repairs. Any advice?
Are the gears engaged, in the center, behind the dial? And does the switch look worn, where the tripper engages? Are the trippers slid all the way onto the dial fully? Just some ideas…
I have the pool timer with the red teeth that you pop up or down depending on when you want the pool to run. About 1-2 years ago I swapped out this unit because it was sticking and not engaging when it was supposed to. You can manually engage it by turning it and then it will run and even SHUT OFF when it’s supposed to. But the next morning it won’t engage by itself again, it seems it sticks when getting to the point it’s supposed to flip on. Thanks for any help you can give.
Hi Jeremy, I would try to pull the unit out and clean it well with compressed air and then spray with WD-40 and see if that helps. Could be small bugs, or dirt, or both causing the problem.
I’ve got the opposite problem than a lot of people. My Polaris booster pump ONLY turns on via the trippers. If I manually flip the switch nothing happens. Any ideas?
Does the motor gradually start running slowly? I realized today that my pump has been on for 11 hours, but the clock has only moved a few hours. Is that a faulty motor?
Perhaps you had a power outage during the night? If you pull out on the clock dial, you can turn it to set the current time, aligning with the silver down-arrow, located at 6 o’clock
Motor runs past the on dog but doesn’t flip pump on? I manually turn it on timer is running, it will trip pump OFF. Any suggestions?
Hi John, the trip mechanism on the clock, the switch, could be worn to the point where the tripper does not make good contact. If you look closely, you should be able to discern if this is the problem, which could mean a new clock. Some white lithium grease on the switch can help in some cases. Second thing to check – is the dial bent or warped, in that area where the on tripper is? Does the tripper work on other areas of the clock, like near the off tripper? Stupid third question, but does the ON tripper say ON? You don’t have two OFF trippers, right? IT happens, so I ask…
Hi,
My pool pump timer is not working properly.
I visually checked the clock motor and it was good.
I noticed that the on flipper was a little bit bent so I replaced it with new one. It worked for a day but the day after it didn’t work. I fastened it very securely. So what would be the problem? Off flipper always works.
Hi Chad, the trip mechanism on the clock, the switch, could be worn to the point where the tripper does not make good contact. If you look closely (with a flashlight and your glasses!), you should be able to discern if this is the problem, which could mean a new clock. Some white lithium grease on the switch can help in some cases. Second thing to check – is the dial bent or warped, in that area where the on tripper is? Does the tripper work on other areas of the clock, like near the off tripper?
Hi, new timer out of the box, 200V. Clock won’t move, gear don’t move at all. There’s power to the pump using the manual override. The clock is powered from the Line 1 terminal correct?
See the wirig diagram in the owner’s manual here: https://www.intheswim.com/images/PDFs/E2412_Owners_Manual.pdf Clock motor power, as shown in the wiring diagram, comes from terminal 1 and also terminal 3. Your incoming power leads should connect to terminals 1 and 3, and the wires that lead to the pump, should be connected to terminals 2 and 4. Terminal A (farthest to the left side) is not connected to anything.
Hi Davey,
my pool cleaner timer dog is set between 8 am and 11 am, everything is working fine manually, except that the pool cleaning pump will not start by the timer dog setting – the clock is set correctly and moving . not sure what is the problem.
Hi Sam, check that the dial is not warped or bent, the yellow clock dial. Also be sure that the ‘ON’ dog is not actually an OFF dog, and that it is tightly secured to the dial edge and pushed all the way onto the dial, and straight. The back of the timer dog has a tab that flips the switch, check the alignment of both, the dog may not be contacting the switch with enough surface to flip it on…?
Just moved into my house and the pool pump continues to run even after tripping the timer mechanism. Not sure if i need to check out the wiring, but it is a bit frustrating. everything seems to be working correctly, but i can not turn the pump on or off by tripping the mechanism.
Hi Jeff, it could be that the terminals in the rear of the clock mechanism are fuse-welded together, and not separating like normal, when the on/off switch is flipped. To inspect, shut off power at the breaker, and push on the clip at the top of the box, to allow the mechanism to fall forward, and then you can inspect the vertical copper bars, and see how they shift and come apart (or not), when the switch is turned to off. I’ve seen it happen from lightning strikes, or insect infestation. There could also be other mechanical reasons for this happening, such as a disconnect in the switch.
My timer runs, then after it reaches the off tripper, it stops, and never goes past the off tripper. I have replaced the trippers, but the problem persists. Also, once it reaches the tripper, the gears in the window no longer move. Is this broken?
Hi Ryan, that sounds like a bad motor or a broken gear, you can replace just the motor, or the entire clock mechanism.
Hi Davy,
Lately, the timer mechanism on my old T104R does not move. The time does not advance after resetting. I can manually turn it on with the lever at the bottom. However, after several hours, maybe overnight, the associated breaker will trip. Is the timer repairable, or should I just install a new one? Thanks
Hi Larry, if you can see the motor gears turning in the visual motor check, you may just need some lubrication added to the tripper mechanism. But first, pull the mechanism from the box by releasing the tab at the top (be sure breaker is turned off, first), and inspect the gears and copper tabs on the back, to look for something clogging up the works, insects, lizards, sand, etc. Also be sure that the front dial is engaged with the gear located behind the dial. Check the wiring also, looking for broken wires or loose connections, which could explain the breaker tripping as well. If you find no answers readily apparent, then replace the timer mechanism – they don’t last forever!
Can A intermatic timer for a pool be lubricated I have duel timers for a low and high speed jandy pumpIt seems it might be a little louder on the fast speed side.
Hi Tom, sure you can spray some 3-in-1 or wd-40 on the motor gears, just depress the tab at 12 o’clock and pop out the mechanism, to target the oil onto the gears. It may or may not reduce the noise level however…
I have replaced my pool timer 3 times in the last week and they will work for a day then quit working any idea what the problem could be?
Hi Cody, if you cannot see any obstruction in the motor gears, or any such mechanical issue, then I would assume an electrical issue, perhaps the wrong voltage for the clock. 220V clocks have 5 terminals, 110V clocks have 3 terminals. Test the voltage coming in, it may be incorrect, or out of range (more than 10% above 110v or 220V). Power surges could be to blame. Is power reaching the time clock? Perhaps bad wiring or a bad breaker is to blame.
Hi Davy,
i have an oval pool that is closed for the winter but there ha been a problem. My pool cover is sinking into the pool because the two pillow have separated and have moved to the side. Now The ice and snow have melted and the cover is getting in deeper. What do you suggest to do to get the cover up and the pillows back into position. There is a lot of water that is making the cover sink and I don’t want to keep filling the pool with water trying to get the cover up/
Hi Agnes, have you tried using a cover pump to remove the rain and/or snow melt from the cover? Once you remove the water, you can use your pool brush on a pole, to gently push the pillows back to the center. Or fold the cover to one side if needed. If you run rope/twine through the Air Pillow grommets, you can tie them to each other and run the rope/string to opposite sides of the pool, tying it off, so they will stay in the middle.