
2502 Series Controllers
Instruction Manual
Form 1446
November 2006
19
Table 3. Troubleshooting Chart for 2502 Series Controllers
Fault
Possible Cause
Check
Correction
1. Process wanders or cycles
around setpoint.
1.1 Proportional band or specific
gravity adjustment incorrect or
improperly tuned control loop.
1.1 Insure the prestartup
procedures are completed
correctly. Tune control loop.
1.1 If stable control cannot be
attained and all other elements are
functionally correct, examine other
possible causes related to the
controller/transmitter.
1.2 Supply pressure varying or
incorrect supply pressure setting.
1.2 Use input pressure gauge to
monitor stability. Make sure
regulator IN supply pressure is
within limits.
1.2 Apply correct supply pressure.
It is recommended to use one
regulator per instrument.
1.3 Sensor not plumb and is in
contact with sidewall or leak in
displacer.
1.3 Check cage vessel and stillwell
installation, or for leaking displacer.
1.3 Make sure the displacer and
displacer rod hangs freely. Make
sure linkage is tight. Replace
displacer if leaking.
1.4 Relay malfunction.
1.4 Check for relay malfunction by
using the testing relay deadband
procedure
1.4 Depress plunger to clean out
the fixed restriction. Replace or
repair relay using the procedure in
the Maintenance section.
2. Controller controlling off setpoint
or switching point.
2.1 Supply pressure not set
correctly.
2.1 Make sure regulator supply
pressure is set correctly. Make sure
regulator IN supply pressure is
within limits.
2.1 Reset the supply regulator
pressure. If the condition occurs
again, rebuild or replace regulator.
Provide a regulator input pressure
within regulator limits.
2.2 Leak in the controller loop.
2.2 Use soap and water to check
for internal and external leaks.
2.2 Replace or repair leaking parts
as necessary.
2.3 Leaking displacer.
2.3 Insure the displacer is not filling
with process fluid.
2.3 Refer to sensor maintenance
procedures in the appropriate
sensor instruction manual.
2.4 Flapper adjustment.
2.4 Insure the flapper is not loose
on the torque tube shaft and is
centered on the nozzle.
2.4 Replace or tighten flapper
assembly as necessary and/or
center flapper on nozzle.
2.5 Process variable changed.
2.5 Insure the process variable has
not changed from original
calibration settings or, displacer not
design specific gravity of process.
2.5 Change process variable back
to original specification or
recalibrate. If necessary, provide
replacement displacer of correct
size and recalibrate.
3. Controller cannot attain full
output range.
3.1 Supply pressure not set
correctly.
3.1 Make sure supply pressure is
set correctly. Make sure regulator
IN supply pressure is within limits.
3.1 Reset the regulator pressure. If
problem reoccurs, replace or
rebuild the regulator. Insure
regulator IN supply pressure is
within limits at all operating levels.
3.2 Flapper adjustment.
3.2 Insure the flapper is not loose
on the torque tube shaft and is
centered on the nozzle.
3.2 Replace or tighten flapper
assembly as necessary and/or
center flapper on nozzle.
3.3 Process variable changed.
3.3 Insure the process variable has
not changed from original
calibration settings or, from
displacer design specific gravity.
3.3 Change process variable back
to original specification or
recalibrate. If necessary, provide
replacement displacer of correct
size and recalibrate.
3.4 Relay malfunction.
3.4 Check for relay malfunction by
using the testing relay deadband
procedure.
3.4 Depress plunger to clean out
the fixed restriction. Replace relay
using the procedure in the
Maintenance section.
3.5 Leaking controller loop.
3.5 Use soap and water to check
for internal and external leaks.
3.5 Replace or repair leaking parts
as necessary.
4. Controller remains at full or zero
output pressure.
4.1 Supply or output pressure
gauge malfunction
4.1 Insure the pressure gauges are
registering correctly.
4.1 Replace pressure gauges. Use
corrective action given in section 3
of this table.
4.2 Flapper adjustment.
4.2 Insure the flapper is not loose
on the torque tube shaft. Insure the
flapper is centered on the nozzle.
4.2 Replace or tighten flapper
assembly as necessary and/or
center flapper on nozzle.