Cooling Guides
Bonaire Evaporative Cooler Faults: Navigator Errors, Symptoms and Fixes
Nov
Bonaire and Celair evaporative coolers controlled by a Navigator or Touchpad wall control will show a fault or error message when something goes wrong. The exact code numbers depend on the cooler model and the generation of the control, so Bonaire does not publish one list that covers every cooler. What owners and technicians can do is match the symptom to the part that usually causes it. This guide covers the common Bonaire evaporative cooler faults and what to check for each.
First steps when a fault shows
- Write down the exact code or message on the wall control.
- Switch the cooler off at the wall control, wait a minute, then turn it back on.
- If the fault returns, note whether the fan runs, whether the pads are wet and whether water is sitting in the base. These three checks narrow the fault down quickly.
Bonaire cooler fault finder
| What you see | Likely cause | Parts to check |
|---|---|---|
| Navigator flashing or showing no communication | Wall control has lost contact with the cooler: loose or damaged loom, failed control module, failed transformer | wall controllers, control modules, transformers |
| Fan runs, air is warm, pads are dry | Pump not running or blocked, no water in the base | pumps, solenoid valves, float valve |
| Base won’t fill | Solenoid valve not opening, water supply off, blocked inlet | solenoid valves |
| Water overflowing or running to waste | Float valve not shutting off, dump valve stuck open, solenoid not closing | float valve, dump valves, solenoid valves |
| Water left sitting in the base after shutdown | Dump or drain valve not opening, blocked drain | dump valves, drain valves |
| Fan won’t start, hums, or stops after a few minutes | Weak run capacitor, motor overheating, worn fan collet | capacitors, motors, fan collets |
Water faults
Most Bonaire cooler faults are water faults. The inlet solenoid lets water in, the float valve stops the base overfilling, the pump lifts water to the pads, and the dump valve empties the base so salts don’t build up. If the base is empty, start with the water supply and the solenoid. If the base is full but the pads are dry, the pump is the usual cause. If water keeps running out of the drain, check the dump valve and the float valve seal. Our float valve and solenoid guide and drain and dump valve guide go into more detail.
Fan and motor faults
A fan that hums but won’t spin, or starts and then cuts out, often has a failing run capacitor. Capacitors are cheap and should be checked before the motor is replaced. If the motor is very hot, smells burnt or trips its overload repeatedly, it is likely at the end of its life. The evaporative cooler motor guide explains how to match a replacement Bonaire motor by wattage and model.
Communication faults
If the Navigator can’t talk to the cooler it will flash or show a communication message. Check the loom plugs at both ends first. If the loom is fine, the control module on the cooler or its transformer may have failed. See the Bonaire Navigator controller guide for which controller suits your cooler.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my Bonaire cooler model?
The model is on the compliance label on the cooler cabinet. Many parts also carry a Bonaire part number ending in SP, such as 6051636SP, printed on the part itself.
Who should do the repair?
Checking taps, hoses and the float valve is fine for most owners with the power isolated. Electrical parts such as motors, capacitors and control modules must be replaced by a licensed electrician or qualified technician.
Browse all Bonaire and Celair evaporative cooler parts or read the Bonaire evaporative cooler parts guide.
