Ive been trying to fix my old water softener. I'd rather fix it than replace it right now. It's been giving me an E-1 code before. I've replaced the switch and seemed to work for a few weeks. Then today it gave me another E-1 error. I jimmed some wires around and it started working again. But then during the regen cycle, it gave me an E-3. All have to do with electronics.

I was planning on replacing the capacitors, but I don't have 1 to 1 replacements. Do any of these from the kit I have work with the ones installed?

Anyone have any suggestions on what else to try? Anything else on the board need looking at? I did look for cold solder joints, but do not see any.

The water softener is a Kenmore 625.3483500. Link to the manual if anyone would care to check out: https://c.searspartsdirect.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0807198.pdf

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Just updated. Mines about 20-25 years I think. But it's actually been disconnected ever since I got the house 10 years ago. Just recently decided to use it, as I need to stop all the hard water issues.

I've noticed that when it loses power, it reset all the settings, which does make me believe that it is the capacitors as theirs no button battery on it. Manual said it should be able to hold settings for up to 6 hours.

It's been plugged in for probably 2 months at this point. Power flashed off for a second last week and lost the settings.

Guessing the other cap has dried up, and is what's giving me errors?

So after playing with it more last night, I think I've figured out it's the motor. All I did one time was tap the top of it with a screwdriver, and it started again. I went ahead and ordered a new one. Wasn't thrilled about paying $60 for one, but I'd rather pay that than $400+ for a new one right now, if that's all the issue is.

And while I was at it, I went ahead and ordered new caps for it. Hopefully solve that saving data issue at least.

Was also kinda curious what your issue is. I've had multiple issues with mine, and every time, I think that's the last one. The first issue was the Venturi valve. I took it apart, and found the grommet was completely disintegrated and one part completely missing. Bought a replacement, and it finally started doing to the brine wash. Before the tank would just fill with water, but never actually do a rense.

Also learned that there are a few things that you can do to clean the resin. Guess over time it can get coated with iron and other things that the brine wash cannot fully wash away.