Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Aprilaire 760 works when I hit it

I have an Aprilaire 760 -- about 10 years old. It operates intermittently, but now seems to not work at all unless I give it a firm hit. The part I hit is the plastic housing behind the fan. Then it "clicks" and the water starts flowing.

All the wiring connections look okay. I haven't opened it up to the circuit board -- must be behind the fan. What would be broken that a firm hit would work for a while and then not work again?

I don't know much about electronics, but am fairly handy and have replaced a broken solenoid in a refrigerator.

Is it time to just get a new humidifier or is there something simple to try?

Thanks,

Randy

Sounds like the relay is sticking on your, and when you hit it, it makes contacts.

Remove the cover and see what you got going on there.

Jay,

I removed the cover tonight -- all the wires are firmly attached.

I listened again tonight when the furnace turned on to see what was happening. It made a click and the water started running for a second or two. It then clicked again and the water stopped.

Not sure what is meant by "relay is sticking" -- is this something I can fix?

Thanks,
Randy

Do you have a meter to check for power? take a reading at the water valve, and see what you are getting for voltage.

I have a meter, but not sure how I take a reading at the water valve. The wires go into the valve housing and are not exposed -- how do I take a reading?

There should be a board/transformer inside the unit..

However, I have never been around this unit, so I don't know how it's set up... You may be able to take the cover off, and still run it to take a reading.

Unfortunately, there is a plastic connector / wiring harness built into the cover that matches up with a connector in the housing. When I remove the cover, the connector unplugs and power is cut.

I think I may just bite the bullet and get an Aprilaire 700 to replace it.

Thanks,
Randy