I know the feeling; you’re all set up and ready to go with your new Ecobee, but there’s just one problem—the touch screen isn’t working. Maybe you ignored the warnings about turning off the power or got a defective unit. Either way, you may have to troubleshoot and fix your Ecobee touch screen.
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A blown fuse is the number one cause of a non-responsive Ecobee touch screen. To check if this is the problem, open the fuse box. If the fuse is burned out, replace it with a new one. I that’s not the issue, check the wires going to the Ecobee and make sure they’re all connected properly.
This article will help you troubleshoot and fix your Ecobee touch screen. I’ll help you figure out if it’s a blown fuse, a wiring error, or something else. You’ll also learn how to fix these issues.
1. A Blown Fuse
If the fuse in your furnace blows, power to your Ecobee will be cut off and the touch screen will go dark. This usually happens when you turn on your furnace for the first time in a while or if there’s a power surge.
How to Fix?
To check if a blown fuse is the problem, locate your fuse box and open it up, then check all the fuses for the furnace, air conditioner, and Ecobee. If one of them is burned out, replace it with a new one.
Most systems use a 3-amp fuse, but it’s always best to check your owner’s manual to be sure. I’ve used a 5-amp fuse in a pinch, and it worked for me, but proceed with caution—it’s a huge potential risk.
Read: Ecobee Lite 3 Vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat: Differences, Worth Of Upgrade?
2. A Wiring Error
If the fuse is not the problem, then it might be a wiring error. Check all the wires going to the Ecobee, and make sure they’re all connected properly. If you see any loose or damaged wires, you’ll have to replace them with new ones.
How to Fix?
Ecobee comes with a wiring diagram that you can use to check the wire connections. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can always call a professional. You can also watch some videos on YouTube that show you how to do it.
However, unresponsiveness is not the only error you’ll encounter with wrong wiring. You might also see the “Contact Us” message on Ecobee’s touch screen. This means that you used the W2 in place of the W1 wire.
Then there’s the issue of extenders. If you’re using one and it’s not working, try removing it and see if that solves the problem. However, if you need to have the extender to keep the device working, make sure the wiring is as follows:
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- The R wire should go to the RC terminal.
- The G wire should connect to the C terminal.
- The W wire connects to the W1 terminal.
- The Y wire should go to the PEK terminal.
Read: Why Ecobee Thermostat Runs For 5 Mins And Then Shuts Off?
3. The Ecobee Is Not Properly Inserted in the Backplate
It’s not uncommon for things to go a bit wonky with the Ecobee display—for example, when it’s not properly inserted in the backplate. This is often due to thermostat wires getting in the way.
How to Fix?
Give your wires a good push back and make sure the pins are completely inserted into the backplate. If everything looks good and you still hear that satisfying click, you’re good to go.
This connection between the backplate and the Ecobee is essential for its proper functioning. If it’s not secure, problems like a non-responsive touch screen can arise.
Read: Can I Use An Ecobee Thermostat In An RV?
4. Voltage Issues
If the wiring seems to be in good condition, the next thing to check is the voltage. The Ecobee needs 24 volts to work properly, and the touch screen will go dark if it’s not getting that.
There are a few ways to test the voltage, but using a multimeter or a voltmeter is the most obvious way to do it. You can always call a professional if you don’t have either of these tools.
Once you’ve confirmed that the Ecobee is getting 24 volts, the next step is to make sure it’s getting enough power. You can do this by checking the current draw. The Ecobee should be drawing about 30mA of current. If it’s not, there might be a problem with the power supply.
How to Fix?
Voltage issues are best left to the professionals. This is especially true if you’re not comfortable working on electricity. The last thing you’d want to do is fry your Ecobee while trying to DIY this repair job. This type of damage is not covered under warranty.
Read: Can You Use Multiple Ecobee Thermostats In The Same House?
5. A Tripped Heater
If you see the message “Calibrating: Heating and Cooling Off” on the Ecobee touch screen, it means that your furnace is not working. This can happen if you accidentally hit the wrong button or if the furnace overheated and tripped.
The issue can also be caused by a power outage. If this happens, the Ecobee will automatically turn off the heater to protect it from a power surge when the power comes back on. Once the power is restored, you’ll need to turn on the heater again.
A Dead Battery
You may need a battery replacement if your Ecobee touch screen is not responding or has a low battery error message.
How to Fix?
To do this, open up the Ecobee and find the batteries. Then remove the old batteries and insert new ones. However, be sure to use the same type of battery that came with your Ecobee.
If you’re not sure how to do this, you can watch a video on YouTube or read the Ecobee manual, but it’s a pretty straightforward task.
Read: 4 Reasons Why Ecobee Thermostat Fan Keeps Running
6. A Software Bug
If your Ecobee touch screen is still unresponsive, it might be because of a software bug. This can happen if there’s an update available for your Ecobee.
How to Fix?
To check for updates, go to the “Settings” menu, select “About,” and then select “Version.” This should show you the current firmware the Ecobee is running and whether you need an update.
If an update is available, install it and restart your Ecobee. This should fix most of the problems you’re having with your device. However, updates can cause issues, so read the release notes before installing them.
If no updates are available, try doing a factory reset. This will erase all your settings, so be sure to back up your data first.
To do a factory reset, click on Menu, go to Settings, and select Reset. At this point, you’ll have three options:
- Reset Registration
- Reset Schedule and Preferences
- Reset All
I suggest choosing reset all to go back to the factory setting. However, this means you’ll have to set preferences and registrations again.
7. A Damaged Display
If your Ecobee touch screen is unresponsive, it might be because your display isn’t working. This can happen if you drop your Ecobee or if it’s hit by something.
The only way to fix this is to replace the display. You can buy a replacement from Ecobee or from a third-party supplier. However, unless you’re comfortable doing the repair yourself, you’ll probably need to take your Ecobee to a professional.
You might be able to get a replacement from Ecobee if your device is still under warranty, but you’ll need to contact customer support to make sure you meet the terms and conditions.
Summary
While some of these Ecobee issues are user errors, many of them can be easily fixed. We hope this article has helped you troubleshoot and fix the problem. If you’re still having trouble, be sure to contact Ecobee customer support. They might be able to help you out.
I also recommend reading the Ecobee manual. It’s full of helpful information, and it might have a solution to your problem.