Honeywell VISTA: Clearing a "System Lo Bat" (deprecated, updated video in description)

This video has been deprecated. Please check out this more recent video: • Clearing a Low Battery...
How you can follow some simple steps to clear a “System Lo Bat” alert from the 6160RF keypad of your Honeywell VISTA home security system.
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The keypad for your Honeywell VISTA home security system may display a low battery alert message if the sealed acid battery located inside of your alarm cabinet becomes compromised.
It’s common for the battery for your system to become drained for many different reasons. For example, if AC power is lost, the system battery will become drained, prompting the system to send out the low battery alert to your control panel. Or, one or both of the terminals which connect the battery to the VISTA system may not be properly connected.
This video outlines how you can clear that low battery alert from your keypad. In the video, you’ll find step by step instructions like how to open the alarm cabinet for your VISTA system, which will allow you to examine your battery and ensure that its terminals are properly connected and that the battery appears to be in good, working order. Then, the video shows how to clear the alert by inputting your alarm code into the keypad to disarm the system. Inputting your alarm code a second time should clear your low battery alert.
Keep in mind that if your battery is properly connected to your system, it will typically take about an hour or so before the system recognizes that the battery is properly charged so that you can clear the low battery code by inputting your alarm code twice into the keypad.
If you’re unable to clear the low battery code after an hour or so has elapsed, you’ll want to allow the battery to continue to recharge and try the process outlined in the video a few hours later. If the battery has been significantly drained either because a terminal was disconnected, or the system lost AC power for several hours, it can take several hours before the battery becomes fully recharged.
Once several hours have passed, you’ll want to key in the double disarm code again. If the alert disappears, you’ll know that your battery is in good working order and that it was just drained. If you’re still unable to clear the low battery code after allowing several hours for the battery to recharge fully, this may indicate a problem with your system’s battery that cannot be addressed by simply recharging the battery. If this is the case, the battery will need to be replaced.
If you’re unable to clear the low battery code, it may indicate that the battery in your system is beginning to die, or can no longer hold a charge fully. This is a common problem for systems which are older than about 5 or 6 years, or in instances where a battery from an older home security system is reused in a new system.
If you find that your battery is in fact compromised and needs to be replaced, there are several replacement options available. Popular alternatives for the Honeywell VISTA recommended in the video include the Ultratech 1240, which has an approximate battery life of 24 hours. The Ultratech 1270 is similar but slightly more powerful than the Ultratech 1240.

[@dax676]

Thanks so much for showing how to open up the panel to access the battery. Oh wait, you never did! Really helpful.

[@DONALD1951]

Turn the key …open the panel door. Easy. Battery is right there.

[@caius693]

@@DONALD1951so but what key?

[@imaramblins]

Hahahaha. You could have given us help, but you given us so much more.

[@jzzhang726]

@@caius6931393 Ademco Honeywell key

[@TubeRiderr]

If you cant do this you shouldn’t even be trying lol

[@SSRacing66]

I came here because I was getting the "System Lo Batt" , tried the double disable, but it persisted. I used my voltmeter to check the battery (13.5vdc) so I unplugged the battery and the AC for 10 secs, clear panel now. thank you

[@palmontevargas2490]

Thank You so much man my boss wasn't picking up i wasn't tryna hear this sound for 8hours u saved me man thanks

[@alarmgrid8771]

No problem. We have all sorts of videos to help you out when you need it.

[@hectorsaenz1203]

Thanks for your video, i have a question my cabinet seems to be ON (i already disconnect and connect the power souce) because of the sounds when I touch the buttons, but the screen doesnt show anything on it.

[@darylgillit2318]

Great help! Thank you

[@Bodiddly55]

I just replaced mine, it was last changed 9 years ago! wow

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

@shenderson2484, Glad our video was informative and you were able to change your battery.

[@markymark8665]

Replaced my battery and the BAT message wouldn’t go away after 3 days. Turned off AC power to it, removed one of the battery leads, then restored AC power and reconnected battery, problems solved. 👍

[@markymark8665]

Bryce Alarm Saw that mentioned but it didn’t work for me, had to cut the power as I described.

[@Ricklustt]

Marky Mark Does your system return to normal after you remove all power from it ? I was worried about removing both the AC and DC and having to reprogram something.

[@markymark8665]

Rick Lust I was hesitant to remove all power but as far as I can tell, nothing was lost. Maybe one of the pros here can confirm if the vital info is stored in non-volatile memory. I would hope that it is since it’s possible that someone could have a power failure with a dead or weak battery and would be bad if the configuration was lost. My suspicion is that due to the size of the battery it’s use is to keep the unit working for a while during a power failure. A battery that would be needed only for memory backup wouldn’t need to be so robust, could be done with a AA cell or something like you have in thermostats etc. to retain the program. Hope that helps.

[@Ricklustt]

Marky Mark Glad I saw ur post. I did as you suggested and removed ALL power from the board for about a minute and powered up the system. All came back normal and the Low Battery display is GONE ! I will install a power surge outlet for the transformer. I got the trouble when my power flickered during a storm and could never clear it any other way. Cheers ! 😊 🍺🍺

[@Longansplace]

Did exactly the same and it worked. Thank you, Lo system battery gone....... :)

[@wisamabazly]

Will it also make the led light come back on...thank you..for your videos...

[@joshuagriffin2807]

Once all troubles are clear and no other faults are on the panel the Green Ready LED will light up

[@stefanyen8903]

I have just replaced a new battery, follow exactly your steps. It worked great for the first 30min, then later giving beep alert showing "busy - standby D1" I entered the code +1 twice to off it, eventually it (beep) come back showed "system low bat". What could have gone wrong? Please advise.

[@heinzluebke2346]

Stefan Y

[@Ricklustt]

If you had a power surge like I did and you know your battery is good, my manual says to replace the board. I have the same issue and will add a surge protector outlet before I replace my board. (Which is going to be a pain in the butt reprogramming it). . 🤔 See my new comment on how I cleared it.

[@Ricklustt]

Stefan Yen I did as Marky Mark suggested and removed the AC and DC power to my board and powered it up again. the low battery cleared. Thanks Marky Mark !

[@marcuswilliams557]

Rick Lust thanks works for me

[@69RJHart]

Stefa

[@spunky181]

our battery is only 4 years old. lost ac the other day but keep beeping every like minute wish i could just stop it from beeping every 3 minutes or so

[@ashleyduncan7922]

If we no longer use adt and disconnect speaker will smoke alarms still work

[@AlarmGrid]

That depends on a number of factors. First, are you sure the smokes in question are a part of the alarm system? Often, they are battery-powered stand-alone smokes, or they are system smokes that are tied into AC power. These operate separately from the alarm system. Smoke detectors are life-safety devices and I would not advise you to take any chances with them. If you'd like to discuss the situation further, send us an email to [e-mail], we can get some more information about the system and advise you more accurately.

[@dancummings7490]

I just put a new battery in but the low battery does not disappear. Also my panel does not show “disarm” but “off” is that the same thing?

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hello, Please check our new video that is out for clearing the low battery on your vista panel in the link above. The disarm command includes the following keystrokes, enter your 4 digit code + 1 (off) key. Repeat this command twice after running the test to clear the low battery message.

[@bh5606]

Where is this panel located???

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hey Ben, The panel is usually located in a tan metal can somewhere in the building that is not easy to access.

[@HOOKEM2024]

How do you replace the battery?

[@TubeRiderr]

Bro its literally two terminals….

[@HOOKEM2024]

@@TubeRiderr ok explain then

[@Sparkette]

How do I disable the low battery warning altogether? I have a 20p that I'm not using as an actual security system, but rather just to experiment with, and I don't have a battery connected to it because there's no need for one.

[@1021lexuslady]

flarn2006 I want to disable ours any luck yet on how

[@DragonLinkBestDeck]

If you had replaced the battery and still didn't clear; you got one of two things going on: 1. Your panel needs a power cycle to be performed. The way you can do this is by disconnecting one of the two battery leads at the battery. Then, unplug the transformer to the panel. NOTE: Before plugging in the transformer back to power the panel up, you need to connect battery first, THEN plug the transformer. If the first step didnt work, and you are for sure the battery is in good conditions as rated on its label. Then, that is number two: 2. The panel battery charger (built in) is not working; therefore, every battery will turn into a low battery quick. I have also worked with different panels such as GE Concord, DMP, DSC, and the most feared "Radionics". From this I can only say Ademco Vista is one of the thoughest to work with as they can easily get fried is not serviced properly. I hope this helps, good luck

[@DragonLinkBestDeck]

1021lexuslady There is no way to disable the low battery supervisory in any panel programming unless it is a monitored power supply box (which would read as a zone in the keypad) This would not be your case as most of these are commercial jobs that require many batteries to different devices.

[@Pingjockey725]

@@DragonLinkBestDeck step 1 worked like a champ. Thanks for posting!

[@DragonLinkBestDeck]

@@Pingjockey725 I'm glad it did!

[@coreypatterson1386]

I replaced my battery and my display screen is still reading low battery after 4 days...what should I try next?

[@AlarmGrid]

You need to troubleshoot: This FAQ and Video may be helpful: www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-do-i-troubleshoot-a-low-battery-condition-on-a-vista-panel

[@johnjordan8487]

I replaced battery reset it still get low battery, so i put another new battery in get same reading, low battery. I let it charge for weeks still see low battery, everything works except low battery reading..

[@FuriousHondaBoy]

I found solution, opinion... have bad second battery, when try load test ( with out ac) voltage is drop under 12V what is treshhold, you can read at... www.google.com/url?q=library.ademconet.com/MWT/fs2/VISTA-128BPT%255CTroubleshooting-Low-Battery.PDF&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjP64uiiIvlAhVHIlAKHe2ED3MQFjACegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw0lT4m2prUmFyYU2Zn64F8L

[@DJ-zu1si]

Sometimes it helps to push a signal through, and or old fashion way, power down system, by battery leads and transformer, than power back up.

[@emanuelcharles7397]

I just in stall my keypad and it's saying disarmed fire. It's my first time installing one. DSC 6160rf

[@nathangalarmgrid5205]

If it is a Vista system that would be because by default zone 1 is programmed as a fire zone. Throw us an email and we might be able to help further.

[@missblackwell7165]

What is the point of this if you didn’t show how to access the battery? 💀

[@AustinsLab_]

There should be a metal panel box somewhere in your home that houses the battery. Mine is in the coat closet. It most likely has a lock on it.

[@wanebros.9292]

The only way you can clear a panel low batt on a vista panel is by jumping in and out of programming, or power cycling the system. I've serviced over 21,000 of these in 25 years and this is how they act. There might be a special model that does auto recognize, and clear. But the average vista panel from around 1995 to current clear with the two methods I mentioned

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

This video has been deprecated. Please check out this more recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4GYpqCHYtt3hrs

[@GIJew]

Power cycling or jumping in and out of programming will only clear it for 60 seconds. After that it’s back to trouble again. You’re really just stuck purchasing a new battery.

[@wanebros.9292]

@@GIJew right. If the batt is below 12 volts. But even a fresh battery won't clear the trouble. You have to power cycle after battery is changed or just jump in and out of programming. It won't auto recognize the new battery

[@michaelnitake2534]

I have a z1100 system that I just want to stop the “ low battery warning” How would I accomplish this?

[@wanebros.9292]

@@michaelnitake2534 get a 12 volt lead acid battery and put it on. But not before a power cycle. As you're hooking up the secondary source as new. Should clear. It won't clear if it's old.

[@rajeshcruz6352]

I having trouble on a rp5800 repeater always say low battery message do you know how to fix that?

[@AlarmGrid]

The 5800RP can be supervised in a couple of different ways. If it's supervised with a single zone (the most common way) then it will report AC Loss, Low. Battery, and RF Jam all as a Low Battery. This prevents one of these conditions from causing an alarm if they come in while the system is armed. If you've checked the battery and it appears to be good, then check that the 5800RP has AC Power, and check the Red LED on the board. This is an interference LED, if it's staying lit constantly for longer than 20 seconds or so, that indicates that something is constantly transmitting at 345 MHz and is causing an RF Jam condition to be reported. If this is happening, you may need to relocate the 5800RP, and if that doesn't help, you'll need to find the source of the noise. This can be caused by a transmitter on your system that is going bad and constantly sending out signals.

[@bbbtripleratan9557]

I have Honeywell with outside temp sensor. Thermostat showed message 'outside sensor low battery. I replace batteries many times but after three four days it start showing again the same message of outside sensor low battery. It allow to set to remind in next seven days but after seven days it start again showing same message low battery. What is the solution?

[@AlarmGrid]

This may well be a bad sensor. Some sensors get stuck transmitting their check-in signal constantly. When this happens, you won't get an indication at the panel that it's happening. The panel is happy because it's hearing from the sensor, but it will go through the batteries pretty quickly. Depending on the receiver you have, if it's the type that has two antennas that stick up from the top, then it has a little red LED that shows when it receives a signal. If a device is stuck transmitting, then this red LED will stay lit up pretty constantly. Check the LED, and see how it's behaving. If it's staying lit, then remove the batteries from the temp sensor and see if the red LED goes back to normal (just flickering for a second or two every once in a while). If so, then your transmitter is probably the issue. Replace it. If you don't have this type of receiver, try enabling RF Jam on your panel. If the transmitter is stuck transmitting, it will most likely cause an RF Jam trouble.

[@salvadom22]

What is FC in the 6150?

[@jackcooper3193]

I think it's Failed to connect (phone line)

[@ernestokhey347]

Where is the battery, you talk about battery but where is it located

[@dylanalarm_grid1038]

The battery is located in the metal cabinet which houses the alarm panel.

[@mojdapassyar4367]

Thank for the video. Do you know what d1 means ? The screen just shows d1 and nothing works on my honewell security system!

[@brendenburge7349]

Mojda Passyar Try entering your security code + 1 (OFF)

[@kathbiddle-dutton7069]

No battery …🤦‍♀️ help

[@Sparkette]

"Hi DI Wires" in the captions 😂

[@kimberlyann009]

LOL good catch!

[@deborahv.169]

What's alarm 17

[@joshuagriffin2807]

Alarm 17 is an indication that zone 17 is in alarm if the panel was armed and zone 17 was tripped that can cause it to be in alarm, or if it is a 24hr zone and it is tripped will cause zone 17 to go into alarm.

[@JonOutRaging]

My only question is why tf would anyone buy a keypad with a speaker after watching this? Edit: and if you read the other comments here, a lot of people are having issues. On a side note, why am I even here? I don't even own this.

[@MylesV]

What? They all have speakers for beeps when pressing buttons, during entry/exit delays, and when there's a problem. This video is about a trouble condition that can occur when there is a problem with the alarm system. It doesn't beep like this 24/7

[@phillipaigner4434]

Great😂

[@spynical]

Y do u hav so many wires XD

[@AlarmGrid]

Captions fixed! Our Wires love us! XD

[@Sheflourishes1]

only because he was cute was i able to make any sense from this

[@freddaniels8259]

😂😂

[@salvadom22]

Battery set off alarm.

[@vegetakorn]

My alarm gets on even if I put in ready

[@mattdude]

Two years late but make sure you have AC power before you plug the battery in. I made the same mistake.