Short answer
CHECK means the panel has found a trouble on the zone number shown next to it. That could be a broken wire, a tampered device, or a wireless sensor the panel can no longer hear. It is not an alarm. Fix the cause, then enter your user code and press OFF twice to clear the display.
On this page
What CHECK actually means
On Honeywell (Ademco) VISTA panels such as the VISTA-10P, 15P, 20P, 21iP, and 128/250 series, the keypad shows CHECK when the panel detects a problem with a zone instead of a normal open or closed condition. The number next to it is the zone. Alphanumeric keypads (6160, 6164, and similar) usually spell out the zone description as well; fixed-word keypads (6150 and similar) only show the number.
The most common causes are:
- A wireless sensor has stopped checking in. Wireless 5800-series devices send a regular supervision signal. If the panel misses it for long enough, it shows CHECK for that zone. A dead battery is the usual reason, followed by a sensor that was moved or blocked by new metal, mirrors, or appliances.
- A wired fire zone is open. On a fire zone, a cut or loose wire reports as CHECK. (On an ordinary burglary zone the same problem shows as a FAULT while disarmed instead.)
- A device tamper. A sensor or siren cover that is open or loose can report as CHECK.
- A system device. Zone numbers outside your normal sensor range (for example in the 90s or 100s) usually refer to the keypad, wireless receiver, or communicator rather than a door or window. Your installer's zone list or the panel's programming guide tells you which.
Find out which device it is
- Read the zone number on the keypad. If several troubles are present, the keypad cycles through them.
- Match the number to your zone list. Installers often leave it on a sticker inside the panel door or the keypad door. Alphanumeric keypads show the name directly.
- If it is a wireless device, open its cover and look for the battery. If it is a wired device, look for a loose cover, a damaged wire, or recent work in that area.
Fix the most common causes
Wireless sensor. Replace the battery with the same type (check the old one; many 5800-series devices use CR123A or CR2032 lithium cells). Snap the cover back on firmly so the tamper switch closes, then open and close the door or walk past the motion sensor so it transmits. The CHECK message usually stays on the display until you clear it.
Wired zone. Check that the device cover is seated and that nothing has pulled on the wire. A zone that reads CHECK after drywall, flooring, or trim work often has a staple or nail through the cable. That needs a technician or a careful trace with a meter.
Smoke detector zone. Do not unplug or remove a smoke detector to stop a CHECK message. Call your alarm company. Fire zones are life-safety circuits and may need a licensed technician depending on where you live.
Clear the CHECK message
Once the cause is fixed:
- Enter your 4-digit user code and press OFF (the 1 key).
- Enter your code and press OFF again.
If the message comes straight back, the trouble is still present. A wireless sensor may need a few minutes and an activation to report in. If it keeps returning, the device may need to be re-enrolled or replaced.
Can I bypass the zone instead?
Yes, as a temporary measure: enter your code, press BYPASS (the 6 key), then the two-digit zone number. A bypassed zone is not protected while it stays bypassed, and bypasses are cleared the next time you disarm. Fire zones normally cannot be bypassed. More detail, including other brands: how to bypass a zone.
Other messages you might see with CHECK
- BAT with a zone number means that wireless device has a low battery. BAT with no number means the panel's own backup battery is low. See replacing the panel backup battery.
- AC LOSS or NO AC means the panel has lost mains power and is running on its battery. Check the plug-in transformer and the outlet or breaker it is on.
- FC or COMM FAILURE means the panel could not reach the monitoring company. See communication failure.