The 6F error message on your ADT alarm panel means that there’s a problem with the alarm’s communicator. Actually, the error message is bF, but many people misread it as 6F. If you have an alphanumeric keypad, then this type of error will be displayed as Check 103 LngRng.
The communicators are used by alarm systems to send and receive signals. If there’s an issue with the communicator, then the keypad will display error code 6F or Check 103 LngRng indicating that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
As a reference, bF stands for “backup failure”, and it is usually associated with the Long-Range Radio backup system. It means that the alarm system cannot communicate with the ADT monitoring center.
Depending on the type of the keypad, you may see more details about the error. For example, if you see four zeros on the screen (0000) at the end of the message, it indicates that the panel is not “talking” with the communicator.
How to fix ADT bf error code?
There are many possible reasons that cause this kind of error on your panel. Below we’ve listed a few suggestions on how to solve ADT error code bF or 6F.
No internet connection
If the communicator is unable to transmit signals, it means that the internet is down or is not stable. Sometimes the connection goes in and out or is not consistent, and that may cause the communicator to fail.
Internet outages are fairly common and they happen randomly (especially when there’s a storm or an overload). A power outage can also take your router offline and cause your keypad bF or Check 103 error.
Inspect the internet connection:
- Check if the internet works on your phone, open up some random websites or apps.
- Check if your router is powered on
- If the router is not responding, reboot it.
- Inspect the wires and check if anything is unplugged or loose.
- Contact your Internet Service Provider to ensure that there’s no outage in your area.
The cellular signal has problems
Alarm systems alose cellular communications to reach the central monitoring station. The back failure indicates that the system cannot communicate with the cellular tower.
Cellular communicators sometimes experience outages, or the service is down due to severe weather or network problems. Check the following suggestions:
- Check if the cellular signal works in your location
- Check if there’s any cellular outage in your area
- Inspect the panel and ensure no cable is loose or disconnected
If you’re using old cellular networks such as 2G or 3G, then you need to upgrade to an LTE communicator or newer than that. The old networks will be discontinued (in some areas they already are) and your system will fail to connect to the new protocols.
Problems with the system
Other causes for a bF or Check 103 error are due to issues such as tamper cover, a communicator not being properly registered, a loss of communication between the panel and the module, or power and battery troubles.
Also, the error will show up if your system is not activated in the first place. In this case, you need to have the installation company or the ADT to activate and register the system.
Another thing to consider, maybe your devices are faulty or have other hardware issues that you can’t fix. Sometimes the devices get shortened or overloaded, or other electrical issues that may render them beyond repair.
How to clear ADT bF or Check 103 error?
Even after the problem is fixed and acknowledged, the bF error will still be displayed on the screen. All you have to do is disarm and arm the alarm back and the error will go away.
You can acknowledge the error by providing a double disarm. Sometimes if you don’t disarm/arm twice, the error will continue to be displayed.
To disarm the system: enter your security master code followed by number 1, then master code again and 1 again. (So, [Master Code] + [1] + [Master Code] + [1]).
The error 6F will go away and the screen will be cleared. Either way, if you think the issue was not addressed properly, then you have to call the ADT and let them send a technician for help.
