CAME ZLJ24 Fault Codes (Error Messages)
A practical UK guide to the ZLJ24 display error messages. Learn what each message means, why it happens, and what you can safely check without bypassing safety devices.
Informational guide. If a safety device is faulting or the gate behaves unpredictably, isolate power and arrange a professional repair.
Quick meaning (what the board is telling you)
Most ZLJ24 faults fall into 3 buckets.
Encoder / feedback faults
The board can’t confirm movement correctly.
- Broken encoder or wiring
- Water ingress / corrosion
- Gate resistance causing unstable feedback
Safety device faults
A safety input is open or a self-test fails.
- Photocells misaligned / blocked
- Safety edges damaged or wet
- NC/NO mismatch or cable break
Limits / time faults
The gate can’t reach an end position in time.
- End stop contacts not reading
- Working time too short
- Gate slow due to mechanical drag
All CAME ZLJ24 error messages
Meaning, common causes, and safe checks.
| Display message | Meaning | Most common causes | Safe checks (no bypassing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encoder - ERROR Error! | Encoder missing, broken, or incorrectly connected. The board cannot validate feedback. |
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| Error!1 Error!2 | Encoder error during calibration / learning cycle. The board cannot complete setup reliably. |
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| Safety d. test ERROR Safety test - ERROR | Safety device test failed (where configured). The board detects a malfunction or wrong connection. |
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| End stop - ERROR End stop ERROR | Malfunctioning end stop / limit contacts, or the board can’t detect end position correctly. |
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| Cycle time - ERROR Cycle time ERROR | Insufficient working time. The gate didn’t complete the manoeuvre in the allowed time (or it is travelling too slowly). |
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Safety - STOP
C1
C3
C4
C7
C8
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One of the safety circuits is open/triggered, malfunctioning, or wired incorrectly. |
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Diagnosis steps (do it in this order)
This is the quickest way to stop repeat faults.
1) Mechanical first
Most “electrical” errors are caused by a gate that doesn’t move freely.
- Manual release: move the gate by hand
- Check for stiff points, scraping, or drop at ends
- Inspect rollers/cantilever wheels for collapse
- Check racking alignment and pinch on pinion
2) Water ingress
Moisture causes corrosion and intermittent faults (the worst kind).
- Check cabinet seals and cable glands
- Inspect terminals for green/white corrosion
- Open nearby junction boxes (photocells/edges)
- Look for condensation marks on lid/transformer
3) Safety devices
Fix safety faults properly. Don’t mask them.
- Photocells: alignment + LED states
- Edges: physical condition + cable integrity
- Any new add-ons: intercom, GSM dialler, loops
- Never run with safety disabled
4) Encoder and limits
Calibration only works on a gate that runs smoothly.
- Check encoder wiring is secure and dry
- Check end stop devices/magnets are secure
- Repeated encoder errors often mean mechanical drag
- Don’t force “learn” cycles to complete
Safety and compliance (UK)
Automated gates are powered machinery. Safety faults must be taken seriously.
If a ZLJ24 message relates to photocells, safety edges, or safety circuits, the system must not be left operating with protection disabled. In the UK, automated gate systems are typically assessed and maintained in line with:
- Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
- PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
- BS EN 12453 and BS EN 12445 (safety in use / force testing principles)
- HSE guidance on powered gate safety
How to prevent repeat ZLJ24 faults
Most call-outs are predictable.
Keep it dry
- Correct cable glands and sealed lids
- Drainage and ducting done properly
- Junction boxes off the ground where possible
Service the mechanics
- Rollers/wheels checked for play
- Racking alignment and fixings checked
- Gate level and end positions verified
Test safety properly
- Photocell alignment and cleaning
- Edge integrity and cable condition
- Force/impact risk reviewed
Need a CAME engineer to resolve a ZLJ24 fault?
If the error repeats after a safe reset, the cause is usually wiring, safety devices, water ingress, or mechanical resistance. We’ll diagnose properly and fix the root cause.
For safety-related faults, keep the area clear until protective devices are confirmed operational.
FAQs
Fast answers that reduce repeat call-outs.
Why does the fault clear on reset, then come back later?
Because the underlying issue remains. Intermittent cable breaks, moisture, and mechanical drag often “come and go”. Fix the cause, not the message.
Can I bypass Safety - STOP or C1 / C3 / C4 / C7 / C8 to test movement?
No. Bridging inputs removes protection. It can cause injury and creates liability. Diagnose the safety devices and wiring instead.
Why do encoder faults often happen on sliding gates?
Because feedback becomes unstable when the gate binds. Worn rollers, racking pinch, or a gate that drops at end positions can trigger encoder errors even when the encoder itself is fine.
What usually causes Cycle time ERROR?
A gate travelling too slowly due to mechanical resistance, or working time set too short. Treat it as a mechanical inspection job first.
What information helps an engineer fix this fast?
Photo of the display message, photo of the inside terminals, close-ups of safety devices, and a note of when it happens: opening, closing, or during calibration.
Is it safe to keep using the gate if safety faults show?
No. If safety circuits are faulting, isolate power and arrange repair. Don’t let children near the gate until protection is restored.
Gate Repairer Ltd, provide expert gate repair, installation and servicing across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, including areas such as St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, Tring, Berkhamsted, Hatfield, Rickmansworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Harpenden, Broxbourne, Bedford, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Ampthill, Biggleswade, Sandy, Flitwick, Barton-le-Clay, Shefford, Harlington, Stotfold, Houghton Regis, Eaton Bray, Toddington, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham, Chesham, Buckingham, Princes Risborough, Wendover, Bletchley, Iver, Chalfont St Peter, Great Missenden, Warwick, Winslow, Oxford, Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, London and Didcot.