Editing Openai/681ff321-b350-8005-836e-b02aaee287ee (section)

=== Assistant: Got it—those are electronic sensor-based Rule pumps, likely with integrated automatic switching like the Rule-Mate seri… ===
Got it—those are electronic sensor-based Rule pumps, likely with integrated automatic switching (like the Rule-Mate series or similar), which use solid-state sensors instead of mechanical floats.

That narrows down the possible causes:

===== 1. Sensor fouling or biofilm - If there's any slime, oil, or sediment on the sensor body, the water detection can fail. Even a thin layer of grime can prevent proper conductivity. =====
# Low voltage at the pump - These sensors can be sensitive to voltage drop. If your battery voltage is slightly low or if there's corrosion in the wiring, the auto function might not trigger even though the motor runs fine on manual.
# Stuck in "off" logic - Some electronic pumps will "lock out" after failing a few times or detecting air bubbles or rapid cycling. Power-cycling the pump (disconnecting and reconnecting 12V power) can reset this.
# Sensor not submerged deep enough - If the hull angle or sensor placement causes the sensor to barely graze the water surface, it might not detect properly. These sensors typically require about 2" of standing water to engage reliably.
# Internal sensor failure - It’s not common, but they can go bad without affecting the manual mode, since that bypasses the sensor logic.

===== - Pour ~2–3" of water around the pump to confirm if it auto-activates. =====
* If it doesn't, clean the pump and sensor area with vinegar and water or mild soap, and rinse.
* Still nothing? Pull the pump’s inline fuse or disconnect the power for 10 seconds to reset.
* If auto mode remains dead but manual still works, that’s a strong sign the sensor module has failed and the pump needs replacement.

Would you like me to spec out a drop-in replacement or one with a separate, external sensor for easier serviceability?