We built our house in 1986 and honestly can't remember the front door bell working properly. The chime should be a two chime bell, but it always seemed to make one sound and a humming sound, when it did work. Since we live in the "country", we rarely get visitors ringing the front bell so it wasn't a big deal.

I decided since I was painting the front hall, I would replace the door chime and outside button. I installed both pieces and although it is now consistent, the chime is still only one sound. When the button is activated, the front chime should make two sounds. What happens is the rod inside the door chime tries to go down to make the first sound but never touches to bottom bar. It makes a humming/moaning sound. It then releases and hits the top bar.

Some additional notes:

- We do not have a rear door bell.
- When I installed the new pieces, I also cut the wires and stripped new ends just in case.
- The only thing I did not change was the transformer.

The new chime says the transformer must be 16VAC 10VA. I checked the transformer in the basement and it has markings that say 16 Volts and 10VA.

I guess I should change the transformer also. Are there any other things to look for?

Thanks

 

Where your wires go into the chime itself, is it wired to the "front" terminals? May be elementary, but I had to ask. The "rear" connections don't allow the second chime to hit.

 

I thought of that also and it's wired properly. Also, my wife watched it when I pushed the button and the two sound side activates. Apparently the rear chime is a single sound with a piece of foam preventing two sounds.

I read on another site that when you only get one sound instead of two, it could mean the transformer is either undersized or bad since it doesn't have the power to move the sound rod all the way down.

Thanks

 

Usually transformers are working or not working. Most of the older transformers were closer to 10 vac while the newer ones are 16vac+. I'd change the transformer for a 16vac 15va or larger one.

 

If the transformer is original, it wouldn't hurt to replace it. I think the new ones are 17 volts, which may work better. Some newer have the capability of 24 volts as well.

 

I went to HD and purchased a new transformer. They only had 16VAC 10VA, which is what I had, but I figured mine was 29 years old. I replaced the transformer and it works "better", but it still does not consistently work as expected (two tones when it rings).

 

If you have an older chime unit..... try cleaning the two note plunger with lighter fluid only. With age they can get a coating of dust and grease from the air. Don't use any type of oil.

 

I have had some success with rubbing alcohol and a Q-Tip. You might need a new chime unit.