Debug one facet

Use this focused procedure when the result list works but one filter is empty, mislabelled, or returns the wrong items.

1. Identify the exact facet

Open Settings → POM Theme → Content model → Faceted search, select Edit facets, and compare the generated Facet ID with the ID in Faceted Search Facet.

If they differ, update the builder element before changing data.

2. Check the source

Confirm both parts of Source:

• the source family is correct;
• the key is the registered taxonomy slug, exact meta key, supported post field, fixed post-type key, WooCommerce key, or location configuration expected by the content.

Inspect several published objects, including one that should match and one that should not. Visible field labels are not reliable source keys.

3. Check selection logic

Review:

• Operator: OR matches any chosen value; AND requires all;
• Selection mode: Include keeps matches; Exclude removes them;
• included or excluded term restrictions;
• Zero-count choices and ghost settings;
• whether the facet’s Enabled toggle is active.

Not empty always behaves as an include-style presence check.

4. Rebuild the context

Select Save facets, return to the context list, and run Reindex context. Wait for completion, then reload the public page without an old filtered query string.

5. Isolate the interaction

Test the facet alone. Then add one other facet. If it works alone but not in combination, inspect the other facet’s operator, selection mode, and current URL state.

For a numeric or date facet, verify that stored values use a consistent parseable format. For location facets, verify coordinate ranges and the configured adapter.

Expected outcome

The facet displays choices derived from the intended field, counts reflect the current result set, and selecting a choice changes both the cards and URL.

If the whole result instance fails rather than one facet, use Faceted Search troubleshooting.