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Topic: Water Heater Dead? (Read 375 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water Heater Dead?
LD newb here. Just opened up for next weeks SELD rally and the water heater wont start. This is my first time trying anything as we just bought the rig in Nov and its been winterized since. Seems like everything is hooked up ok - water is in the heater tank - but when i try and start it nothing happens. No clicking, no pilot. Checked circuits with a friend and he doesnt think theres any power at all reaching the unit. Might there be a hidden fuse or something I’m missing? Thanks in advance for any direction.
- Chris
Chris - 2001 MB

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #1
The water heater's circuit is protected by a fuse in the Power Center's 12-volt side.
There is an indicator light next to the water heater's power switch, is it illuminated when the heater is turned on?

You can check for power at the water heater with a 12-volt test light or a voltmeter.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #2
Larry … if the water heater was drained as part of winterization process and not filled again, will that cause an empty water heater to not work?

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #3
if the water heater was drained as part of the winterization process and not filled again, will that cause an empty water heater to not work?

I can see no reason why the water heater's burner wouldn't start with an empty tank, the control board has no way of sensing if the tank is filled. Once the burner fires up, it should cycle off much quicker than with a filled tank.
The thermostat is attached to the tank's aluminum shell, once heated to its setpoint, the thermostat should shut off the gas valve, eliminating the flame.
 
Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #4
The green indicator light does turn on when the WH switch is pressed. The red diode never lights. We did check for power at the WH with a voltmeter and got nothing.  I looked at the fuse diagram on the power center but didnt see anything labelled for the Water Heater. Is it shared with something else?

Oh, the tank is not empty.

Hang on, just found the fuse in the owners manual diagram. Ill check that and report back. Thanks for your help Larry.

Checked the fuse in the 12v center. It looks fine. Replaced it but still no luck.
Chris - 2001 MB

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #5
I am sure you made sure the propane valve is opened all the way. Test a burner on the stove.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #6
Yes, did that. Propane is flowing and the range works fine.
Chris - 2001 MB

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #7
Yes, did that. Propane is flowing and the range works fine.
We’ll Chris … there’s only one thing I can say and that’s DANG!   This issue is one of those under reported joys of RVing.  Below is my recent joyful RV experience.  🤔

Hope you find a solution sooner rather than later. 

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #8
Yes, did that. Propane is flowing and the range works fine.
Check fuse panel #8 fuse. This 7.5A fuse controls water heater 12v circuit in our 04 MB model. Yours could be different but there should be a fuse controls the water heater circuits.
2004 Mid Bath,
2007 Jeep Liberty Towed

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #9

Chris, this is probably obvious, but don't trust a visual inspection of a fuse. Check it with an ohmmeter. Ideally, wipe its legs with contact cleaner before replacing it, in case the contacts in the fuse holder are oxidized.

Other suggestions:

The Lazy Daze manual could be wrong about which fuse protects the water heater. Check all the fuses.

Check the thermal cutout--see this page for details. It's a twenty-dollar part that can stop your water heater from operating.

It's possible that the controller board has failed. If so, replace it with a Dinosaur board (about $125). These are better engineered and constructed than the original manufacturer's boards. I believe you need their model UIB-64, but double-check with them before ordering.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

 
Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #10
The Controller Board failed on our 2017.  Once replaced, it works like a charm.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB


Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #12

Check the Thermal-Cut-Off, It's a twenty-dollar part that can stop your water heater from operating.

It's possible that the controller board has failed. If so, replace it with a Dinosaur board(about $125). These are better engineered and constructed than the original manufacturer's boards.

Besides the thermal cut-off, check the thermostat for continuity. Remove and replace any push-on electrical plug.
A non-conductive fuse, thermostat, or corroded push-on connector will prevent the water heaters' burner from lighting.

Bad control boards are less common but do occur.
Years ago I replace both the refrigerator's and water heater's control boards with Dinosaur boards and carry them spares, along with spare thermostats and thermal fuses.
All have been loaned out at GTGs to someone with an inoperative refrigerator or water heater.
It's a good way to make friends.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #13
"Remove and replace any push-on electrical plug."

Yes, that's important, especially as those connections are all in an exterior compartment with lots of vents. It's easy for moisture to get in there and corrode things.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #14
And fixed. Wire cut while removing the ceiling to track down leaks. That will be another topic when we finally go to replace. Thanks for everyone’s support and ideas.
Chris - 2001 MB

Re: Water Heater Dead?
Reply #15
Ross, did you replace the board with stock, or Dinosaur upgrade?

We replaced it with a board the Mothership sent us.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB