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Topic: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater (Read 16 times) previous topic - next topic
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Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Yahoo Message Number: 147956
Water heater worked fine when I tested everything on Sunday.  But upon arrival in the woods on Monday, I switched it on and get only the red and green light (red comes on right away, with no delay).  Standing outside while wife turns switch, there's no clicking sound -- or anything else.I tried removing and reinstalling fuse #8, which must be good since it also controls the display panel leds.  There's plenty of propane the the range and reefer both work fine.  Battery voltage is strong 12.8 volts but, just in case, I also tried turning it on with the genset running and with the engine running, with same disappointing results. Manual says the unit can be "reset" by temporaily disconnecting the red ECO wire.  This had no effect.  This is a 14 year old unit, but it got a good maintenance workup by Mike at the Balloon Rest 3 years ago.  It's been reliable up to now. So LWALD buddies, any ideas for troubleshooting in the field.  This is obviously not a major crisis, we can still boil water as needed.  But I figure it's worth sending the query out there. Thanks in advance   /noel/
Re: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147957
Bad connections on the various plugs is the major cause of problem, other than dead electronics.
Carefully remove each plug, clean the connection if you can and replace, giving it a good wiggle.
Butter the contacts with a little dielectric grease, if you have some.
If you have a multimeter, some of the electrical components can tested (fusible link, thermostat).

Larry

Enjoying our first rainy day in a very long time,
in the San Juan Islands
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: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147962
I had almost the exact same water heater problem earlier in the year. Mine was intermittent. If it failed to start with the green and red lights lit up sometimes I could turn off, then on and the red light would go away. You could hear water heater start after red light went out. It turned out to be a bad igniter board, around a $100 bucks and she has been trouble free since.

Bob 01 23.5 TK, Jeep Cherokee toad, Honda 90 Tagalong Bodie, CA. Ghost town for a few...
Re: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147963
Check the thermal cut-off device (not to be confused with the ECO) for charring. See this Eureka page of water heater tips for details.

Andy Baird

Travels with Andy
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147965
I had the same trouble and finally gave in and took it to CW. They quickly diagnosed and resolved the problem - a bad control board. It was worth the expense to have reliable hot water again without the fear of screwing it up myself. I am not a plumber or electrician. Don't mess with gas appliances.

Todd '99 RB and '02 HOnda CRV
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147966
Noel, the responses seem good.  It is almost certainly either dirty contacts, a bad thermocouple or a bad circuit board.  The thermocouple and the bad circuit board are both a hassle and take time and parts.  There are several ways to work on the contacts.  I will describe them.

1) Remove the connectors and use a Q-Tip with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the terminal ends on both the circuit board and wire.  When dry, re-connect and try it.

2) Remove the connectors.  Take a clean pencil eraser and polish the circuit board connectors.  Re-connect and try it.

3) Get terminal cleaner or De-Oxit from someplace like Radio Shack.  Use it to clean both the board and wire connectors.  Reconnect and try.

When re-connecting, don't just plug it in.  Use a wiggling motion to work the contacts.
 Good luck - been there.  Mine was a bad board.  I replaced it with a dinosaur board and have had no troubles since.
 Preventive maintenance for the future - Once a year, unplug the connectors and give them a shot with de-oxit, then re-connect.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147967
Ken's advice is excellent. Larry's advice to use Di-Electric Grease is excellent also.
 Pay special attention to the long connector to the circuit board. Remember, all of the electrical connections in our motor homes are constantly undergoing earthquake-like conditions.
 If you do end up needing a new circuit board, the Dinosaur board is an excellent choice. Make sure to order the cover and the mounting plate for it too!
 Dinosaur Electronics 2TABMOUNTK Tab Mounting Kit

Amazon.com: Dinosaur Electronics (UIB S) Small Universal Ignitor Board: Automotive

Kevin
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Kevin Lindsay
2000 Lazy Daze 30 IB
Re: Help Troubleshooting Atwood Water Heater
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 147971
Thanks for all the great advice.  I'll try some of these tomorrow.  Multimeter testing indicates the thermal cutout is okay.  If contact cleaning doesn't work, I can order a dino board when we return home next week.   /noel/