Community Forums

greatlakes · 03-01-2013, 06:29 AM

I had an issue with my water heater initially lighting but as soon as the igniter shut off the burner would go out. I practically dismantled the burn unit cleaning every part without a change. Pushed the reset button and still same problem. After speaking with the folks at the local RV center they assured me it was most likely the HW control circuit board. I would need to bring the rv in or my board in order to get the correct replacement. So I asked out of curiosity what the boards run and where it was located. He said it was prob going to be $150.
So as I crawled up into the lower bay to get access to the back of the heater I found the control board. However I noticed this red wire that was hanging lose nearby. Examined the board and noticed a terminal missing a connection. Concluded it must be where this red wire belongs.
Connected it and the tank blew up. No just kidding. Everything worked fine tank lit right up and worked great. Problem solved and saved $150.
So wanted to share just in case anyone else runs across similar problem. I was ready to just take it in to be fixed and had we not been camping and within walking distance of the RV center I probably would have. I would suspect they would have just changed the board and charged me parts and labor. So it pays sometimes to investigate even when your not sure what your looking for.
I'm not real familiar with RV appliances but i'm learning. Hope this helps someone.

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-01-2013, 06:49 AM

Thanks for posting that. I'm sure it will encourage others ( me ) to look for those things before spending the big bucks.
Cliff

HeapBigEngin · 03-01-2013, 09:16 AM

Thank you so much for posting this. I will definitely keep the info in my memory bank! Good stuffl....

Muddypaws · 03-01-2013, 09:31 AM

I've been an Rv'er for a long time and I've never had to replace a WH control board. Seen lots of loose connectors and dangling wires though.

Maybe they were giving you the worst case scenario?

chief02 · 03-01-2013, 09:42 AM

these terminal connections should be cleaned with a pencil eracer on occasion and reconnected firmiy and secured with a little electrical tape

greatlakes · 03-01-2013, 11:01 AM

Yes I was a bit surprised the board was just sorta lose and laying on the shelf next to the tank. Not secured in any way. I did clean up both terminals and then secured the board to the wall so its not bouncing around on the shelf.

Muddypaws · 03-01-2013, 03:21 PM

I've seen a couple of them secured with double sided tape. It probably held until we cleared the dealers driveway. If I remember right the boards have holes for mounting and I used a couple of small tie-wraps to secure the connector to the board and just let the silly thing hang off the side of the tank.