E3 fireplace error code

[Rough Rider]

After 8 years the fireplace in my 2015 Journey 42e came up with an E3 error code which indicates that it has overheated. The fix is quite simple, but involves removing the two trim pieces on both sides of the unit to expose 6 phillips head mounting screws. Remove them, slide the fireplace unit out and unplug it for about 5 minutes. Replug and it is reset.

Be sure to remove the brads that Winnebago uses. I used command hook hook and loop strips to remount the trim. My unit is a Twin-Star Industries model. 25EF023GRA

[JPO1980]

Thanks for the tip on the fireplace. I might need it if I ever get a FP in my next MH.

Just teasing a little.

We bought a new to us 06 Journey in 2015.

Quite an upgrade from our previous 1986 Georgie Boy Class C.

But I have to say I never had a problem with the Georgie Boy regarding slides, auto leveling, flat screen TV, convection oven, heat pump, washer/drier, sleep number bed, 6 way power seats, electric powered convertible bed, sleep number matress, diesel filters/maintenance, or in motion satellite TV.

Why?

Didn't have any of that stuff.

Really haven't had a problem with most of the above yet( and no problem with the FP- see above), but we wouldn't want to go back to our previous coach.

[Americanrascal]

Our Twin Star switch and apparently control panel gave up on us a few weeks ago. The remote worked but not the pressure switches on the front. I ordered and installed a new outer pressure switch panel thinking it was the culprit that would not allow us to manually start the fireplace with finger pressure. In spite of giving them the correct model number for the replacement part they sent something similar but not an exact match that once installed would not work. The parts were on the "pricey side" for a minor piece of plastic. Even worse the tiny screws and access to the switch were not compatible with my fat fingers making for a frustrating attempted repair.

Next we were working on something else inside the rig last week when we turned around and noticed the fireplace coming on and going off by itself while in the off setting. Well that was not going to be tolerated!

Rather than an ongoing effort to diagnose by continually removing old parts, then buying and replacing with new parts, I found a really good match for our fireplace "hole" and power requirements on Amazon- about $150. A day later we had the new fireplace and the surprisingly easy installation took less than 10 minutes to unscrew the 4 mounting screws on the side flange , pull the old unit out, plug in the new unit, screw in the new mounting flanges and pop the trim on. Works great, looks better than the original, and glad we swapped out the entire unit!

[Almost There]

This might be a dumb question but if the fireplace only uses 110V power and 12V is not required for the controls wouldn’t you accomplish the same thing by turning off the breaker for the required time?
Sure would be less involved than removing trim and all those mounting screws.
Just wondering?

[Americanrascal]

Originally Posted by Almost There

This might be a dumb question but if the fireplace only uses 110V power and 12V is not required for the controls wouldn’t you accomplish the same thing by turning off the breaker for the required time?
Sure would be less involved than removing trim and all those mounting screws.
Just wondering?

Well there are a couple of factors there. Actually its a good question!

1st I really like to have everything in the rig working like its supposed to. (I am weird about that LOL) We use this fireplace daily when in the rig during cool months for its fantastic heating capability.

Second there are numerous features on the control panel we utilize- i.e. temperature, time setting, flame type and others we like. We could get nothing to work properly on the switch panel- only on the remote which always seems to be lost.

Third - when it started coming on and shutting off by itself that spooked us and told us something on the control board and switch electronics were really messed up. I sensed some electrical danger lurking with the way it acted. Attempting to access the VERY tight areas for the control switches and control board was miserable. My fat fingers were not meant to attempt to make repairs in that area!

Finally and the biggest reason- on our rig getting to the breaker panel is simply horrid. With slides in, one has to get down on the floor, crawl into a restricted space under the bed at the rear (opposite end) of the rig, open a very tight panel, get a flashlight to search for the breaker. Then somehow retrieve your body from the gruesome position. I only use breakers only when I have to!

Removing the trim was exceptional easy. A slight gentle pry with a sharp putty knife and the whole trim panel popped right off intact. It popped back on with the gently pop from the heel of my hand. Mounting screws were nothing to remove on the flange with the electric screw driver. It really took me less than 10 minutes to do a complete removal and to install the new fireplace. The hardest part of the whole deal was throwing the old fireplace into and over the top of the county dumpster.

Its a very easy replacement and what's neat is we like the new one better than the original.

[Rough Rider]

Originally Posted by Almost There

This might be a dumb question but if the fireplace only uses 110V power and 12V is not required for the controls wouldn’t you accomplish the same thing by turning off the breaker for the required time?
Sure would be less involved than removing trim and all those mounting screws.
Just wondering?

I tried that first but it did not correct the problem. I’m not an electronics/electrical savvy person so I can’t give you a good reason for having to unplug the unit, but that is the recommended fix in the lititure that I found, and that fixed my problem.

[Almost There]

Americanrascal- absolutely had to do what you did, you have to do all that work for a re and re.

Rough Rider - Thanks for your reply, glad it worked for you but for the life of me I still can’t figure out why it wouldn’t do the same thing if the the breaker was turned off.

Anyway, have a great day everyone.