Atwood Furnace Control Board Question

[Marinechamp]

I just bought a 2001 Chateau Class C RV. My old Atwood Furnace didn't work so I've spent a week trying to learning about it. It has an old standard ignitor board and a separate TDR. The TDR was bad so I replaced it. I also ordered a universal board that matched my model number. This new board has the TDR on it. It also has the Power & Blower terminals on it. When I wired it according to the dinosaur board instructions (using the red/orange jumper wires), it would not power on. I did hear a click on the board. I assume it was the TDR trying to switch. Then, I noticed the TDR part number crossed to a 9V relay. I'm running 12V. So, I left the board in place and rewired it back up to the external TDR. I no longer used the Power & Blower terminals on the new board. After shorting the thermostat wires again, it started right up, went through 3 cycles of trying to ignite, then turned off 120 seconds after I opened the thermostat wires. Just like it's supposed to work. So, can I use this new board even though I'm not using the P&B terminals or the internal TDR that's on it? Or am I probably asking for trouble somewhere down the line? Thanks in advance.

[Old-Biscuit]

Run it........it's working

[Marinechamp]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Run it........it's working

When I tested it again, the connector to the card was slipping on the slide connector and causing it to break contact and quit. There was a lot of play in the board and connector. I decided to take some solder and build up the runs on the old circuit board where pins 1,4 & 6 make contact just to make sure that wasn't the original problem instead of bad board. Now the connector is a tight fit. I put the old board back in and now it works like a charm. Maybe I'll keep the new board around for a spare or just return it for a refund. I can get them delivered in a day if I ever need one. Thanks for your help. This is actually a lot of fun learning these things and how they work.

[Old-Biscuit]

Thanks for the update and resolution......

Tight fitting connections are needed on these 'rolling earthquakes'

[Marinechamp]

I finally got it all put back together and installed back in the RV. Everything seems to be working as it's supposed to be. The prior owner said he never used the furnace in the 5 or more yrs he owned it. He always used a small space heater. So, this thing probably hasn't been used in several years. I tested it out a couple of times and let it run for 5-10 minutes each time. The smell coming out of the vents is terrible and almost unbearable to stay in it for more than 5 mins. Reminds me of the 1st time using my gas fireplace each year when winter comes, except 10 times worse. I'm assuming it's probably a build up of dust that's just been sitting there for years, but if it doesn't go away soon, there's no way we'll be able to stay in it longterm while the furnace is running. Are there any quick fixes on how to clean this thing out or do we just need to run it until everything is burnt off and the smell goes away? Thanks.

[Old-Biscuit]

Dust smell is not unusual on 1st few runs...........but should not be an unbearable smell and should go away

You have a dead mouse
Could be in the heat exchanger, furnace plenum or in a duct

[Marinechamp]

Wow. Never thought about that. I know where the ducts are, but where or what is the heat exchanger and furnace plenum? Is there an easy way to remove it if that's the case?