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Old 08-16-2022, 07:51 AM   #1
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Atwood furnace low voltage issue

We've had some instances of our Atwood 8535-IV-DCLP not lighting when the batteries have been low. The blower runs, I can hear the gas valve opening and I think I hear the igniter clicking, but no burner light. I understand the furnace won't function properly at very low battery voltage, but I thought it would work down to maybe 11.0V or even lower, but our issue was with a battery voltage of 12.0 and 12.1 volts. Anything above that it works fine. I have cleaned all accessible terminal connections.

My question is this: What component of the furnace is voltage-critical, that I should try replacing? Or might the problem be unrelated to voltage and just a coincidence?

Thanks.

Jim


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Old 08-16-2022, 08:09 AM   #2
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If the blower doesn't run fast enough the sail switch might not engage. Could be a little sticky or just designed to not work under low voltage. You can burn up the heater if the blower doesn't pass enough air to cool it.
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Old 08-16-2022, 08:15 AM   #3
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All of the furnace controls are voltage sensitive. However, as you pointed out 12.0 volts is not considered low voltage on a 12 volt RV system.

Common failures due to normal but lower voltage:
Gas valve coil is defective
Ground connection back to battery is corroded or loose. (check voltage at furnace)
Positive to fuse panel is corroded or loose (check voltage at furnace)
Fuse is failing slowly (check voltage at furnace)
Control board is defective
Spark igniter/ heat sensor is defective
Spark coil is defective
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Old 08-16-2022, 08:18 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shootist View Post
If the blower doesn't run fast enough the sail switch might not engage. Could be a little sticky or just designed to not work under low voltage. You can burn up the heater if the blower doesn't pass enough air to cool it.
Gas valve will not open unless sail switch makes.
Spark igniter will not spark unless sail switch makes.
Burner will not light if above two are not working so heater will not burn up.
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Old 08-16-2022, 02:05 PM   #5
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Specs call for DC Voltage of 10.5V to 13.5V

Low voltage=low motor rpm=low airflow/speed=sail switch not STAYING closed
Could be fluttering...closing/opening/closing etc
Just a small micro switch

Limit Switch is Normally Closed and trips open at 190*F to prevent overheating of heat exchanger

Circuit board just receives DC Voltage and directs it to gas valve spark electrode
**Dirty/loose contacts-connections can cause drop in voltage

2002 vintage could use a good cleaning
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Old 08-17-2022, 07:20 AM   #6
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Good advice posted above!

Possible issues:
Low gas pressure
Obstructed burner tube (nests, spider web, dead critters)
Gas jet obstructed
Corroded burner parts
Gas valve not opening fully
Igniter corroded, bent, obstructed

Look for spark
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