Community Forums

emiddleb · 04-16-2015, 07:32 AM

Ok, I feel dumb, but need some help.

I have an Atwood water heater, model GCH10A-4E (10 gal, gas/electric) probably 2004 vintage (original with RV.)

Works fine on propane, won't heat on electric. Wall Red switch lights but water stays cold.

I've read that there is a reset switch for the electric side which will pop if too hot with no water in tank. I've been all over the heater, including the back side removing the cover where the electric element is located, but cannot locate the button or anything that looks like one.

I know it's possible the heating element has failed and I'll have to replace it, but wanted to try to find this switch first. Probably will get out the multimeter and check power etc but wanted to start with the simplest things first. Have checked 120v breakers etc.

Do only certain models/years have the ECO switch? Am I looking in the wrong spot? Or is it just too small/subtle that I'm missing it?

Thanks for any advice...

RV Wizard · 04-17-2015, 03:40 AM

The ECO is located under the black rubber pad about center of the water heater on the outside of coach access panel. It is a popout push to reset button.

emiddleb · 04-17-2015, 07:06 AM

Mike, thanks, I tried looking there but no button, just the two round inserts with 2 wires each going to them. No push button. Also did find the junction box on the back near the electric heating element, no button their either.

DancinCampers · 04-17-2015, 09:35 AM

Your water heater is wired differently that previous models. I would check the 12v relay on the back. This relay energizes the heating element when electric heat is selected.

phays · 04-17-2015, 06:11 PM

I have the GC10HA-3E but I believe yours is similar. The thermal cut off for the electric side of the heater is on the same side of the heater where the element is located. I promise

It is a very small button, perhaps only 1/8" or so in diameter.

If a reset is required, you need to figure out why the water heater over heated to cause the thermal cut off to activate.

shiggs68 · 04-17-2015, 07:41 PM

The model you have is a combo electronic. It only has one set of thermostats behind the rubber cover in the outside access. While an older version may have had a reset able ECO, I have never seen one on an Atwood water heater, only Suburban.

Here is a link to the service manual http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Atwoo...er-Service.pdf

phays · 04-18-2015, 05:27 AM

The second paragraph of the reference manual that shiggs68 points to states that in 2003 the switch, thermostat, and ECO were moved to the front of the water heater. However, earlier water heaters, including my Atwood, has those components on the back of the heater

emiddleb · 04-18-2015, 07:08 AM

Thanks for all the comments. I did remove the rubber panel on the front where the 4 wires connect, but no switch their either. I'm at the point of replacing the electric heating element and seeing if that solves the problem.

Samflhomes · 07-19-2015, 08:12 PM

Is there a happy ending here? I have same problem and I don't know what a rubber pad is at the front/ I am still trying to find cause of no 120Volt at a good element. I have a recent post describing in detail. The promise of a reset button is hopeful but I sure don't see it
mine is the Atwood combo model 4e

Sam

2004 national seabreeze