Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > RV SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FORUMS > RV Systems & Appliances
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-03-2013, 01:38 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 62
Atwood Water Heater won't re light

Hello all:

I have a 2003 Itasca Horizon 34 HD with an Atwood, electronic ignition water heater.

When I initially turn on the water heater from the switch inside the coach, it fires right up and heats as it should. Once the temp has been reached, and the water heater shuts off, the red "pilot light out" light on the switch inside the coach eliminates, which is not normal. When the water heater attempts to re light, it will not. The gas valve opens, but the igniter does not spark. It attempts twice, and then goes into shut down mode. If I go back inside the coach, shut the water heater completely off with the switch, and then turn back on, the water heater will light as it should, get back to temp, and then go through the same failure to light once again.

I have cleaned all the terminals, replaced the t stat and eco, and when burning, it burns perfectly. I fear it is the board.

Is there one who has experienced this particular problem and knows the solution? I will try calling Atwood on Monday, but am on a roll today!

Thanks for any assistance. John
jcwhitty is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 08-03-2013, 01:58 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
jerichorick's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Full-timer/volunteer w/SOWERS
Posts: 3,964
Hi John,

Tough problem. Have you set the point gap? This is a common problem. I hope you have the engine heater feature in your tank. Sometimes the valve won't always open. When you are starting the heater try to be at the valve to hear it open.

Check the heat exchange tube. If you have not cleaned it do so. Mud dobbers could cause a poor draft at ignition. Too much gas won't light correctly.
__________________
Rick & Melissa Young, 2011 Itasca Meridian 40U, Frtliner XCL, Cummins ISL 380HP/DEF, Allison 3000 MH, 2014 Honda CR-V, SMI AF1, Blue Ox, EEZ TPMS, TruCenter steering control
Servants On Wheels Ever Ready. Best job we ever paid to do . (full time volunteers)
jerichorick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 02:39 PM   #3
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 62
Thanks Rick....everything physically (mechanically) I have gone through. It burns like a champ, just won't relight because the igniter will not spark, but only under the conditions as stated above.

John.
jcwhitty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-03-2013, 03:55 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,232
First, you say it reaches temp then shuts off. You sure it's up to normal temp? You tell by testing for 12V on both sides of the thermostat and ECO.
If the gas valve opens, then the ECO is good. ECO open would kill 12V to valve.
If you're not sparking, I'd try the electrode. If that doesn't work, sounds like a board to me.
I think the reason that it cuts off is not due to temp being reached, but either board or electrode having a fit and not detecting flame anymore.
jesilvas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 03:48 AM   #5
Moderator Emeritus
 
RV Wizard's Avatar


 
Country Coach Owners Club
Appalachian Campers
Gulf Streamers Club
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.
Posts: 12,060
Try operation with the access door open. If it operates properly; you probably have a bad high tension igniter wire but you will have to replace the igniter as the wire is not replaceable.
__________________
Mike, RVIA & RVSA Certified Master RV Technician
Amy, Dr. Assistant - Roxie & Mei Ling, four legs each
2000 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser 450 hp & 1330# torque
06 Saturn Vue, 06 Chevy Z71 4x4 & 2014 Corvette Z51 M7
RV Wizard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 09:05 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
jerichorick's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Full-timer/volunteer w/SOWERS
Posts: 3,964
If you run your hot water till it is cool and you have no relight it does sound like a board. If a RV parts store or service center is available see if they have a board tester. That is the quickest way to find out. You seem to have touched all bases except for this test. No spark, no light. T-stat and ECO being new should rule them out unless they did not make good thermal contact with the tank or are factory defective. By chance do you have a fine crack in the ceramic insulators of the points? I have had this problem and the spark never made it to the gap.
__________________
Rick & Melissa Young, 2011 Itasca Meridian 40U, Frtliner XCL, Cummins ISL 380HP/DEF, Allison 3000 MH, 2014 Honda CR-V, SMI AF1, Blue Ox, EEZ TPMS, TruCenter steering control
Servants On Wheels Ever Ready. Best job we ever paid to do . (full time volunteers)
jerichorick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 10:24 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
jeepfreak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Home is where we park it
Posts: 463
Try sanding the electrode with either steel wool or sandpaper.
__________________
2007 Allegro 34wa .WH w20 8.1 6speed. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Toad.
jeepfreak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2013, 10:52 AM   #8
Junior Member
 
JohnGillott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: NY
Posts: 24
I have had a similar problem after winterization, I unplugged the connector to the board and rubbed over the connector with a lead pencil. Works every time over the last 2 years
__________________
John T Gillott
FMCA 431152
JohnGillott is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
atwood, heater, water, water heater



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:56 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.