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DurhamDave · 05-24-2022, 07:06 AM

hi friends -- I have an 2019 Escape with a Suburban sw6de water heater -- it was worked flawlessly for over 3 years, then stopped igniting (worked fine in the morning, and a few hours later stopped). Replaced thermocouple, no change. The trailer was in the middle of a 2-week trip, so I doubt spider webs. Any ideas? Is this a "replace the motherboard" moment? If so, how does one get to the board?

MANY thanks --

DurhamDave

Old-Biscuit · 05-24-2022, 11:56 AM

Howdy.......
Sorry you are having issues with getting HOT water

Your Suburban sw6de does not have a 'thermocople'
It has a Spark Electrode that provides High Voltage for Ignition AND return pathway for the Flame proving Signal
*Large Orange wire

But first let's check a few basics
When on Propane do you get Spark (CLICK, CLICK, CLICK) and gas valve open??
And Flame at all?

Do you have AC Power......
Does water heater work on AC/Heats water OK?

Propane uses 12VDC
With GAS Switch ON.....check that you have DC to/thru the set of T-stats
*Located above the Gas Valve ----under the 'Push To Reset' cover
*Right set Red wire is the 12VDC t-stats for GAS
Top is the HI Temp T-stat...Push to Reset when it trips (170*F)
Wire goes down from HI Temp to Normal Temp T-stat (Opens at 130*F)
*Wire can melt if amp draw too high

IF you have to Reset the HI temp then it is time to replace the SET cause the Normal T-stat Failed

If Hi is not tripped and wire is intact then issue COULD be with the Circuit Board

Circuit Board is on the BACKSIDE of WH Tank...or adjacent wall

Here is the 12VDC Wiring for your water heater GAS circuit

DurhamDave · 05-25-2022, 06:15 AM

MANY thanks for this informative note!!

Dave

TXiceman · 05-25-2022, 07:40 AM

In addition, normal yearly maintenance for the Surburban water heater, you need to drain and flush the tank annually. You also need to replace the Anode rod.

Ken

DurhamDave · 06-07-2022, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Howdy.......
Sorry you are having issues with getting HOT water

Your Suburban sw6de does not have a 'thermocople'
It has a Spark Electrode that provides High Voltage for Ignition AND return pathway for the Flame proving Signal
*Large Orange wire

But first let's check a few basics
When on Propane do you get Spark (CLICK, CLICK, CLICK) and gas valve open??
And Flame at all?

Do you have AC Power......
Does water heater work on AC/Heats water OK?

Propane uses 12VDC
With GAS Switch ON.....check that you have DC to/thru the set of T-stats
*Located above the Gas Valve ----under the 'Push To Reset' cover
*Right set Red wire is the 12VDC t-stats for GAS
Top is the HI Temp T-stat...Push to Reset when it trips (170*F)
Wire goes down from HI Temp to Normal Temp T-stat (Opens at 130*F)
*Wire can melt if amp draw too high

IF you have to Reset the HI temp then it is time to replace the SET cause the Normal T-stat Failed

If Hi is not tripped and wire is intact then issue COULD be with the Circuit Board

Circuit Board is on the BACKSIDE of WH Tank...or adjacent wall

Here is the 12VDC Wiring for your water heater GAS circuit

Late last week, I had a friend (many years servicing home systems) come to look with me at the SUburban. We immediately realized that I had done a poor job re the new spark electrode,need to pull back that rubber cap to make sure you get a solid connection. After that, we inspected the motherboard, took a pencil eraser to clean the small row of surface "points" (not sure what they are called) -- they all had a teeny bit of grime. Those two steps resulted in a fully functioning gas water heater! Woohoo!

Dave

Old-Biscuit · 06-07-2022, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DurhamDave

Late last week, I had a friend (many years servicing home systems) come to look with me at the SUburban. We immediately realized that I had done a poor job re the new spark electrode,need to pull back that rubber cap to make sure you get a solid connection. After that, we inspected the motherboard, took a pencil eraser to clean the small row of surface "points" (not sure what they are called) -- they all had a teeny bit of grime. Those two steps resulted in a fully functioning gas water heater! Woohoo!

Dave

Thanks for the Update and resolution(s)

Free fixes are priceless!

Good Job!