Atwood water heater won't stay lit

Uneasy rver · 04-10-2016, 11:10 PM

Hey folks, Here is my issue. I have a 2016 Ace 29.2. Been on road for a month a half. This afternoon hot water heater won't stay lit. Stays on sometimes for 3-5 minutes sometimes 30 seconds. It has electronic ignition. Atwood manual not helpful. Winds is blowing @ 20 mph. I have blocked the wind around the vent and it still goes out. Most threads I have read say it is not the wind. Any help appreciated.

brianh442 · 04-11-2016, 12:09 AM

Is it powered by LP alone or can you use 110 to power it?
If so, try switching power sources.

Next, if it is only LP powered, is your LP tank full?

If the tank is not empty, can you run other LP appliances normally? Stove, coach heater etc.

Maybe shut LP off, turn on stove and allow line to empty. Turn off all LP appliances, wait approx 5-10 min, turn LP back on, allow line to pressurize, 3-5 min and try again!

This is what I typically do if I have an issue with LP appliances.

Hope it helps

Uneasy rver · 04-11-2016, 12:48 AM

Tank full. Will give your suggestion a try. Thanks you

Uneasy rver · 04-11-2016, 01:02 AM

Unfortunately it did not work. Stove works fine. Now I don't even hear it attempting to light.

**EA37TS** · 04-11-2016, 11:22 AM

Have you tried by-passing the thermal cut off on the outside of the water heater. This is one of the most common causes of a water heater failing to ignite and a new thermal cutoff is relatively cheap and usually available at most RV parts stores.

This link will show you what you are looking for. To test it just remove the one installed from the water heater cable and then plug the wire back into the heater and see if it lights.

Amazon.com: Atwood 93866 Water Heater Thermal Cut-Off Kit: Automotive

The part is a cheap addition to the spare parts box.

Uneasy rver · 04-11-2016, 11:57 AM

I have not tried this. It is still under warranty and I hoping that I can get it fixed as soon as I get near RV repair. Thank you both for the help.

**EA37TS** · 04-11-2016, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uneasy rver

I have not tried this. It is still under warranty and I hoping that I can get it fixed as soon as I get near RV repair. Thank you both for the help.

Testing the thermal cut off is easy. Open the outside of the water heater and remove the cutoff from the wire. Plug the wire into the water heater and see if it ignites. In less than a minute you will know if that is the issue. In my case the cost of the part is less than the gas required to drive to the dealer.

Uneasy rver · 04-13-2016, 12:44 AM

Thanks for the specific instructions Dave. I need that! I have been in Big Bend natl park with no cell service. I come up to the store once a day to read email. I tried the WAter heater this am and it started for about 30 secs and went out. After this, next attempts it wouldn't even spark. Bypassed the thermal cutoff and it still didn't spark. Thanks for the suggestions and keepem coming! Going back into the wild and will check in again tomorrow.

Uneasy rver · 04-16-2016, 02:33 PM

Finally fixed it! Went to Carlsbad RV Repair Service in New Mexico. Mike and Vicki were super nice and helpful. The circuit board was bad causing spark not to fire for LP. Also negative wire fried behind tank prohibiting the electric from working. Both fixed and covered by Good Sam warranty. (Atwood wouldn't cover because I am not original owner even though RV is 2016 w/ 5k miles.) Overall a success. Back on road with hot water. Thank you Dave and Brian for your help. Uneasy rver out.

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