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07-28-2021, 02:34 PM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 64
M.O.C. #21742
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Suburban Water heater ignitor board troubles
Is there a way to trouble shoot the auto ignition board on the Suburban WH?
I can hear it sparking but the gas valve does not open to all the propane through.
The board shows no sign of burned or scorches on the board.
also wondering if I can test the gas valve by applying 12v directly from a battery after isolating the valve from the AI board.
Thanks
Knapper
Ok being the impatient type I isolated the gas valve and supplied it with a direct source of 12v. That worked proved the valve was opening and the WH ignited.
I tried to check the 12v supply at the board which shows the red to be POWER but i cant find voltage and any of the cable points that attach to the AI board.
anyone know where the 12v for the board comes from? I can't find any blown fuses.
thanks
k
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07-28-2021, 04:34 PM
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#3
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 64
M.O.C. #21742
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Thanks I will check out those sites.
when I isolated the valve and applied 12v to it it functioned normally.
I opened the valve and the WH fired right up. What I can't figure out is where does the AI board get it's 12v from. Maybe the help sites will give me a clue.
Thanks again
K
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07-28-2021, 05:17 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,654
M.O.C. #24086
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Behind your control panel on the back of the water heater switch is a 5A fuse.
If the fuse is good try pushing down hard into the holder. I had one back out on me.
Also I discovered by accident if the furnace fuse is out the water heater doesn't work.
2019 3130re.
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07-28-2021, 05:26 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 277
M.O.C. #24588
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The fact that you hear sparking taking place, confirms you have power to the board regardless of the fact you are unable to find the source. Looking for the source will not bring you closer to solving the issue. There are 2 other devices on the furnace which have to complete a series circuit. The control board has to see a current pathway completed via the sail switch and the high temperature cutoff, before it will activate the gas valve. Once those two devices internally close and complete the "safety" circuit, then and only then does the circuit board send 12 volts to the gas valve. Within moments of activating the gas valve, the control board seeks confirmation of ignition via a flame sensor. Use an ohm meter to check for continuity of the limit switch and the sail switch. Your problem most likely resides there. In the event the control board is determined to be the issue (most likely not), Dinosaur Electronics makes a preferred replacement. Happy hunting!
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07-29-2021, 07:57 AM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 64
M.O.C. #21742
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Thanks for the response FireStaion12.
The comment about the sail switch has me confused as I can't see anything that resembles a sail switch on my hot water heater.
I agree that I surely have 12v power to the board as the sparker works and can clearly be heard.
I can apply separate power to the gas valve and it opens and lets gas flow through. The sparker (igniter) will start the fire and the heater will function normally when I have opened the valve with separate power.
If I described this so it is understandable do you still think the problem is NOT the EMC board?
Thanks for you help
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07-29-2021, 11:07 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,323
M.O.C. #4831
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Quote:
Originally Posted by knapper42
Thanks for the response FireStaion12.
The comment about the sail switch has me confused as I can't see anything that resembles a sail switch on my hot water heater.
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I believe FireStation12 gave an answer for a furnace problem, not a water heater. Water heaters don't have sail switches.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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07-29-2021, 05:34 PM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 277
M.O.C. #24588
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl n Susan
I believe FireStation12 gave an answer for a furnace problem, not a water heater. Water heaters don't have sail switches.
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My number one pet peeve on this forum is people who don't read all the posts ACCURATELY before responding. Guilty as charged! Thanks Carl!
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06-04-2022, 01:33 PM
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#9
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New Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Idabel
Posts: 1
M.O.C. #31084
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So water heater has a fuse and furnace has a fuse on switch? Thx
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06-04-2022, 02:52 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,133
M.O.C. #6433
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I agree with firestation12 that you would not be getting a spark unless you had 12 vdc to the control board. You can use a 12 vdc test probe with pointed end to penetrate the wire to the solenoid and see if you get 12 vdc to the solenoid when the igniter sparks. If spark but no 12 vdc to solenoid then most likely bad board or wiring issue there somewhere.
Have someone start it while you test.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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