Hot Water Heater Issue

SQLShaw · 01-03-2013, 08:25 AM

So right off the bat, please understand that I know very little about this.

I have a 2012 Alpine 3555 RL. Our water heater for the last month or so has been having small issues, things like the gas not kicking on and I have to go reset it.

This AM I woke up and when I tried to reset the gas, I did not hear the ignighter do the click thing that it does. I looked at the manual and it indicates that I need to reset it. I turned off the gas switch, then went outside, turned off the eletric switch. Pushed the 2 black rubber reset buttons. Waitied 5, then turned on eletric, and then Gas. No luck...

No the hot water heater is not coming on at all. I do have propane, the stove and furnace work. When I turn on the hot water in the rig, the water comes out, just cold.

** Edit ** It is a Suburban Water heater

Any Ideas?

**JRTJH** · 01-03-2013, 08:53 AM

Check the 12 VDC fuses. It sounds like the HWH is not getting power to the igniter circuit.

SAABDOCTOR · 01-03-2013, 09:23 AM

I have to agree with john. Check the 12volt fuses. but if you find one that is blown. please resist the urge to put one in with a higher amp rating. if the fuse pops again and you are not comfortable with electrical work call the proper service repair!

SQLShaw · 01-03-2013, 07:28 PM

Thanks, I looked in the fuse box, the switch for the Hot Water Heater was on, I reset it anyway. No luck. I also pulled the LP fuse, not sure if that has anything to do with it. But it was good. A 15.

Thanks,
Chris

SAABDOCTOR · 01-04-2013, 09:16 AM

ok lets try this. on the switch inside the camper. can you remove it? and see if you have a bad switch. ie put the 2wires together if is starts you have a bad switch. if you have a volt ohm meter see if you have power to the switch if not... happy hunting good luck

when you do this unplug the camper from shore power so there is no chance of a shock fron 120vac.

SQLShaw · 01-04-2013, 09:20 AM

I think I have both a meter and the ability to remove the switch, I am going to try it now. Thanks for the assistance, not sure if the better half is going to be all that happy with me if I don't get this corrected soon.

SQLShaw · 01-04-2013, 09:32 AM

I have a voltage meter, it goes from 120V to 480V would that register? I was not able to get any reading on that meter, but I am not sure I am using the right thing. A couple other questions or pieces of info for you, not sure if this helps at all.

There has only been a couple times when the eletric portion of this has heated the water enough to be used. Does that sound normal that the gas is really need to get the water hot, and the eletric will only get it a little warm?

SQLShaw · 01-04-2013, 10:02 AM

I was able to find another meter that gave me the ability to to see there is a current on it. I pulled the wires off the switch and put them together, it did not start the sparker at all.

Thanks

SAABDOCTOR · 01-04-2013, 10:44 AM

SO you have power to the switch and outof the switch. i do not have a wiring diagram at work. but if you have one it should give you the color of the wire that comes from the switch to power up the igniter. with the switch on you should have power to the ignitor if you do you may want to call a repairman. unless steve or john can help out! good luck

SQLShaw · 01-04-2013, 12:24 PM

RV guy was able to come look at it, he said it looks like a circut board issue.

I will follow up and let everyone know for sure.

** Follow up... It was the circut board, Thanks for your help..

fla-gypsy · 01-04-2013, 09:55 PM

Glad you got it working. For the most part WH's are not troublesome. Looks like you were the (un)lucky ones.

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