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jornvango's avatar
jornvango
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2017

Furnace not working

After a long and hot summer, we camped in the mountains last week and wanted to turn on our furnace heater at night. The thermostat clicked but the furnace didn't turn on: the fan didn't start.

Other gas appliances like the fridge and stove work fine on 12V.

I used a multimeter to check all fuses but all seem to be ok. There is no labeling so I don't know which fuse is for the furnace.

Before I call an RV mechanic to come out, is there something else you recommend I check to troubleshoot?

Thank you, Jorn

10 Replies

  • smthbros's avatar
    smthbros
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2017
    Perhaps you reset the flame rollout switch. If so, you should probably verify the integrity of the heat exchanger.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 18, 2017
    No, the circuit breakers are normally a small push button.
    It could be a safety switch for when maintenance is being done.
  • jornvango's avatar
    jornvango
    Explorer II
    Sep 17, 2017
    I opened the interior furnace vent and noticed an Off / On-reset button. It was Off. I turned it on and the furnace works again.

    Any idea why this button would be Off? It requires a screw driver to open so it's definitely not something I turned Off. Perhaps an RV mechanic when he installed solar a few months ago for whatever reason?

    It's an Atwood furnace. Is this the circuit breaker mentioned in an comment above?
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Sep 16, 2017
    Have you tried using furnace when connected to shore power? Furnace fan won't start up if you have low batteries.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 16, 2017
    Ignitor will not "click" if the fan is not running. Fan must close sail switch before ignitor will work.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Sep 16, 2017
    wiggle some wires on heater when you hear it clicking, might be just a loose wire.
    X2
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 16, 2017
    Verify that the on/off switch on the thermostat is on. If equipped.
    Fan should start as soon as the thermostat calls for heat.
    Make and model of thermostat and furnace?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Sep 15, 2017
    You said the fan did not even start......

    On an Atwood furnace, of you go outside and remove the access cover you will see a switch atop the blower housing. it is really a circuit breaker, Cycle it.

    On the control board is an LED if it is flashing count the flashes and pattern and post.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2017
    My thoughts, On the surface of your post
    Fuses... OK
    T-stat...OK

    And Propane is making the trip to furnace?

    ...wiggle some wires on heater when you hear it clicking, might be just a loose wire.

    Then if no help...get out the manual and go through trouble shooting check list.

    Then RV mechanic

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