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howardwheeler's avatar
howardwheeler
Explorer
Oct 02, 2013

red light on Atwood water heater

We have an Atwood water heater that has two switches--one for propane and one to turn on the electric element. In between is the red light that tells you your propane did not ignite properly. Okay, the propane switch is off, and we are only running electric as we are plugged in to 50 amps. We have started to have the red light come on but do not know what it signifies. The water seems the same temperature but maybe a little hotter. It's hard to tell, and if the red light wasn't coming on we would not have noticed any difference. if we turn everything off then back on, the red light goes off but comes back on maybe eight to ten hours later. It has only been going on for around three or four days so we really don't know if it's getting worse or just staying the same. Does anyone know what the light could mean when only the electric element is on?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 02, 2013
    You'll find replacement t-stats come in a set...ECO/Normal with new foam cover



    The ECO & Normal have different size terminal lugs so you don't have to worry about mixing them up.

    Disconnect wires to t-stats (brown..Normal red..ECO)
    Remove the foam cover
    Then you have to bend the three small tabs back that secure the t-stats
    Remove old t-stat
    Place new t-stat against tank wall
    Compress plastic washer
    Bend tabs back down to secure t-stat tightly against tank wall
    Install new foam cover
    Plug wires back onto t-stats

    Biggest pain is getting tabs bent back down while holding plastic washer/spring down.....fat fingers makes it even more fun :B
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 02, 2013
    The 'red light' comes on only when a 'fault' occurs......

    On propane it will come on IF
    Propane fails to ignite/prove flame OR ECO T-stat (high temp) has opened

    And on electric IF
    ECO T-stat has opened

    Sounds like your normal t-stat is not opening when reaching pre-set temp (140*F)
    Could be loose/corroded contacts/terminals on normal t-stat or normal t-stat is not making good contact with tank wall

    Change out your normal t-stat.
  • howardwheeler's avatar
    howardwheeler
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    I don't know model number but it's definitely factory installed. It's in a 2008 Alfa motorhome.
  • Ka_Ron's avatar
    Ka_Ron
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    What model of Atwood do you have?
    Is the electric on the heater from the factory or is it after market?
  • SAR_Tracker's avatar
    SAR_Tracker
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2013
    On mine (propane only) the red light signifies when the igniter is on. Once the burner kicks in, the light goes out.

    Maybe yours is similiar.... the heater is heating when the light is on?

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