Forum Discussion

brisath's avatar
brisath
Explorer
Aug 02, 2013

Surburban Furnace Not Igniting

Some other threads have helped answer some questions (here, here, and here), but here is where I am at with the furnace on my 1996 Winnebago Vectra:

1. Turn thermostat up past room temperature
2. Blower comes on and seems to run good
3. Light on switchboard never comes on.
4. No noise of an attempt to light or fire furnace
5. Only cool air blows through vents

Other info
-2 new batteries
-doesn't work under shore plugin or idling under motor
-I've also gone through the instruction manual steps for getting it to fire, which includes 5 minutes with propane turned off, then turn propane on and repeat.
-Propane is at 2/3 level
-The switch on the furnace itself is ON
-5 amp fuse on the circuit board looks good
-water heater pilot works just fine and comes on regularly. Refrigerator works when unplugged, stove burners work fine.

If it is a sail switch, how do I check that?
As a first step, would it be good to fill the propane tank completely?

Here is a picture of the furnace:


and circuit board

15 Replies

  • Unfortunately I forgot my voltmeter when checking it today, but I did confirm the switch is activated with the fan. The light on the circuit board doesn't come on though and no ignition. I'll check with voltmeter next. Thanks for the help so far.
  • Check for 12V power to sail switch and then with fan running check for power out of switch........two terminals on switch.....one power in the other power out.

    The sail switch is just a simple make/break type switch.
    The 'paddle' from switch extends into fan blower air flow.
    With fan up to speed (actually at 75% speed) the air flow moves paddle making up the contacts in switch
  • Great info! How can I tail if the sail switch isn't working. Is it visible or audible? What should I look for there? I didn't find that answer in the guide.
  • Middle section of picture.......
    The white box just above cross brace is the 'sail switch'
    Above it is the 'timed delay relay'

    Here is a genric rv furnace troubleshooting guide. Good info.
    LINK
  • Yes that second picture is most likely your problem unless you have empty propane tank or forgot to open the valve on the tank or have just refilled after running out and there is no propane in the line yet. I had to replace the board in my last camper approx. $100. Easy to do yourself. American rv parts company, PPL rv parts.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,284 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 21, 2025