Forum Discussion

cjb2017's avatar
cjb2017
Explorer
Aug 24, 2017

Gas water heater problems on new TT

I just picked up my 2018 Cougar TT last week. So far, it's a great trailer.

The water heater is dual gas and electric. Using electric, the water heats up fine. The gas, however, fails to ignite. Gas is getting to the tube because I can smell it. The direct spark ignition sounds like it's clicking, but it doesn't light. I've gone through innumerable lighting cycles (the DSI taps out after 3 unsuccessful lighting attempts).

I've also cleaned out the tube as best as I can.

Any other troubleshooting I can do before bringing it back to the dealership? I'm more of a do-it-yourself person if possible.
  • cjb2017's avatar
    cjb2017
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2017
    Follow-up: Service department says its a "bad relay" and will replace it.
  • sgip2000's avatar
    sgip2000
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2017
    Had the same thing happen to my Atwood on my brand new 2018 Coleman 250tq. Chinese junk parts!
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2017
    Using a gas match have someone turn it on and try lighting it with the gas match. That should confirm an igniter failure.
  • cjb2017's avatar
    cjb2017
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2017
    Yes, it did take several cycles to get the gas flowing but I clearly smell the gas at the tube. I can't really see a spark but the igniter appears to be properly positioned.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2017
    Make sure the ignitor lead is still hooked to the board, which is mounted by the oem, somewhere by the water heater.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2017
    Do you see a spark? If so then the board is fine. Check to be sure gas is flowing. If it has been turned off for a while, it takes time to get gas flow down to the burner. Is the igniter close enough to the burner to actually light?
  • cjb2017's avatar
    cjb2017
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2017
    Yes, the stove lights fine.

    And yes, it's a suburban water heater. I have a camping trip planned for labor day weekend so I'll bring her in afterwards for the dealership to look at it. May certainly be the circuit board. I have back-up electric water heater, thank goodness!
  • benie's avatar
    benie
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2017
    Is it a suburban water heater? If so it sounds like a bad circuit board. We have had 3 replaced in our 2018 Cedar Creek. Suburban said they got a batch of bad boards.

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