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Weird Heater Issue

JoeWebPage
Explorer
Explorer
We have a 2012 Durango 325RL, and overall have had no real issues. But this one is really annoying. We're still under warranty, so guess when this trip is over, it's back to the dealer.

Ok, this is a pretty weird thing, but hoping somebody has heard of it or something close.

Our heater works great ... most of the time. The issue was thermostat ... or so I thought. It's been cool where we are at, so have the thermostat set at 63 for night. The heater comes on when it needs to. Then ... maybe on the next start up or maybe a couple later, it doesn't run. The only way I can get it to start back up is to put the thermostat switch to off and then back to on. Then it operates "normal" ... sometimes. Always starts back up, but eventually it will fault.

I thought it was the thermostat, so bought a really nice digital one. Same thing. So, it's not the thermostat. When this first happened, I included it in the list of issues we had with the unit, but the dealer obviously couldn't find anything wrong (BTW, very few issues and dealer fixed all our list, which was pretty short). I think the only way this can be duplicated is to live in it where it's pretty cool or even cold.

So, anybody have any body have any ideas. I'm thinking either the control board for the heater or the heater itself. It's a Suburban.
2012 Durango 2500 325RL, Remote jacks, 5500 Onan, TST TPMS
2004 GMC Duramax, USAF retired 🙂
18 REPLIES 18

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
The sail switch is a small switch with an arm sticking into the circulation portion of the furnace. It is activated by the fan during start up. The switch statys operated during furnace operation.
If the sail switch does not activate the igntion system will not operate.
It has a very small operator on the switch. A small spec or so of debris can prevent it from operating.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

JoeWebPage
Explorer
Explorer
enblethen wrote:
I would give the furnace a good cleaning. Pay special attention to the area around the sail switch.
Use compressed air or use a strong shop vacuum.


Pardon my severe lack of knowledge of heater parts ... what is the "sail switch"?
2012 Durango 2500 325RL, Remote jacks, 5500 Onan, TST TPMS
2004 GMC Duramax, USAF retired 🙂

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
Cracked ceramic on electrode
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
I would give the furnace a good cleaning. Pay special attention to the area around the sail switch.
Use compressed air or use a strong shop vacuum.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker