Furnace not lighting

[salem]

Been camping the past two weeks. On several occasions when we turn the furnace on the burner will come on, then cycle off after a few seconds. After three unsuccessful attempts it will turn off. Wait a few minutes and try it again and it will eventually start working properly. Ignitor probably? Atwood is the manufacturer.

[Johno02]

Agree with Dutch. Ours quit lighting, problem was bad (loose) connection. Repair cleaned connections, cleaned and regapped igniter, problem solved, no new parts, just labor rates. Have tested, it works, but no extended use so far.

[salem]

Actually, Dutch, we've sorta kinda talking about that. We've had this one almost 14 years. It's served us well. The inside is still in good shape, but the outside is beginning to show it's age. (like the rest of us)

Thanks to all who responded. It'll give me a direction to start in.

[DutchmenSport]

Delete

[Old-Biscuit]

Not sail switch otherwise you would NOT get ignition spark and flame lighting off

Flame sensor (spark electrode) is used as return path for 'flame proving' Milliamp Signal.....electrical current generated by flame ionization (reification)'
Being just a few milliamps the flame signal can be easily inhibited by *soot/carbon on electrode
*tip dirty/loose connection on high tension wire
*dirty/loose ground screw (mounting screw for electrode)
*spark electrode position/gap (centered over 3rd burner slot---1/8" gap)

[enblethen]

That sounds like the flame sensor.
The flame may come on but does not heat the sensor sufficient to tell circuit board it has lit.
Check to make sure the flame senor is adjusted correctly.
Make sure the the burner assembly and orifice is clean.
Clean connections on circuit board multi-wire connector.

[larry_cad]

Could be igniter, or sail switch. Also you may be low on propane. Three attempts at ignition is typical and then shut down.

The circuit board has a green ground wire that is held to the frame with a sheet metal screw. Find that wire, remove the screw, brush the surfaces of the crimp connector and the sheet metal where it is touching then re-install the screw and verify it is tight. While you are at it, remove the push on electrical connector on the circuit board, clean the board connections with a pencil eraser. Put it all back together and hope.