R-pod Owners Forum : 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 23:17:55 +0000 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:43:18 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=12494 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Me either. Just trying to use... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120066#120066 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12494
Posted: 27 Jan 2019 at 1:43pm

Me either. Just trying to use the same name they are. Maybe they call it that because it also functions as a flame sensor? ]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:43:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120066#120066 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Oh. You're (and they) calling... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120065#120065 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 27 Jan 2019 at 1:26pm

Oh. You're (and they) calling the igniter an electrode. Sorry, not how I think about it.]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:26:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120065#120065 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Yeah GlueGuy, there is. They call... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120060#120060 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12494
Posted: 27 Jan 2019 at 12:08pm

Yeah GlueGuy, there is.  They call the DSI device an electrode. It also acts as a flame sensor. I agree that the terminology is somewhat misleading. 



https://www.amazon.com/Suburban-232258-2-Prong-Electrode-Assembly/dp/B003G9IYQY?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_5
 

]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 12:08:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120060#120060 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : There is no "electrode"... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120054#120054 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 27 Jan 2019 at 11:25am

There is no "electrode" for the gas part; only electric. There is a sacrificial rod to prevent electrolysis though. The sacrificial rod does not directly affect operation.]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 11:25:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120054#120054 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : The electric and gas are completely... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120041#120041 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12494
Posted: 27 Jan 2019 at 7:30am

The electric and gas are completely independent systems so the electrode could be bad and have no effect on the electric side of the water heater. ]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 07:30:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120041#120041 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Pod is out of warranty, but suburban... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120040#120040 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 27 Jan 2019 at 7:22am

Pod is out of warranty, but suburban HWH is still under.

Just trying to decide if its worth dealing with it or should I just buy the board.

If the HWH works on electric, would the electrode still be bad?
]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2019 07:22:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=120040#120040 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : If you're out of warranty... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119900#119900 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Jan 2019 at 4:31am

If you're out of warranty and want to fix it yourself the circuit boards are about $75 on Amazon and the electrodes are $15. 

The troubleshooting guide points you at the electrode first and has some cleanup instructions. I'd suggest doing that first especially since you've already had crud in there. If that doesn't work then the next step is probably just to replace the board, as others here have suggested.

The comments on Amazon and various RV websites seem to indicate that there have been a lot of issues with these boards, some folks having replaced them more than once. There is an aftermarket board that seems like it might have a better reputation, cost is only a few $ higher.

https://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/


If it was me, I'd replace the electrode while I was in there, its only another $15 and apparently bad electrodes can sometimes kill the circuit boards. 
]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2019 04:31:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119900#119900 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Sounds like the control board.I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119884#119884 Author: Wepod
Subject: 12494
Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 4:20pm

Sounds like the control board.   I had thr same problem last year with our 2017 pod. Luckily it was still on warranty and it was replaced for free. I got it repaired on a trip in Utah at a local rpod dealer they said they had done several so far that year so there may have been a "bad batch of boards" took all of about half hour to do.]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:20:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119884#119884 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Here's the service manual... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119875#119875 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12494
Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 3:09pm

Here's the service manual if you want to keep at it further.

http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/Suburban_Water_Heater_Service_Manual.pdf

Reading the DSI troubleshooting section it looks like it could be the flame sense electrode. There is a 6.8 second trial period after the burner is lit. The electrode sends a few microamp signal to the DSI control board when it senses the flame is lit and if not it will go through the lockout cycle. A regular multimeter won't measure currents that low, but short of buying a microammeter there are a couple of suggestions of things to try including cleanup of any crud and corrosion and assuring proper grounding. 
]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:09:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119875#119875 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Contact Forest River to see if... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119872#119872 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12494
Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 2:33pm

Contact Forest River to see if there is an authorized repair place near you that might be able to address this earlier.
]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2019 14:33:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119872#119872 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Local place doesn't have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119869#119869 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 22 Jan 2019 at 1:44pm

Local place doesn't have an appointment until Mid Feb. Any other ideas?

So far:
My tank is new.
Stove works.
Furnace works.

It is looking like its a circuit board issue.
]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2019 13:44:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119869#119869 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Will test that. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119106#119106 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 28 Dec 2018 at 9:02pm

Will test that.
]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2018 21:02:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119106#119106 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Does the stove flame drop to very... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119068#119068 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12494
Posted: 26 Dec 2018 at 7:07am

Does the stove flame drop to very low when the furnace runs or does it stay steady? If the flame on the stove is reduced when the furnace runs, look at the hose and/or regulator. If it is steady, that would rule them out.]]> Wed, 26 Dec 2018 07:07:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119068#119068 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : I have a new full tank of propane.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119066#119066 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 25 Dec 2018 at 10:37pm

I have a new full tank of propane. Stove and furnace work
]]> Tue, 25 Dec 2018 22:37:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119066#119066 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Another possibility is a faulty... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119041#119041 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12494
Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 10:50am

Another possibility is a faulty hose. There is a valve in the connector that attaches the hose to the tank. It can go bad. We had that happen. The symptoms were much the same. a new regulator did not fix the problem. Replacing the hose did.
]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2018 10:50:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119041#119041 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Another possibility is a faulty... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119039#119039 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 12494
Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 10:22am

Another possibility is a faulty propane regulator. That has been reported. It is possible that the gas pressure is sufficient for the low output stove burners but insufficient for the higher output WH and furnace. Fortunately the regulator is inexpensive and easy to replace. If a recently filled propane tank doesn't fix the problem, and your TT is out of warranty, I'd consider a new regulator. ]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2018 10:22:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119039#119039 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : We experienced the same thing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119038#119038 Author: jato
Subject: 12494
Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 10:03am

We experienced the same thing when we first had our 177.  Fortunately another camper told us to switch tanks which we did, and the problem was taken care of.]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2018 10:03:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119038#119038 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : When we were low on propane the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119034#119034 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 12494
Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 7:16am

  When we were low on propane the stove worked but the furnace did not. When I switched to a full tank of propane everything worked.]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2018 07:16:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119034#119034 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : I had enough gas/pressure in my... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119033#119033 Author: Pete Brayton
Subject: 12494
Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 6:37am

I had enough gas/pressure in my one propane tank to keep my stove lit but, not enough to light the water heater. I don't know if this could be your problem.]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2018 06:37:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119033#119033 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : I had the same problem. Worked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119024#119024 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 4:08pm

I had the same problem.  Worked on electric but not propane and DSI light stayed on.  Had to bring to dealer for repair but never found out what was wrong with it.  It was under warranty.  Sorry cannot be of more help.]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 16:08:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119024#119024 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Could you tell me where the board... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119023#119023 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 3:39pm

Could you tell me where the board is located and we you got it from?]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 15:39:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119023#119023 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Could be the controller board.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119022#119022 Author: Larry-D
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 3:30pm

Could be the controller board.  Our larger tt had the same symptoms when we brought it home.  I replaced the board after checking the other things, solved the problem.]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 15:30:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119022#119022 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Ok. I turned on electric, and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119021#119021 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 3:09pm

Ok. I turned on electric, and water heats up fine. 

Tried propane again, but still no go.

Any other tips before I contact Suburban?
]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 15:09:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119021#119021 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Furnace works great. Dsi fault... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119020#119020 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 2:38pm

Furnace works great.

Dsi fault stays lit after it loses the light 3 times.

I will test the electric now to see if the heater works at all.

Manually keeping it lit does not work. Keeps shutting off.]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:38:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119020#119020 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : Does it work if you go outside... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119018#119018 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 1:01pm

Does it work if you go outside and turn on the electric (make sure first there is water in the tank)?  Does the red light next to the inside switch stay lit?  These are two basic items to check]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 13:01:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119018#119018 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : 1 - If there is air in the gas... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119017#119017 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 1:01pm

1 - If there is air in the gas line, it could just be having a time starting. Assuming that the furnace is "close by" (like it is on our 179), I would try to run the furnace. If that works, then it's not a gas delivery problem.

2 - I believe there is a thermocouple that senses whether the igniter worked. The WH will try 3 times (IIRC) to light. If it doesn't sense heat, then I believe it will give up until you power cycle it. If the thermocouple is bad, then it would display the behavior you describe.
]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 13:01:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119017#119017 2017 171. Hot water won't stay lit. : I did notice a bunch of what seems... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119014#119014 Author: clickscrazy
Subject: 12494
Posted: 23 Dec 2018 at 12:11pm

I did notice a bunch of what seems like ash back in there. I took the blower and blew it all out.

It will ignite, and burns for a few seconds, then cuts out.

Propane flow at stove seems fine.

What is the next step? Check valve of some kind, thermostat, connections?
]]> Sun, 23 Dec 2018 12:11:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12494&PID=119014#119014