Atwood Furnace Proplem

by George Bussing
(Alamogordo, NM USA)

Question:My 2006 Challenger 5th wheel has an Atwood furnace which won't ignite. The 12V blower comes on as it should, the igniter can be heard but it won't light. All other propane appliances operate normally. What is the most common cause(s) for this condition!

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Robbie: The most common problem is your sail switch is sticking. To check this, open the outside access cover and, before you turn the furnace on, hit the cover to the main fan that covers the main squirrel cage. Turn the furnace on and see if it works. If it works, your sail switch is sticking. If this is the problem, write me back and I will go into more detail about what to do.

If it isn't the sail switch, put your nose down by the exhaust without putting your nose directly in front of it (in case it lights) to see if you can smell propane. If you can smell propane you have a bad circuit board or bad igniters. You can take the circuit board down to an RV repair center to have the board tested. If the board is good I recommend you get an RV tech to check and replace your igniters.

Let me know if this helps,
Robbie