Furrion Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting
On this page (6 sections)
The Short Answer: A Furrion RV tankless needs four things at once: 12-volt power, propane, enough water flow to switch it on, and a clear exhaust. Most no-heat problems are one of those, especially a coach still in winterize bypass. If the panel shows a code, Lippert’s guide for the FWH09 series explains it. The reset is the heater’s power switch, off for five seconds and back on.
No code: check the water path first
If the panel is on but the fan never starts when you open a hot tap, the heater is not seeing enough flow. On an RV that usually means:
- The water-heater bypass valves are still set for winterizing, so water goes around the heater.
- The water pump is off, or the fresh tank is low.
- A clogged pump strainer, heater inlet screen, or faucet aerator is restricting flow.
- The hot tap is open only a little. A tankless heater needs a minimum flow to switch on.
If the panel is dark, check the coach battery disconnect, the heater’s power switch, and its fuse.
Furrion error codes
These meanings come from Lippert’s RV water heater troubleshooting guide (opens in a new tab) for the FWH09AFA, FWH09A-AM, FWH09AFA-AM, and FWH09AFA-AB. Other Furrion models may differ, so check your manual.
| Code | Meaning | What Lippert suggests |
|---|---|---|
| E0 | Water outlet temperature system fault | Contact Furrion support |
| E1 | Flame sense during ignition (insufficient fuel supply) | Check gas valves, fuel level, and the regulator; see Furrion E1 |
| E2 | False flame signal | Contact Furrion support |
| E3 | Over-temperature sensor fault | Let cold water flow 10 to 20 seconds, then restart |
| E4 | Water inlet temperature fault | Contact Furrion support |
| E5 | Air pressure problem | Clear exhaust blockage; move the RV out of strong wind |
| E6 | Temperature surge | Reduce flow, check for cold-water leaks, clean the filter screen |
| E7 | Solenoid valve fault | Contact Furrion support |
E2 matters most for safety. A flame signal when there should be no flame is not something to keep resetting. Turn the heater off and arrange service.
What you can check safely
- Propane: cylinders open and not empty; other propane appliances work normally.
- 12-volt power: a coach battery that is low or a failing converter can cause erratic behavior. Plug into shore power or charge the battery and try again.
- Exhaust: look at the exterior door from outside for nests, mud dauber tubes, snow, or a cover.
- Water: bypass valves in the normal position, pump on, strong flow at a hot tap.
- Reset once: turn the power switch on the heater off, wait five seconds, and turn it on again.
Don’t open the heater cabinet or the propane fittings. If you smell propane, close the cylinders and leave the coach.
What a technician will check
An RV technician measures propane pressure under load, tests the regulator, and inspects the igniter, flame sensor, fan, and air-pressure switch. For E3 and E6 problems they also check for scale inside the heat exchanger, which is common if you camp on hard water, and look at the temperature sensors and their connectors.
Repair or replace
Sensors, the igniter, and the regulator are replaceable parts. A heat exchanger split by freezing is usually a replacement. Furrion support (through Lippert) can confirm part numbers for your model and serial number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Furrion was fine until we de-winterized. Why no heat? A: The bypass valves are the most common cause: if any is still in the winterize position, water skips the heater. Also flush out any antifreeze and clean the inlet screen if your manual allows it.
Q: Is a Furrion tankless the same as a Girard? A: They look similar but the code lists differ; for example, E5 is an air-pressure fault on a Furrion and a blower fault on a Girard GSWH-2. Use the documentation for your brand. Girard owners can use Girard tankless troubleshooting.
Q: The water goes hot, then cold, during a shower. Is that a code problem? A: Usually it is flow. A low-flow shower head or weak pump can drop below the activation point. Opening the tap further or cleaning screens often fixes it. E6 can also appear when the temperature swings suddenly.
Manuals and supporting references
These links distinguish general safety information from model-specific documentation. A manual directory helps you locate your unit’s instructions; it does not establish that every model uses the same parts, codes, or test values.
- Lippert: RV water heater troubleshooting guide (Furrion tankless error codes) (opens in a new tab)Furrion tankless models FWH09AFA, FWH09A-AM, FWH09AFA-AM and FWH09AFA-AB.
- PG&E: recognizing and responding to a gas leak (opens in a new tab)Emergency actions for suspected fuel-gas leaks.
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