Girard Tankless Water Heater Reset: How It Works
On this page (5 sections)
The Short Answer: A Girard GSWH-2 has no red reset button like an RV tank heater. After an ignition lockout (E1), the manual says to turn the hot faucet off and back on to reset. The En timeout clears the same way. The power switch on the user control panel turns the unit off and on. Fix the cause first, reset once, and stop if the same code comes back.
How a lockout happens
According to the GSWH-2 owner’s manual (opens in a new tab), if the burner doesn’t light, the control shuts the gas valve and makes one more attempt. After two failed tries it goes into lockout and shows E1, and the unit must be turned off before it can operate again. The manual’s instruction is to turn the hot water faucet off and back on.
Which codes to reset, and which not to
| Code | Reset? |
|---|---|
| E1 (ignition failure) | Once, after confirming propane is on and the cylinders aren’t empty |
| E2 (flame lost while running) | Once, after the same propane checks |
| En (ran over 20 minutes) | Yes; it is a timer. Close any faucet left running, then turn the hot faucet off and on |
| E3 or E6 (outlet over 140 °F) | Only after the cause is found. The manual says it must be identified and removed before restarting |
| E5, E8 (blower, air pressure switch) | Only after the exterior door and exhaust are confirmed clear; service if it returns |
| E9 (flame sensed before ignition) | No. Turn the unit off and arrange service |
| E0, E4, E7 (probes, gas valve) | No. These are component failures |
| Fd | Not a fault. It is freeze protection running |
| Any propane smell | No. Shut off the cylinders and leave the RV |
How to reset
- Read and write down the code on the user control panel.
- Fix the obvious cause: open or refill the propane, clear the exterior door, close a faucet left running.
- Turn the hot water faucet off, then on again. For a full restart, turn the panel’s power switch off and back on.
- Watch the panel. The fan icon should come on, then the flame icon.
If the same code returns on the next try, stop. Each failed ignition releases a little unburned propane, and repeated resets don’t fix the cause. Low propane pressure as the cylinder empties and a dirty or mispositioned igniter are the most common reasons in the manual’s list.
What a technician will check
An RV technician measures propane pressure at the heater against the manual’s 11 to 14 inches of water column, inspects the igniter gap and condition, and checks the flame sensor, blower, and air pressure switch. Girard says service must be done by a recommended installer, service agency, or gas supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a reset button on the outside of the Girard? A: No. There is a power switch and fuse holder on the unit and a power switch on the user control panel. Lockouts are cleared by cycling the hot faucet or the power, as described above.
Q: My Girard needs a reset every morning. Why? A: A recurring lockout means the cause hasn’t been fixed. Low propane on cold mornings, a weak coach battery overnight, and a slightly dirty igniter are common. See Girard tankless troubleshooting for the full code list, and have it serviced if the pattern continues.
Q: Does this work the same on a Suburban or Atwood tank heater? A: No. Those tank heaters have their own reset procedures; see how to reset a Suburban water heater.
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.
- Girard Products: GSWH-2 tankless water heater owner's manual (opens in a new tab)Girard GSWH-2 42,000 BTU propane RV tankless water heater.
- 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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