Girard Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting
On this page (6 sections)
The Short Answer: The Girard GSWH-2 is a 42,000 BTU propane tankless heater for RVs. It runs on 12-volt DC and needs steady water flow to start. When it fails, the panel shows a code. E1 and E2 are ignition and flame problems, usually propane supply. E3 and E6 are overheating, E5 and E8 are air and exhaust problems, and En is the 20-minute safety timer. Fd is normal freeze protection.
What the GSWH-2 needs to run
From the GSWH-2 owner’s manual (opens in a new tab):
- Propane at 11 to 14 inches of water column at the inlet.
- 12-volt DC power, drawing less than 3 amps.
- A pressurized water supply (the manual cites 45 psi or more from city water or the pump) with steady, not pulsing, flow. The manual calls for at least 0.8 gallons per minute at each hot faucet it supplies.
- A clear exterior door and exhaust; all combustion air comes from outside the RV.
The temperature setting range is 95 to 124 °F, and the factory setting is 115 °F.
Girard GSWH-2 error codes
| Code | Meaning in the manual | What it usually comes down to |
|---|---|---|
| E0 | Water outlet temperature probe failure (open or short) | Probe or its wiring; service |
| E1 | Ignition failure or flame lost during ignition; locks out after two tries | Empty or closed propane, low inlet pressure, igniter problems |
| E2 | Flame signal lost during operation (buzzer sounds) | Same causes as E1, occurring while running |
| E3 | ECO opened; outlet water exceeded 140 °F | Low or interrupted flow, or setpoint too high for conditions |
| E4 | Water inlet temperature probe failure | Probe or wiring; service |
| E5 | Blower motor failure, no motor signal | Blower or its wiring; service |
| E6 | Outlet water over 140 °F for 3 seconds | Flow problem or control fault |
| E7 | Linear (gas) valve circuit open | Gas valve or wiring; service |
| E8 | Air pressure switch not detected | Blocked air supply or exhaust, or a faulty motor |
| E9 | Flame sensed before ignition (buzzer sounds) | Short in the flame sensor; service, don’t keep resetting |
| En | Ran longer than 20 minutes | Safety timer; turn the faucet off and on |
| Fd | Winter-use (freeze protection) mode | Normal in freezing weather when propane and 12 V are on |
What you can check safely
- Propane: cylinders open and not empty; the stove lights normally.
- 12-volt power: the coach battery is charged or shore power is connected; the heater’s power switch is on. The manual lists a 10 A external fuse.
- Water: bypass valves set for normal use, pump on or city water connected, hot tap opened fully. Clean faucet aerators if flow is weak.
- Exhaust: the exterior door is clear of nests, debris, and snow.
- Reset: see Girard tankless reset for the manual’s procedure.
Freeze protection
The manual says the built-in freeze protection fires the burner when the heat exchanger falls below 38 °F and stops above 58 °F, and only works with propane and 12-volt power on and the switch left ON. It protects the heater, not the rest of the RV’s plumbing. For storage, the manual allows winterizing with compressed air or non-toxic antifreeze; no bypass kit is needed because the heat exchanger holds very little water.
What the technician will check
The manual says installation and service must be done by a Girard-recommended installer, service agency, or gas supplier. A technician will measure inlet and manifold propane pressure, test the igniter, flame sensor, blower, air pressure switch, and gas valve, and check the probes and wiring for E0 and E4 faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my Girard shut off in the middle of a long shower? A: The En code appears after 20 minutes of continuous running. The manual describes it as protection against a leak or a faucet left open. Turn the faucet off and back on to restart.
Q: Why does the burner fire briefly on cold nights when nobody is using water? A: That is freeze protection (Fd). It is normal when propane and 12-volt power are on.
Q: Is a Furrion tankless the same as a Girard? A: Their code lists differ. Furrion owners should use Furrion tankless troubleshooting.
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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