As you cozy up in your Suburban camper, the last thing you want is a faulty furnace leaving you shivering in the cold. But, surprisingly, troubleshooting this issue is more DIY-friendly than you think. Start by identifying the symptoms – is the furnace not turning on, producing little heat, or making strange noises? Once you’ve pinpointed the problem, you can begin to tackle the likely culprits: electrical system hiccups, circuit board glitches, or worn-out motor components. Can you find the root cause and get your furnace firing on all cylinders again?
Contents
Symptoms and Troubleshooting Steps
When troubleshooting your suburban camper furnace, it’s essential to identify the symptoms and take systematic steps to diagnose the issue.
First, guarantee the furnace is receiving 12V DC power from the fuse box. Check for hidden fuses or circuit breakers between the combo 120 main breaker/12V fuse panel and the furnace.
Next, inspect the circuit board and blower motor connections. Apply 12V directly to the motor terminals to rule out electrical system or power supply issues.
If the blower motor powers on, it may indicate a problem with the circuit board or relay contacts.
Circuit Board and Motor Issues
When troubleshooting your Suburban camper furnace, you’ll want to inspect the circuit board and motor components, as issues with these parts can prevent the blower motor from functioning.
Bad blower motor relay contacts on the circuit board are a common problem, and faulty motor relay contacts or worn motor brushes can also be to blame.
You’ll need to diagnose whether the issue lies with the circuit board, motor, or relay contacts to determine the correct course of action.
Circuit Board Issues
Faulty circuit boards and malfunctioning motors are common culprits behind Suburban camper furnace problems.
If your furnace isn’t working, the circuit board might be the issue. Check the motor connectors for 12V from the board relay to rule out faulty motor relay contacts or worn motor brushes.
Applying 12V directly to the motor terminals can also help troubleshoot the issue. If you suspect a faulty circuit board, consider replacing it with a high-quality one from Dinosaur Electronics or other online retailers.
This might solve the problem, and you can find helpful DIY resources, like a YouTube video on changing the blower motor brushes, to guide you through the process.
Motor Relay Contacts
The motor relay contacts on your Suburban camper furnace‘s circuit board can be a common point of failure, leading to malfunctioning or complete failure of the furnace.
You’ll need to diagnose the issue to determine if the motor relay contacts are faulty or if the motor brushes are worn.
- Check the motor connectors for 12V from the board relay to diagnose the issue.
- Apply 12V directly to the motor terminals to test the motor’s functionality.
If the issue lies with the circuit board, you can find replacement boards on E-Bay, Amazon, RVColingunitwarehouse.com, or Dinosaur Electronics, which offers high-quality boards made in the USA.
A faulty motor relay or worn motor brushes can be the culprit, so be sure to inspect these components during your troubleshooting process.
Electrical System and Power
Your camper’s furnace relies on a functional electrical system and power supply to operate efficiently.
The thermostat, a vital component, relies on a steady power flow to regulate the furnace’s operation. Verify the power switch is turned on and functioning correctly.
Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to confirm the furnace’s circuit isn’t tripped or blown. Confirm all connections are secure, and wiring isn’t damaged or corroded.
A faulty electrical system can prevent the furnace from working, so it’s essential to inspect and test each component to identify the source of the issue.
Repair and Replacement Options
One key takeaway from diagnosing your camper’s furnace issue is that repair and replacement options abound.
You can opt for professional assistance, but be wary of inflated prices – a local RV parts store quoted $170 for a Dinosaur Electronics control board, available online for $96.
Alternatively, you can take matters into your own hands:
- Fix the control board yourself using a multimeter or design a new one if it’s faulty
- Replace the furnace blower motor, available on eBay, but be sure to match the correct part number
- Source high-quality circuit boards from Dinosaur Electronics, available on various online platforms
- Test the motor by applying 12V directly to the terminals to rule out high limit switch issues
Possible Causes and Solutions
Having investigated your repair and replacement options, you’re now ready to identify the root cause of your camper’s furnace issue.
During furnace troubleshooting, inspect the Suburban furnace’s flame sensor, as a faulty one can cause the furnace to cycle three times then go into lockout.
Check the sail switch, too, as a bad one can prevent ignition despite the igniter clicking.
Also, inspect high-voltage wires for pinches, and guarantee the gas valve is functioning correctly.
Finally, check for propane issues, such as regulator problems or pressure issues, which can cause malfunction.
Addressing these potential causes can resolve your furnace issue.
Furnace Access and Repair
You’ll need to access the furnace’s internal components to diagnose and repair issues.
Start by disassembling the furnace to inspect its circuit board, motor, and other parts.
Be prepared to replace motor brushes or address circuit board problems to get your furnace up and running again.
Furnace Disassembly
To access the furnace’s internal components, disassembly is necessary, and it starts with removing the exterior cover or jacket.
You’ll need to disconnect the electrical connections and gas lines to guarantee a safe working environment.
Next, identify the screws or clips holding the cover in place and remove them.
- Remove the blower motor and housing to access the furnace’s internal compartment
- Take out the thermostat and its mounting bracket to expose the circuit board
- Disconnect the gas valve and igniter wiring to access the combustion chamber
- Remove any additional components or shields to access the heat exchanger or other internal parts
Circuit Board Issues
The circuit board is the brain of your suburban camper’s furnace, controlling every function from ignition to blower motor operation.
If you’ve encountered issues with your furnace, it’s likely the circuit board is to blame. Check for signs of physical damage, corrosion, or overheating.
Verify the thermostat is functioning correctly, as a faulty thermostat can cause the circuit board to malfunction.
Use a multimeter to test voltage and resistance at various points on the board. If you’re not comfortable with this process, consider consulting a professional.
Remember to always follow safety protocols when working with electrical components.
Motor Brushes Replacement
Faulty motor brushes can cause your suburban camper’s furnace to malfunction or stop working altogether.
If you’re experiencing issues with your furnace, it’s essential to inspect and replace the motor brushes if necessary.
- Locate the motor brushes, usually found on the furnace’s blower motor or combustion blower motor.
- Turn off the power to the furnace at the thermostat or circuit breaker.
- Remove the brushes and inspect them for wear or damage.
- Install new motor brushes, ensuring proper alignment and secure fastening.
Technical Tips and Tricks
Your camper’s furnace is a complex system, and understanding its inner workings can be a challenge.
However, with a few technical tips and tricks, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot issues.
When checking the furnace, guarantee the thermostat is set correctly and the blower is functioning properly.
Verify the furnace’s power source, and inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
Also, check the furnace’s filter and clean or replace it as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Common Problem With the RV Furnace?
You’ll likely find that the most common problem with your RV furnace isn’t a duct blockage or filter issue, but rather a faulty circuit board, which can cause blower motor relay contact issues, leading to furnace failure.
Why Is My Furnace Not Kicking on in My Camper?
When you’re stuck in cold weather, you expect your furnace to kick in, but it won’t if it’s not getting 12V power. Check the voltage, thermostat, and connections; a faulty thermostat or low voltage can leave you in the cold, just like a dead car battery on a winter morning.
How Do I Reset My Furnace in My Camper?
To reset your furnace, you’ll need to check and clean or replace dirty furnace filters, guarantee the pilot light is functioning, and rule out any electrical issues, such as tripped circuit breakers or loose connections, before attempting a reset.
Why Is My Furnace Turning on but Not Igniting?
When your furnace turns on but won’t ignite, you’re left in the cold. It’s likely due to a faulty thermocouple, dirty burner, or low voltage. Check the voltage at the control board, inspect the burner, and test the thermocouple to diagnose the issue.
Conclusion
As you troubleshoot your Suburban camper furnace, recall that finding the root cause is like charting a course through a puzzle – every piece matters. I recall a friend who spent hours diagnosing an issue, only to discover a loose wire was the culprit. Don’t let that be you. By following these systematic steps, you’ll be well on your way to identifying and fixing the problem, ensuring your camper stays cozy and warm. Stay methodical, stay patient, and you’ll be back to camping comfort in no time.