What To Do When Rv Furnace Clicking But Not Lighting?

RV furnaces are a great way to keep you and your family heated when you spend quality time with them on a cold vacation! However, it is equally annoying when it is not igniting when you need it most!

When your RV Furnace is clicking but not lighting, it can indicate various issues like a faulty propane tank or line, burned thermocouple, airflow, or electrical wiring issues. You can identify the issue precisely if you know if you have an electric furnace or a gas one.

A proper step-by-step guide can help you to troubleshoot your RV furnace in no time! Follow this blog to learn what to do when your RV furnace is clicking but not lighting!

6 Steps To Troubleshoot RV Furnace Clicking But Not Lighting Problem:

When you click your RV furnace a couple of times, and it does not ignite, it means it has some issues that need to be repaired. But first, you need to know what is causing the problem.

If you own an electric RV heater, the problem will most likely be the power supply compared to the gas supply on the gas RV furnace. Go through the steps to check what is causing your RV furnace not to ignite:

Step-1: Check The Power Button

It makes no difference whether your RV heater is powered by electricity or gas; both have a power switch inside. Check that the power is switched on. It can be turned off by accident; turn it on.

You can also examine the breaker. If the furnace’s power has been tripped, reassemble it. If the tripping continues, a professional should inspect your furnace.

Step-2: Check If You Have Enough Gas Or Battery Power

It may only ignite when your furnace gets enough gas or electrical power supply. If you have a gas-powered furnace, ensure that you have enough gas in your tank, and also check that the gas tank valve is open all the way!

In the case of an electrical RV furnace, it needs about a 10.5 V power supply to operate. Take a multimeter and check the output of your RV battery to see if there is enough voltage to ignite the furnace. Change the battery if necessary.

Step-3: Check The Thermostat

Ensure your thermostat is set to a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. Some furnace sensors need to sense a lower temperature to turn on the furnace. You may also turn on the blower to force the furnace to begin emitting heat.

If you have a smart electric furnace with a display, look for an error code or see if it provides any information about the problem. Following its manual, you can quickly solve the issue via the error code.

Step-4: Check The Gas Line

If the gas furnace is not getting a gas supply, it won’t operate. Make sure that your gas line is clear and not damaged. Also, test that the force is getting the supplied gas.

If you face any sign of a leak or similar problem, evacuate immediately and ask for expert support. You can smell the gas if there is any leak or mild sound if the line is open to the chamber.

Step-5: Check for Fuse

A fuse is installed between the RV furnace’s electric board and the DC supply. It has blown if you see black smoke coming out of the fuse. A blown fuse cuts off the battery supply, resulting in ignition failure.

You need to replace the fuse if it is blown or if there is any issue with it. But observe that the fuse is frequently burning, and get your wire and voltage connections checked by an electrician. There can be a problem with it.

Step-6: Check The Ignitor Itself

When the metal arms inside the ignitor are broken or damaged, the furnace won’t ignite. Similarly, if you see that the gap between them is too wide or too small, the spark won’t work in this case either. The optimum gap is around ⅛” of an inch. Replace the ignitor if necessary.

Here we discussed detailed step-by-step what to do when the furnace of your RV is clicking but not igniting. Hope that these steps might solve the issue for you. Feel free to contact an expert if you need help solving it!

However, when you can’t get your RV furnace fixed immediately, you must stay warm for the night!

How To Stay Warm In A Furnace Emergency

If your furnace dies out of nowhere and you can’t solve the issue immediately, consider alternative ways to stay warm. Here are some common tips:

Candle: Candles are easy to store and help keep ambient temperature inside your RV.
Campfire Brick or Rock: If you can manage brick or rocks around your campfire, you can heat them in the fire and move them to your RV to get heat from it.
Portable Propane Heater: A portable heater, even if small, can save your life in imaginary situations!

Cold is a serious issue. If you fail to keep yourself warm in extreme conditions, you might suffer from hypothermia which is lethal for any age. Use multiple cloth layers or anything near you to keep you and your loved ones warm!

FAQs.

We hope that the above part was useful for you. However, in this segment, we thought answers to some frequently asked questions might be more helpful for you!

Why is my RV furnace simply clicking and not lighting?

The clicking noise is most likely caused by your RV furnace’s spark igniter attempting to ignite the pilot light/burners. A failure/system malfunction is indicated by repetitive clicking. This is especially problematic if you lose heat at some time during the freezing winter months.

How long does a furnace last in an RV?

A 20-pound propane tank typically powers an RV furnace for around three hours of continuous operation. Remember that your RV furnace does not operate continually. The RV furnace operates for a few minutes every two or three hours to keep the temperature set.

Where can I find the furnace fuse?

If your furnace has a fuse, it’s most likely in the control box near the blower. If you can’t find it, the transformer may have burned out and must be replaced. Once you’ve discovered the fuse, inspect the wires to determine whether they’re damaged or discolored.

Will the furnace work without a fuse?

Many homeowners need clarification as to why their furnaces need a fuse. To function, every furnace requires an electrical connection. The blower motors and the control circuits are powered by electricity rather than gas. Electric furnace or a gas one; both of them need electricity.

In Conclusion

If you reach here, we can expect that you have gone through the steps and know what to do in furnace emergencies. But you need to keep some things in your mind. Propane or gas-operated furnaces are delicate, and you must be cautious during the inspection.

Also, if the inside and troubleshooting seem complicated, you should leave it to expert hands! But knowing what to do in emergencies is never a bad investment! Do not forget to keep a backup heater if you plan a long trip in cold conditions!

Zayan

Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.

Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.

What To Do When Rv Furnace Clicking But Not Lighting?