Suburban RV Furnace Not Igniting: Reasons & Solutions

A well-functioning Suburban RV furnace is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. However, encountering a Suburban RV furnace not igniting can quickly turn a cozy trip into a frustrating ordeal. 

Common causes of a Suburban RV furnace not igniting include a low propane supply, a malfunctioning ignition system, a clogged burner assembly, blocked vents, low battery voltage, or safety mechanisms detecting uneven terrain.

No worries! There are solutions. Understanding the potential causes and solutions for the error will empower you to tackle the problem effectively.

How to Solve Suburban RV Furnaces Not Igniting

Swiftly addressing furnace issues is crucial for a pleasant RV journey. Explore the solutions below to ensure comfort in your trailer during chilly days.

Solution 01: Check for Gas Supply and Tanks

Every suburban furnace system in RV is equipped with a propane tank. Unfortunately, many RV users forget it while it is pretty obvious.

Considering this point, suburban RV furnaces not igniting might be happening for poor gas supply. In such cases, ensure the propane tank is filled with gas. A full gas tank ensures continuous running of the furnace.

Ever experienced that the furnace is not working even having an adequate gas level?

There might be a problem with the connection. So, checking the connections is crucial. All the connections should be well-tightened. Thus, gas will move to the furnace safely. Check for leakages or damages on the pipes. If there is any leakage, don’t be late to replace them.

Be mindful that most propane tanks release a strong odor if there is a leak. As a result, finding any leakage or damage will be easier for you.

Moreover, keeping 2 or 3 filled propane gas tanks in your trailer would always be best. Keeping spare tanks in your RV will also be a good choice.

Read Also: Why Suburban RV Furnace Won’t Light At Extreme Temperature?

Solution 02: Ensure Proper Cleaning of the Furnace

The proper functioning of RV furnaces significantly relies on adequate maintenance. 

Maintaining your RV and its components is crucial to prevent the Suburban RV furnace, not a lit problem. So, periodic cleaning of the entire device and inspecting all the parts is important.

Generally, most furnaces collect dust over time. It is also no exception for a Suburban RV furnace. For this reason, careful cleaning is a must.

Follow the below steps.

Step 01: Turn the device off to avoid getting electrocuted.

Step 02: Start removing the dirt and debris from near the ignitor.

Step 03: Dust can build up around the sensors as well. Clean them using ping. While cleaning the sensors, be careful as they are sensitive and can malfunction easily.

Moreover, make sure not to apply excessive pressure to the sensors. Since sensors are used to activate the ignitor, keeping them clean is significantly essential.

If the sensors remain uncleaned, they will fail to sense the temperature around them.

Step 04: Once everything is cleaned, the problem must be solved. However, the sensors can be damaged or broken. In that case, you have no other choice except to replace them.

Read Also: Where Is Suburban RV Furnace Reset Button And How To Reset?

Solution 03: Winterize Your RV

Do you travel a lot in colder areas with your RV?

If yes, ensuring your RV is winterized properly is mandatory.

Winterizing is a process where you will need to put specialized chemicals into the water pipelines. The chemical helps decrease its freezing point.

Typically, while traveling in colder areas, the water of your RV pipelines will get frozen. Thus, leakages may appear in the pipes, preventing the furnace from igniting.

In such a situation, winterizing your RV is the best solution.

Important Note:

• Consider draining all the water from your RV pipelines thoroughly after using the chemical.

Solution 04: Fix the Damaged Wire

Does the problem still exist?

Consider checking for loose connections or wires between the furnace ignition system and the battery in this case.

Often, necessary power fails to deliver effectively in the ignition system because of corrosion on the battery terminal.

If the connection is loose, you can do the followings,

• Secure using wire nuts
• Strip
• Clip
• Tighten the connection

Replacing, splicing, or patching the entire damaged wires might not be practical. That is why cleaning the corroded wires or connection will be ideal.

You can use a water and baking soda mixture. Soak a soft bristle toothbrush in the mixture and scrub gently. Such an action will improve the connection, and the furnace will get enough power to ignite.

Here are the detailed steps for replacing a section of the damaged wire.

• Step 01: Using a wire cutter, snip out the damaged or corroded section.

• Step 02: Grab the 2 exposed sections of the wire and strip back the protective coating to an inch carefully.

• Step 03: Get the new section of the wire. While choosing the wire, make sure the new wire gauge is similar or thicker to the current wire. Then, strip back the protective coating to an inch carefully.

• Step 04: Braid the exposed ends of the wires together and solder them. Next, use electrical tape to wrap them. Use a small wire nut to twist them properly.

Read Also: How to Light a Suburban RV Oven? (Things You Need to Know)

Solution 05: Clean the Corroded Battery Terminals

Did you check the battery terminals closely?

If not, then check for corrosion in the battery terminals. Electrical corrosion can happen over time. While checking the terminals, look for gray, white, and greenish material buildup.

Sufficient power will fail to deliver to the furnace system, preventing the furnace from igniting. Often, cleaning the terminals is good enough to ensure an effective connection.

Let’s learn how to clean the corroded battery terminals by reading the steps below.

• Step 01: Prepare a mixture of water and baking soda.

• Step 02: Disconnect the connections of the corroded terminals.

• Step 03: Apply the mixture over the corroded part. Get a toothbrush and gently scrub. This will help in removing the corroded material.

• Step 04: Now, grab a clean and soft towel. Wipe off the baking soda-water mixture thoroughly.

• Step 05: Reconnect the connections of the terminals. Finally, check whether power is being delivered to the RV’s internal light, furnace, and thermostat.

Read Also: Why RV Furnace Shuts Off After 30 Seconds & How to Fix it?

FAQs.

Are there any safety mechanisms that could prevent my Suburban RV furnace from igniting on uneven terrain?

Some Suburban RV furnaces are equipped with safety mechanisms that can prevent ignition on uneven terrain. One common safety feature is the “tilt switch,” which detects excessive tilting or angles. If the furnace detects an unsafe angle, it will not ignite to avoid potential hazards and damage. Ensuring your RV is on level ground can help prevent this issue.

Can a low battery affect the ignition process of my Suburban RV furnace?

Yes, a low battery can affect the ignition process of your Suburban RV furnace. The furnace’s ignition system requires sufficient power to function properly. If the battery is low, it may not provide enough voltage for the igniter or other components, leading to ignition failure.

My Suburban RV furnace used to work fine, but now it won’t ignite. What should I do?

Start by checking the propane supply and ensuring the tanks are filled and turned on. Inspect the ignition system, clean the burner assembly, and check for any obstructions in the vents. If the issue persists, consider seeking professional assistance.

What should I do if I hear unusual noises coming from my Suburban RV furnace when it attempts to ignite?

Immediately turn off the furnace and investigate the source of the noise. It could indicate a potential mechanical issue or obstruction. It’s best only to use the furnace once a qualified RV technician resolves the problem.

When should I seek professional assistance for my Suburban RV furnace ignition problem?

Consider seeking professional assistance for your Suburban RV furnace ignition problem when you have attempted basic troubleshooting steps but the issue persists. If you need clarification on diagnosing or fixing the problem yourself, or if there is a potential gas or electrical issue, it’s best to have a qualified RV technician inspect and repair the furnace.

Final Words

Proper maintenance of the Suburban RV furnace is paramount to prevent the inconvenience of ignition failure during travels. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the system, checking propane levels, and addressing potential issues promptly can save countless headaches on the road.

A well-functioning furnace guarantees a cozy trip during colder months, providing warmth and comfort in chilly weather. 

RV enthusiasts can enjoy worry-free adventures by following the troubleshooting guide on Suburban RV furnaces not igniting. They can be confident that their furnace will ignite reliably, making every journey a delightful and memorable experience. Stay warm and embrace the joys of RV exploration with a fully operational furnace at your side.

Read Also: What To Do When RV Furnace Clicking But Not Lighting?