Why Does Your RV Furnace Keep Tripping the Reset Button?

The breaker switch on the top of your RV Furnace will trip if something goes wrong. The issue is that RV manufacturers don’t notify you about it, and it is not stated in the instructions. The aim of a furnace’s reset button is to shut it down before it trips your circuit breaker. This may be required if the furnace is overheated or the electrical system is disrupted. Though you can simply click the reset button again to get the furnace running again, if it keeps tripping the reset button, it can be due to a few reasons.

Your RV Furnace can keep tripping the reset button if there is insufficient airflow. The furnace will overheat, causing the reset button to trip and the heat output to cease. Another cause could be the low voltage of your battery. If the blow motor cage is hindered by rubbing instead of spinning freely, it can also cause the reset button to trip. If none of these cases apply to you, the problem might be in a faulty circuit board. Blockage in the exhaust can also be a reason.

There are many reasons why your RV furnace keeps tripping the reset button; you must first diagnose the problem to solve this problem. Through our article, you will be able to understand what a furnace reset button is and diagnose the problem of why your RV furnace keeps tripping this reset button. 

Contents

What Is a Furnace Reset Button

All furnaces come with a reset button. They are typically red or yellow in color and are found inside the blower compartment. The reset button is a safety device that will shut down the furnace if a problem is identified, usually a hot or overheating furnace, before the circuit breaker trips.

This button is usually found on the top of your furnace. However, it is not easy to locate. You must trace back red, black, and blue wires to locate this reset button. The wires, however, are not directly connected to the switch on the top of the furnace.

The reset switch is approximately an inch or two on the far side of the wires, so you’ll still have to feel around a little. Other models of RV furnaces might have easier-to-reach positions.

Reasons Why Your RV Furnace Keeps Tripping the Reset Button

As previously stated, a furnace may need to be adjusted occasionally, such as when it becomes excessively hot. The reset button comes in helpful here. However, if your furnace is repeatedly resetting, it is likely that the reset button is being activated by a problem. We will discuss some of the things that can cause the furnace to reset consistently. 

Alternatively, you can consult the following video to diagnose and fix two common RV furnace problems:

Overheating

A furnace can overheat and trip the reset button if it doesn’t get proper ventilation. This can be due to cloistered parts in the furnace, which prevent necessary airflow.  You can maintain proper airflow by cleaning or replacing the air filters and keeping the air vents open.

Blocked Valves

Another reason the tank reset button continues tripping could be blocked or closed valves. Valves are critical for your furnace since air circulation is how everything works and stays working properly. 

Occasionally, valves become clogged with dirt, dust, or debris. It is critical that your furnace remains free of blockages, as clogging can cause overheating, which can lead to problems like the one discussed in this article.

Depending on how frequently you use your camper, you should clean out the furnace valves at least once a year. This can prevent such a problem from occurring.

Low Fuel

If you run out of fuel and have a gas or oil furnace, the reset button may trip. Fuel is used to power gas and oil heaters, so it can trip the reset switch if there is insufficient fuel to continue working. Making sure there is fuel in either the gas or oil tank is all that is required for this repair. If this is the case, when you call for a refill, let them know that the tank is empty and that it will need to be primed.

Uncleaned Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC unit is critical. When heating your home, the furnace draws air via this filter. The air filter collects dust, dirt, and other debris and prevents it from entering the furnace unit. As a result, over time, the filter may become clogged. 

The furnace may trip due to a clogged or unclean air filter. Changing or cleaning your HVAC air filter regularly (at least quarterly) will help to keep your furnace in good working order.

Obstructed Flame Sensor

The flame sensor rod might become clogged with dirt and debris, forcing the furnace to shut off. Keeping the flame sensor rod clean by washing it down regularly will help prevent this.

Reset It Manually

There are times when you will need to reset the furnace manually. The key to completing this challenge is to first locate the reset button. You will need to trace certain wires from the furnace back to the reset button. It’s a rocker switch with a smooth on the side and a rougher offside.

Turn on the switch, then turn it off again. Wait 30 seconds before turning back on the rocker switch, and your furnace should be reset. The issue is that many RVs equipped with furnace lack an outside access panel. You must approach it from the inside.

Conclusion

RVs are great places to live, but they also require some maintenance. One of the most important things to consider is keeping your RV furnace working properly. If your furnace stops working, you’ll want to fix it immediately. We listed the problems that your RV furnace may be tripping the reset button so you can diagnose the problem and then look for solutions.