Navien Tankless Water Heater Error Code 003 Fixed!
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- It seems like a lot of people are having trouble with their Navien tankless water heaters failing while displaying the error code 003E 2.00. I recently saw this on my Navien NR-240A heater. According to the manual, this is caused by an ignition problem. Since there hasn't been much good information posted on CZcams as to how to fix this, I put together a video as to the steps I took to successfully bring my water heater back from the dead. This can be a DIY job, and includes cleaning the inlet air filter, replacement of the Flame Rod Assembly and, if necessary, replacing the PCB/motherboard. The only tools required are a couple of Phillips screwdrivers and no more than 90 minutes of time. The total cost in parts will be just over $200 if you order from suppliesdepot.com, and the 90 minutes of work will save you hundreds of dollars in labor.
Amazing video. I was able to fix my unit with just the flame rod assembly replacement with the 003E error code. Took about 30 min. Keep in mind that if you have a natural gas unit then the part number is different than the one in the video.
Thank you for the note, Jeremy. I'm very happy to hear that the video helped.
Thanks, B W, for very clear instructions. Same problem here -- and it was indeed the flame rod. Took me about half an hour to swap the part, and now it lights immediately.
Thank you for the feedback, John. I'm happy that this little video has helped people get their water heaters up and running without spending a fortune in the process.
There are different flame rods for different types of gas- LP or NG. Make sure you get the appropriate one for your gas type otherwise it won't work right.
I also had my unit plugged into a surge protector. On a hunch I removed the surge protector and now it works great. Much more responsive ignition.
This video is extremely helpful. I had the same error code and the water heater company suggested I replace the entire unit for $4k. So I found this video, bought the replacement flame rod part online, fired up the unit, and now it seems to work fine. The author of this video mentions to 'gently' remove the old flame rod. Well, the flame rod would not be removed so easily. The rods are designed bent. The part does not freely remove or install. I had to apply a little pressure [gently!] and even bend the rods a little. but besides that, an easy job. Thx for the video. I saved myself $3,990!
The fact that a service company even suggested that you replace the entire unit is exactly why I made this video to start with. That kind of exploitation really makes me angry.
@@Walker34077 yeah they want you to do what makes them the most money with least effort
@@Walker34077 Thank You
Very helpful video.! I ordered the $9. part and did the flame rod change out just as you showed it.! 5 screws and 15 minutes = job done.
That's great to hear. Thanks very much for the note!
Thanks so much for this vid! I just did the flame rod and PCB swaps for my NR-180A, so far so good!
That's great to hear. It's a good feeling, isn't it? Thanks for the note!
Can u tell me pcb model number for NR 180-A
300-00-182A
Just wanted to say thanks for this video. I had the same problem you did and it saved me a bunch on plumber calls. I just wish Navien support was more helpful.
I'm glad you found this video to be helpful, Scott. I'm happy to say that my own water heater is still working quite well after this fix.
Twice I’ve had the 003 error code and support said to replace the board. Twice instead all i did was bleed the gas line. Turn the gas off. Take the tiny screw out from the pipe right under the unit. Put the screw back in. Turn on the gas and it will work. It’s just a gas line bubble. At worst try this first. It will save you a lot of money.
Thank you!! Ordered the Flame Rod Assembly from SuppliesDepot (natural gas version) and followed your instructions! 30 mins later we had hot water! Thanks again 😀
Thank you for the note, Dustin. I'm really glad that the time I spent in the attic in a Texas July went on to help some people out!
Checking in I have a CH-180 combi boiler
Same error as everyone else!
Started probably a year ago. About once every other month I would have to go and hit the power button and it would kick back on. Called my local plumber, he came out removed the flame rod tips were rusted so he cleaned them up- reinstalled. He also adjusted the intake and exhaust vents on the outside of my house (they were installed incorrectly by the previous owner. Bought me 6 months for half hour of labor. ($50)
Now, my GFI switch that the heater is plugged into starts tripping. Reset the switch, plug it back in trips again. Run an extension cord to a non-GFI switch plug it in, runs fine. (Tells me it’s a short) I leave it connected via the extension cord for about a week (plumber was booked) no issues.
Plumber comes back out replaces the flame rod assembly ($30) no issue for two month.
I come back from a brief weekend vacation today, run a shower, no hot water. GFI is tripped. Plug back into extension cord. 003E is back this time won’t stay on. Looks like there is flame inside the window but no signal to the controller.
Will start with the transformer myself, if not then PCB. If not then air/fuel intake
It seems like your troubleshooting logic is sound. The GFCI tripping is definitely a warning sign that your electrical supply has a problem.
Great video. Very helpful. I just replaced my heat sensor/igniter on my condensing boiler. Its a new unit and better designed than the one in the video. The heat sensor was accessible and 2 screws and three connectors and whammo I had made fire. Navien was not helpful. They kept trying to blame gas pressure... I kept telling them the on demand tank less hot water heater draws 2x the btu's and it worked so gas pressure is fine...... they seemed more interested in getting me off the phone. Kept saying I need to call a certified technician. Of course I did and my plumber was on vacation and I cant get a plumber to make a service call on such a complicated device You tube and you people helped, thank you. heat sensor cost me $28... easy peasy.
I'm really happy to hear this video was helpful. I'm also happy to say that my experience with Navien tech support was very positive. I spent a solid 30 minutes on the phone as we tested the voltages and connections for the system. But I can certainly understand how frustrating it can be to get a bad rep on the tech support line.
@@Walker34077 Glad you had a good experience. I called Navien, they just kept saying I needed to call an authorized repair tech. It's a low quality product from a junk company and I will never, ever buy one of their garbage products (other than repair parts) again.
E003 is shown after 10 ignition failures. My problem was due to one of the ignition wires being connected to the flame rod. Worked much better after that!
What does that mean? Isn’t the ignition wire suppose to be connected to the flame?
@@bluwng The flame rod detects combustion. The ignition wire creates the spark.
Thanks for the video. I had the same problem but it turned out to be severely corroded connectors on the main gas valve.
I had the same issue. Had to replace the whole main gas valve as I could not source the coil/solenoid on the top that seemed to be the source of the issue (it seemed to be leaking some sort of very corrosive fluid all over the gas valve). Works great after replacement and $50 (for the part) is not bad for a 12 year old water heater! You can easily diagnose if this is your issue, use a flashlight to peer BEHIND the PCB to the back right bottom of the unit and you'll see major corrosion on the top of the main gas valve (sits in the back right corner of the unit) cascading down the main gas valve. Very visually obvious, at least to me. As soon as I took out the PCB and simply TOUCHED the lead wire going to the top solenoid, it literally FELL OFF since it was completely corroded. Even if it's not that bad, if it's not making a connection the unit will NOT run.
Thank you for sharing your valuable experience with us🙏
I had the same problem, the new igniter worked, but it came back. I just fixed it by replacing the ignition transformer. I also installed a new ignitor while I was there. Now it starts flawlessly.
The connectors to the flame rod are an after thought, they don’t lock. Eventually they work loose and flag and error. You can secure by soldering them. Theoretically they should last 20 years.
Hi Bryan,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful and helpful video! After watching your video, I ordered the flame rod assembly for my Navien after confirming the part number with their customer care agent.
I could not unscrew any of the two screws to remove the current flame rod assembly despite using a regular screwdriver, the ratchet screwdriver from Amazon that you suggested, giving some heat, and dropping some WD-40 and Jig-A-Loo, a silicone based lubricant. No success at all. I had to reinstall the blower and restarted the water heater. Within an hour, I got the same 003 error code. Any help or suggestions from you or anyone else on how to remove those two screws would be greatly appreciated!
So I did a flame rod and ignition transformer and just peeked in the sightglass and of course I am getting ignition. But I am also getting "ignition failure" the unit is actually extinguishing itself because it doesn't know it did in fact ignite. So looks like I'm out a PCB. Very exciting, so pleased thus far with the Navien Experience (tm)
Before you get a new PCB I would recommend you double-check the wire from the flame rod all the way down to the PCB plug to make sure it hasn't been compromised. It would be a shame to spend the money for a new board when something as simple as a bad connection or faulty wire is the cause.
A little late but you should also check the entire intake and exhaust piping for any sort of blockage. Flames will not last long if they can’t breathe.
Thank you for making this video!!!
I had local plumber change out flame rod first - i should have done it myself. SMH. Anyway, new flame rod still get the 003 error. I ordered the PCB board from supplies depot and installed. Took me 30 minutes. Let's see if this solves the 003 error. My unit would just stop working and I would have to constantly go out into garage and manually push power for the thing to work. Got annoying. Hopefully this new board clears that code.
TLDR; new flame rod + new PCB board. Let's see if this fixes it.
You just described exactly what I'd encountered. I'd be very surprised if the new PCB board didn't fix it. Please keep us updated.
@@Walker34077 i will!
@@jeffb8437 I had a guy come out and use those tools (among other tools) and everything checked out fine.
@@chrisallen8583 : Interesting. And you're still getting the 003 error?
B W no. The 003 error disappeared since I replaced the pcb board. 2 weeks and error free!
question for you - why did you not show the installation of the new rods, and the insulation gasket install etc .... your video just skipped to the new flame igniter installed?
Thank you so much very informitive!
Excellent great instructions
I have a NR240-A with the 003 error code. Plumber replaced the flame rods , gas valve and heat exchanger and it errors 003. Navien says if it was the PCB board it would error 015 or 515. How did you know it was the PCB if it still errored 003? Gas pressure etc were fine.
Do you have your heater suspended via a vibration-damping system? (3:34). Just curious, mine is bolted to 2x4s nailed to floor joists, which transmit vibration to the room above...
Yes, I remounted the heater to be suspended on rubber isolation mounts. These resulted in a HUGE reduction in the sound that was propagating to the bedrooms below when the recirculation pump was running.
Hi there! I’m in the process to take the Flame Rod out of my navien system but the 2 screws on the flame rod are super tight to unscrew. Any suggestions please it will help me. Thanks
Have you tried a couple of drops of penetrating oil such as Liquid Wrench? That may help? But I'd be very careful to wipe all of it off before igniting the burner again.
@@Walker34077 Yes I did I sprayed a little with a rag around the are so it wouldn’t drip some of the W-40 but it didn’t work it was sealed tight. So I purchased a small hand blow torch and gave it some heat and finally the stupid screws came off. I really appreciate you making this video it save me a lot of money by the way I purchased 2 flame rod since they where $8.95. I was hoping it was the flame rod and not the motherboard because then I had to wait until the holiday to get it on Friday. Notice on the motherboard one yellow light is on any suggestions on that? Thanks again!!!!
Had same error code on an nhb-080 boiler. Replaced flame rod no luck. If I order motherboard and it doesn't work than what's next.thanks for any input
I replaced the flame sensor, how can you tell the board is the next possible problem?
In my case, the E003 error didn't clear after replacing the flame rod. This indicated that the motherboard had failed. I replaced the flame rod first in hopes that this (~$25) part would clear the error code. Even though the flame rod in my unit was very worn and needed replacement anyway, a new motherboard (~$150) ultimately fixed the issue.
I have a Navien NCB 190/080H goes off on thermostat but keeps running and on/off every few minutes
I have a E004 code. got a electrician in and 'properly grounded wire' for $400. Error code came back in a day...so stressful!
I also had this Error code 3 and I replace a flame rod of which it did need, however i am still getting the error code 3 with multiple attempts to start. How did you know the mother board was the next problem
I walked through some spark chasing while on the phone with a Navien tech rep after the flame rod I replaced didn't clear the code. We found that there was no signal coming from the actual pins on the motherboard connector leading to the flame rod. The associated circuitry on the board had failed.
@@Walker34077 Ok I see! Did you use a meter to test or did they walk you though some other method. Their Tech Support wouldn't speak with me because I was not a tech with a company. Mine will just go through cycles but will turn off and throw a code3. I get about 3-4 mins of hot water and then cold again. I may need to check the flow sensor next.
@@terenceteat9559 Yes, I used a multimeter to test the voltage coming out of the motherboard's pin, after ensuring the signal wire (black) running to the flame rod hadn't been damaged.
Thanks for this video. I went through the same steps....my old flame rod was definitely working, i.e. sparking, but still no ignition. I find if I pause the blower for a short period then ignition starts up. This suggest gas flow problem. I replaced the board anyway and it DOES ignite, but the new firmware seems to just give the navien many more attempts...this suggests to me a gas flow issue. my next steps will be to measure the gas pressure (thanks for the tip from here , czcams.com/video/33mn76DfN-U/video.html ) , perhaps blow the line to see if that helps. The other option is perhaps to replace the blower, or the venturi meter....
Thanks for the troubleshooting analysis, Mark. I agree with your suspicion about the problem being with fuel or air flow. Have you had problems with any other gas appliances in your home?
@@Walker34077 I checked the gas pressure and it was 7 in WC so in the acceptable range. I had started to think it was the gas pressure sensor which is located on top part of the burn unit...looks like a flying saucer, black with some hoses coming out. This sensor has a venturi meter attached and I reasoned if this was malfunctioning then the blower might be too high initially (i.e. blowing too hard during igntion, so if blower input is plugged or if blower unplugged, ignition happens...which it does) Finally called in a plumber...not overly impressed. took him an hour to call navien (after I suggested it), finally talked with tech....they measured the gas pressure...hey 7in (what a suprise!)... then they measured the pressure sensor and it turns out to be faulty...I can't wait for the bill.....to top it off he changed the dip switch settings on me so it ran on minimum so no hot water...another hour grrrrr....It does turn out the unit will ignite if the hose to the venturi meter is opened to air....
Do you have a part number for the flame rod. Thanks for the video! That website you provide does not ship to Canada
I'm so sorry I didn't see this post until now. The part number for my heater was 30004684A.
David Broadway Go online to NAVIEN and get the part number for your unit. Your owners manual will have the old number, just match it to the new number. NG = Natural Gas LP = Liquid Propane
@@thundarspikershott9594 it depends where you got it from. If it's a reseller or distributor, Navien prints that distributors part # inside instead to try to make you buy it from them. Racketeering at it's finest
I have the NR 180 model and it is mounted in a way that won’t remove, I can’t get the right angle for removing due to the top part of the assembly. Did you have a difficult time removing the flame rod unit?
I used a small low-profile right-angle screwdriver to remove the mounting screws of the flame rod unit. You can find them at a hardware store or Amazon for just a few dollars. www.amazon.com/General-Tools-807SX-Crosspoint-Screwdriver/dp/B00004T7U0/ref=sr_1_27?crid=P6S935OBJGGJ&dchild=1&keywords=low+profile+right+angle+screwdriver&qid=1622391377&sprefix=low+profile+right+angle+scre%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-27
These things are an engineering failure all around and the company is awful. If you're looking to buy one avoid it like the plague. If you already have one like me then R.I.P.
On my newly installed 210A2 in new construction just this last friday... filled the tub with hot water... great hot water... turned on the hot water to rinse soapy hair... nothing but cold.... rinsed with cold water... dried off went to unit and flashing 003 ignition failure error code.... rest didn't work... keep in mind the plumber just installed this less than 3 hours ago... it's friday night.... this is not a great start to the weekend or my relationship with this tankless water heater... I'll text the plumber this evening (Sunday) and hope he is out first thing Monday morning.... no need for a weekend service call.
Are there any additional numbers you're seeing with the error code? Is there sufficient gas pressure? Do you see the Flame Rod sparking in the ignition chamber window? If your sources of air, fuel, and spark are good, it should be lighting.
@@Walker34077 no other numbers... I'm having the propane company come out and check the new service and connections... thanks.
BW or anyone please help:
I have had the same code off and on for 6 months, specifically on warmer days once the attic heats up. unit is a CR-210 installed in 2010. It has been flushed, traps are clean, I watched this video, new igniters, air intake clean, flow sensor new, exhaust over temperature/limit switch replaced, just replaced the MOTHER board, spent 1000$ to have a high pressure gas meter installed with regulators on all gas appliances, bc NAVIEN techs and a plumber said that was the issue, didn't help at all, nobody is listening to include NAVIEN tech. the system has been working perfect for 9 years, last 6 months will not work during the day (if its warm outside and the attic heats up above 75 degrees. Any thoughts, please help.
Michael
Exactly same problem with off and on for last 4 months. Replaced flame rod assembly and flushing yesterday, still same issue this morning. Any help?
@@skorimil My only guess is a component on the motherboard is beginning to fail. Electrolytic capacitors are also somewhat sensitive to heat. A replacement mobo may be your next step.
I would charge more than 500 for sure, try 800.
Did all steps still error 3
You replaced the motherboard as well?
Good grief, PCB board... Something tells me as if Navien pre-programmed PCB board to break AFTER warranty ends in 5 years, so people end up buying new one and possible getting maintenance guy to come in.
I have NR-180, and seem to have error 3 come up after it ignite and lose flame several times. Flame by itself is terribly uneven, flickering near ignitor side.
Wonder if that's something to do with PCB or worse - burner/heat exchanger itself.
Having same problem -- AGAIN. Replaced Flame Rod Assembly first time. Now what?!
If you're getting the 003E 2.00 error code after replacing the flame rod assembly, you're probably looking at the same situation I had, a bad motherboard.
Change both of them and still getting the error
@@Walker34077 Do you have any idea if it doesn't work even after changing the PCB ....T_T
@@soup1207 : Is it still giving you 003E 2.00 error?
P