Problem: How Do I Reset an RV Furnace?

Unlike a household furnace, most RV furnaces do not have a dedicated external “reset button.” In many cases, resetting an RV furnace simply means shutting the system down completely and restoring power so the furnace control board can restart the ignition sequence.

If your RV furnace is not heating properly, resetting it is often one of the first troubleshooting steps to try.

How to Reset an RV Furnace

Follow these steps to safely reset most RV furnaces:

1. Turn the Thermostat Off

Start by turning your RV thermostat completely off.

Wait about 30 seconds before continuing.

2. Shut Off Furnace Power

Turn off power to the furnace by:

  • Removing the furnace fuse
  • Turning off the furnace breaker
  • Disconnecting 12V power temporarily

Most RV furnaces rely heavily on a stable 12V DC power supply.

3. Wait 1–2 Minutes

Allow the furnace control board to fully power down.

This helps clear lockout conditions caused by failed ignition attempts or voltage interruptions.

4. Restore Power

Reinstall the fuse or turn the breaker back on.

5. Turn the Thermostat Back On

Set the thermostat above room temperature and listen for the startup sequence.

Normally you should hear:

  1. Blower motor starts
  2. Ignition attempt begins
  3. Burner ignites
  4. Warm air begins flowing

Why an RV Furnace Goes Into Lockout

Many RV furnaces enter a safety lockout mode after repeated failed ignition attempts.

Common reasons include:

  • Low battery voltage
  • Empty propane tank
  • Air in propane lines
  • Faulty sail switch
  • Bad igniter electrode
  • Dirty burner assembly
  • Faulty control board
  • Weak blower motor

Resetting the furnace may temporarily clear the lockout, but the underlying issue still needs to be fixed.

If the Furnace Still Will Not Work

If resetting the furnace does not solve the issue, pay attention to what the furnace does during startup.

Blower Runs But No Ignition

Possible causes:

  • Sail switch
  • Igniter electrode
  • Gas valve
  • Control board

Furnace Clicks But Will Not Light

Possible causes:

  • No propane flow
  • Dirty burner
  • Weak spark
  • Ignition electrode problem

Furnace Starts Then Shuts Off

Possible causes:

  • Overheating
  • Restricted airflow
  • Limit switch issue
  • Weak blower motor

Common RV Furnace Parts That Cause Problems

At RV Furnace Guys, some of the most commonly replaced RV furnace parts include:

  • Control boards
  • Sail switches
  • Igniter electrodes
  • Gas valves
  • Thermostats
  • Blower motors
  • Limit switches

We carry replacement parts for:

  • Suburban RV furnaces
  • Dometic / Atwood RV furnaces

FAQ

Is there a reset button on an RV furnace?

Most RV furnaces do not have a dedicated reset button. Resetting usually involves disconnecting power and restarting the system.

Can low voltage cause an RV furnace to stop working?

Yes. Low 12V power is one of the most common RV furnace problems and can prevent proper ignition.

Why does my RV furnace blower run but no heat comes out?

This is commonly caused by ignition failure, a sail switch issue, low propane flow, or a faulty control board.

How long should I leave power disconnected to reset the furnace?

Usually 1–2 minutes is enough to fully reset the control board.

Will resetting the furnace permanently fix the problem?

Not always. Resetting may temporarily clear a safety lockout, but the root issue still needs to be diagnosed and repaired.