E11
Rheem Control Board Communication / Internal Fault

Heater displays E11; unit may be unresponsive or intermittently shutting down

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed main control board, Corrupted firmware, Loose low-voltage connections, Voltage spikes or improper grounding

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Disconnect power at the breaker before opening the control compartment.

  • Check supply voltage: Verify that the heater is receiving the correct line voltage (typically 120V or 240V depending on model) and that the neutral/ground connections are solid.
  • Inspect low-voltage wiring: Examine all harnesses connected to the main control board for loose plugs, corrosion, or damaged wires. Reseat connectors firmly.
  • Look for moisture or insect damage: Check the control compartment for water intrusion, rust, or insect nests. Correct any sources of moisture and clean debris.
  • Power cycle: Turn power off for at least 5 minutes, then restore. If E11 returns consistently, the control board likely needs replacement.
  • Replace control board: Label all connectors, remove the old board, and install a Rheem OEM control board. Double-check wiring before restoring power.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Main Control Board
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