E10
A.O. Smith Communication Error Between User Interface and Control Board

A.O. Smith water heater displays E10; unit may not respond to controls

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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

Loose or damaged communication cable, Failed display/user interface board, Control board communication port failure, Moisture intrusion in control compartment

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Disconnect power before removing any covers.

  • 1. Power reset: Turn off power for 5 minutes, then restore. Sometimes transient communication faults clear with a reset.
  • 2. Inspect cables: Remove the front cover and locate the low-voltage cable between the display panel and main control board. Ensure both ends are fully seated and the cable is not pinched or cut.
  • 3. Check for moisture: Look for signs of water leaks or condensation inside the control compartment. Address any leaks from plumbing or venting before replacing electronics.
  • 4. Replace interface: If the cable is intact but the display is blank or erratic, replace the user interface/display board with an OEM part.
  • 5. Control board: If a new interface and cable do not resolve E10, the main control board is likely defective and should be replaced by a technician.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

User Interface / Display Board
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