LED_3_FLASH
American Water Heaters
Flame Sense Error on Standing Pilot / Electronic Hybrid Models
Gas control status light flashes 3 times repeatedly; water heater locked out.
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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
Dirty flame sensor, Poor ground, Reversed polarity, Faulty gas control flame circuit
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off gas and power before servicing.
- 1. Clean flame sensor: Gently polish the flame sensor rod with fine abrasive pad.
- 2. Check ground: Ensure burner assembly and control have solid ground connections.
- 3. Verify polarity: Use a receptacle tester to confirm correct hot/neutral orientation.
- 4. Replace gas control: If the flame is stable and sensor is clean but code persists, replace the gas control valve.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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