F8
Reliance Tank Temperature Sensor Disagreement / Calibration Fault

Reliance hybrid water heater displays F8 and may not heat efficiently

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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

Mismatched or incorrect tank sensors installed, One of multiple tank sensors failed, Loose sensor in well, Control board calibration error

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF power. Allow the tank to cool before removing insulation or sensors.

Steps to check:

  • 1. Identify tank sensors: Many hybrids use upper and lower tank sensors. Locate both and verify they are properly inserted into their wells.
  • 2. Check part numbers: Confirm that replacement sensors (if any) match Reliance’s specified part numbers for your model. Mixing different sensor types can cause F8.
  • 3. Inspect wiring: Check each sensor harness for damage and ensure connectors are fully seated at the control board.
  • 4. Compare resistances: With power OFF, disconnect both sensors and measure resistance. At a stable tank temperature, readings should be similar. A large difference indicates a bad sensor.
  • 5. Replace faulty sensor(s): Install new matching tank sensors as needed. If F8 persists with known-good sensors, the control board may require replacement.

Note: Do not interchange upper and lower sensors unless the service manual allows it.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Upper Tank Temperature Sensor
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