Water heater shuts down shortly after ignition attempt; display shows Code 02
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF the gas supply at the shutoff valve and switch OFF electrical power to the Rinnai unit before removing covers. If you ever smell gas, stop immediately, ventilate the area, and contact your gas supplier or a licensed technician.
Steps to check:
- Verify gas supply: Ensure the manual gas shutoff valve to the heater is fully open. Check that other gas appliances in the home are working normally. Low or no gas pressure can cause flame failure.
- Inspect air intake and exhaust: Make sure the intake and exhaust vent terminals are not blocked by debris, snow, or insect nests. Restricted combustion air can cause unstable flame.
- Clean burner and flame rod: Remove the front cover (after power and gas are off). Locate the burner assembly and flame rod. Gently clean the flame rod with fine emery cloth and remove dust or debris from the burner with a soft brush and vacuum. Reassemble carefully.
- Reset the unit: Restore power and gas, then press the ON/OFF button to reset. Run hot water and observe if the code returns.
When to call a professional: If Code 02 persists after cleaning and verifying gas supply, the gas valve assembly or control board may be faulty. These should be tested and replaced only by a qualified Rinnai technician.