Flame Detected with No Call
Weil-McLain
False Flame Sensing
Control indicates 'Flame Present' or 'Flame Detected' when there is no call for heat; unit may lock 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
Shorted flame sensor to ground, Electrical noise on flame signal, Control board flame circuit failure, Pilot or burner leaking gas and burning continuously (rare on modern units)
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power and gas. If you see any flame when the unit should be off, shut the gas off immediately and call a professional.
- Inspect flame sensor wiring: Check the flame rod lead for damaged insulation or contact with metal surfaces. Reroute or insulate as needed.
- Clean flame sensor: Remove and clean the flame rod with fine abrasive pad. Reinstall, ensuring proper clearance from burner surfaces.
- Check grounding: Verify that the water heater chassis is properly grounded and that ground wires are tight. Poor grounding can cause false flame signals.
- Observe for unintended flame: With the burner access panel removed and gas on, but no call for heat, confirm there is no pilot or burner flame. If any flame is present, shut off gas and call a technician immediately.
- Control replacement: If wiring and sensor are good but the control still reports flame with no actual flame, the control module’s flame circuit may be defective and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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