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Check Electrical Connections

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.


Step 1: Tools and Supplies

  • No tools or supplies are needed for this guide.

Step 2: 2 Flashes

  • Two flashes every three seconds means the pilot is lit but the gas valve is not detecting enough milivolts being generated by the thermopile.

Step 3: Turn the Gas Control Knob OFF

Turn the gas control knob OFF.
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  • Turn the gas control knob OFF.

Step 4: Turn the Gas Supply Valve OFF

Turn the gas supply valve OFF.
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  • Turn the gas supply valve OFF.

Step 5: Remove Black Connector

Carefully remove the black connector on the gas control valve. (Do not pull wires!)
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  • Carefully remove the black connector on the gas control valve. (Do not pull wires!)

Step 6: Reinsert the Connector

Reinsert the connector making sure the connector is fully inserted and tight. (These steps help remove any corrosion and ensure good electrical contact.)
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  • Reinsert the connector making sure the connector is fully inserted and tight. (These steps help remove any corrosion and ensure good electrical contact.)

Step 7: Remove Electrical Connectors

Remove both electrical connectors from the thermal switch. (Do not pull wires!)
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  • Remove both electrical connectors from the thermal switch. (Do not pull wires!)

Step 8: Replace Electrical Connectors

Replace both electrical connectors making sure they are fully inserted and tight. (These steps help remove any corrosion and ensure good electrical contact.)
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  • Replace both electrical connectors making sure they are fully inserted and tight. (These steps help remove any corrosion and ensure good electrical contact.)

Step 9: Light the Pilot

Try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater's label.
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  • Try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater's label.

  • If after following these troubleshooting steps the Status Light still flashes two times every three seconds, turn the gas control knob OFF, turn the gas supply valve OFF, and click on "Need More Help" below.