The Suburban RV furnace reset button is a small but crucial control many RV owners need to troubleshoot furnace issues quickly and safely. This guide explains where to find the reset, when to use it, how to reset the furnace properly, and common causes of repeated trips. It focuses on practical, safety-first steps and diagnostic tips to get heat working again without causing further damage.
| Issue | Quick Action | When To Call A Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace Won’t Start | Check power, thermostat, gas, press reset | If reset trips repeatedly or gas smell present |
| Reset Button Trips Repeatedly | Inspect intake/exhaust, flame sensor, wiring | If electrical faults or persistent no-heat |
| Intermittent Operation | Clean filters, check venting, check propane pressure | Complex control board or gas valve issues |
How The Suburban RV Furnace Reset Button Works
The reset button on a Suburban RV furnace is a manual safety override for the furnace’s internal thermal cutoff or electronic control. When the furnace overheats or detects a critical fault, an internal sensor or control may shut the unit down. The reset allows a technician or owner to clear that condition after the underlying issue is addressed.
The reset does not fix root causes. It only clears a trip condition. Repeated use without diagnosing the underlying problem can create safety risks and cause further damage.
Where To Find The Reset Button On Suburban Furnaces
On Suburban furnaces, the reset button is typically located on the furnace control panel or near the blower assembly under the access panel. Models vary: older Suburban models might have a recessed button alongside the thermostat wiring, while newer electronic-control versions can have a recessed reset within the control module area.
Owners should consult the specific furnace owner’s manual or look for a small red or black button labeled “Reset” or “Thermal Reset.” If the manual is not available, the unit’s model number can be used to find documentation online at the manufacturer’s site (Suburban Mfg).
Safety Precautions Before Pressing The Reset Button
Before attempting any reset, the RV owner must take safety precautions to prevent injury or ignition hazards. Turn off power to the furnace at the 12V circuit breaker or main disconnect, and shut off the LP gas supply at the tank or appliance shutoff valve if a gas issue is suspected.
If there is a strong smell of propane or evidence of a gas leak, do not press the reset button. Evacuate the area, ventilate if safe, and contact emergency services or a qualified technician. A reset during an active leak increases the risk of fire or explosion.
Step-By-Step: Resetting A Suburban RV Furnace
1. Initial Checks
Confirm 12V power is available to the furnace by checking the RV battery voltage and the furnace circuit breaker or fuse. Verify the propane supply is on and the tank has pressure. Check the thermostat is set above room temperature and in the correct mode (Heat).
2. Turn Off Power And Gas
Switch off the furnace 12V power and close the propane tank valve to ensure no gas flows while accessing the furnace. Wait at least 5 minutes for any residual gas to dissipate and for hot components to cool down before opening the access panel.
3. Access The Reset Button
Remove the furnace access panel using appropriate tools if necessary. Locate the reset button; it may be recessed and require a pointed object or flashlight to see. Note any visible damage, soot, or loose wiring before proceeding.
4. Press The Reset Button
Press and release the reset button once. Do not hold it down for extended periods. After pressing, restore 12V power first, then open the propane valve. Set the thermostat and attempt to start the furnace.
5. Observe Operation
Watch the furnace through its start cycle: the blower should begin briefly, the spark or hot surface igniter should attempt to light, and the flame should establish and remain steady. If the furnace lights and operates normally, monitor it for several cycles to ensure stability.
Common Reasons The Reset Button Trips
Understanding why the reset tripped helps prevent recurrence. Frequent causes include blocked combustion air intake or exhaust, dirty flame sensors, failed blower motors, shorted wiring or control board issues, low propane pressure, and a clogged or dirty furnace flame assembly.
Blockage in intake or exhaust vents is common after winter storage or if vents were covered during travel. Even partial blockage can cause overheating and trip the thermal limit.
Diagnostics When Reset Keeps Tripping
If the reset trips repeatedly, a systematic diagnostic approach is required. First check vents and flues for obstructions, inspect and clean or replace the furnace filter and intake screen, and visually examine wiring and connectors for corrosion or loose connections.
Next test the blower motor and fan capacitor by verifying the motor receives voltage during the start sequence. If the motor fails to spin or runs slowly, the thermal limit may trip again. Check the flame sensor or hot surface igniter for contamination or damage; a weak or intermittent flame signal often causes shutdowns.
Electrical And Control Issues To Inspect
Suburban furnaces use a control board or module to manage ignition and safety checks. Faulty relays, capacitors, or connectors on the control board can mimic thermal trips. Use a multimeter to confirm proper 12V supply and continuity across relevant components. Replace blown fuses and inspect the furnace’s inline fuse or circuit breaker.
Thermostat wiring problems can also create intermittent power to the furnace. Verify thermostat connections and ground continuity.
Propane And Ignition System Troubleshooting
Low propane pressure, clogged regulator, or depleted tanks often cause ignition failures that may lead to resets. Confirm tank levels and check the regulator for frost buildup or audible hissing. Replace or service the regulator if irregular pressure is suspected.
Inspect the burner assembly and orifice for carbon buildup and clean carefully. For hot surface ignition, ensure the igniter glows properly; replace if cracked or weak. For spark ignition systems, confirm the electrode gap and spark presence.
Maintenance To Prevent Future Trips
Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of reset trips. Clean intake and exhaust screens, remove debris from around outside vents, and schedule an annual furnace service including burner inspection, flame sensor cleaning, and control module checks.
Replace the furnace filter or screen per the owner’s manual and ensure vent caps are intact after winter storage. Keep the furnace compartment dry and free of stored items to avoid airflow restriction and overheating.
When To Call A Professional
If the reset button trips repeatedly after basic troubleshooting, or when electrical wiring, gas components, or control boards show signs of failure, contact a certified RV technician. Also call a pro if a gas odor is present, if the furnace produces soot or a yellow/orange flame, or if the owner is uncomfortable with disassembly or gas system checks.
Certified technicians can perform pressure testing, control board diagnostics, and safe component replacement. This reduces risk and ensures compliance with safety standards.
Replacement Parts And Upgrades
Common replacement parts include flame sensors, igniters, control boards, blower motors, and orifice kits. When ordering parts, use the furnace model number and serial from the unit label to ensure compatibility. OEM Suburban parts reduce fitment issues and maintain safety certifications.
Consider upgrading to newer, more efficient burners or electronic controls if the furnace is older and parts are obsolete. Upgrades can improve reliability and may include built-in diagnostics to help isolate future problems.
FAQ
How Often Should The Reset Be Used?
The reset should be used only after verifying that the cause of a trip is addressed. Occasional use for one-off faults is acceptable; repeated resetting without repair is unsafe and indicates a problem needing professional attention.
Will Pressing The Reset Damage The Furnace?
Pressing the reset button once does not damage the furnace if done safely. Repeated resets during an unresolved fault may stress components and risk overheating or other failures.
Can The Reset Button Be Replaced?
Yes. If the button is damaged or fails to engage, it can be replaced, but replacement should follow manufacturer guidance. Ensure a compatible part and proper reassembly to maintain safety features.
Helpful Resources And Manuals
Access the Suburban furnace manual or model-specific documentation for detailed wiring diagrams and part numbers at the manufacturer’s website. Online RV forums and repair guides can offer model-specific tips but verify recommendations against official documentation.
Useful links include Suburban’s support pages and RV technical communities where maintenance experiences and troubleshooting steps are shared by owners and technicians.
Key Takeaway: The Suburban RV furnace reset button is a safety device that clears fault conditions but does not replace proper diagnosis. Use it cautiously, follow safety steps, and pursue repairs if problems recur to ensure safe, reliable heat in the RV.