Jayco Redhawk – Furnace Igniter & Control Board Replacement

Jayco Redhawk – Furnace Igniter & Control Board Replacement

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Complete repair guide for the Jayco Redhawk – Furnace Igniter & Control Board Replacement. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue yourself.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Diagnose Furnace Igniter and Control Issues

Start by turning off the propane supply at the tank and switching off the 12V power to your furnace at the main RV electrical panel. Use your digital multimeter set to DC voltage mode to test the igniter electrode for continuity—you should read between 0.1 to 2 ohms of resistance when the igniter is at room temperature. If the multimeter shows an open circuit (infinite resistance) or the furnace fails to ignite after multiple attempts, the igniter electrode and/or control board require replacement.

Step 2: Remove Furnace Access Panels and Components

Locate your Jayco Redhawk’s furnace access door, typically found in the external lower cabinet or interior closet space. Remove the two to four Phillips head screws securing the furnace cover panel and carefully set aside the metal enclosure to expose the burner assembly, igniter electrode, and circuit board mounted on the interior frame. Take a photograph of the wiring connections before disconnecting anything to ensure accurate reassembly.

Step 3: Disconnect Electrical Harnesses from Control Board

Identify all connectors linked to the furnace circuit board—you’ll typically find four to six multi-pin harnesses connecting the control board to the blower motor, sail switch, high-limit switch, and igniter electrode. Carefully pull each connector straight out using firm, even pressure; avoid twisting or bending the plastic connectors. Label each disconnected harness with painter’s tape and a marker to prevent cross-wiring during reinstallation.

Step 4: Remove Old Igniter Electrode and Mounting Hardware

Locate the furnace igniter electrode, a small ceramic or metal probe positioned near the burner flame sensing area. Unscrew the single mounting bolt (typically 1/4-inch) securing the electrode to the burner box frame and slide the electrode connector off its terminal block. Inspect the removed electrode for visible cracks, discoloration, or deposits; these confirm ignition failure and justify replacement.

Step 5: Install New Control Board and Igniter Assembly

Position the new furnace circuit board in the exact location of the original unit, ensuring mounting holes align with the frame studs. Insert the new furnace igniter electrode into its mounting bracket and secure with the 1/4-inch bolt, tightening firmly but not over-torquing (approximately 8-10 foot-pounds). Connect the igniter electrode terminal to the control board’s designated two-pin connector, ensuring the connection clicks firmly into place.

Step 6: Reconnect All Electrical Harnesses and Verify Polarity

Using your labeled tape reference, reconnect each harness to its corresponding control board terminal in reverse order of disconnection. Pay special attention to the sail switch and high-limit switch connectors—most modern boards are polarity-sensitive, and reversed connections will prevent ignition. Double-check that the blower motor connector (typically a three-pin terminal) is seated completely, then visually inspect all connections for loose or partially inserted pins.

Step 7: Test Furnace Ignition and Safety Systems

Restore 12V power at the main RV electrical panel and turn the propane supply back on at the tank. Set your Jayco thermostat to heating mode at approximately 75°F and listen for the blower motor to activate within 30 seconds followed by the characteristic igniter spark (a clicking sound). Confirm the furnace achieves stable flame within 5 seconds of ignition; if the flame extinguishes or the burner fails to light after three attempts, shut down immediately and recheck all electrical connections. Finally, test your propane/CO combo detector alarm to verify it registers normal CO levels (under 35 ppm) during furnace operation.