The first thing I do when I buy a used rig at auction is skip the cosmetics entirely and go straight to the mechanical systems. How a previous owner maintained the furnace, the AC, the water heater — that tells me everything I need to know about how the whole coach was treated. On the Winnebago Ekko, the diesel heater is one of the first things I pull up on diagnostics, because a neglected glow plug or fuel pump is almost always the reason these units throw fault codes, fail to ignite, or just blow cold air at 2 AM in January — and nine times out of ten, the previous owner had no idea what was wrong and just stopped using it. The good news is this is a completely serviceable repair if you know the system, and catching it early is the difference between a $40 fix and pulling the entire heater core. This guide walks you through exactly what I do when I’m diagnosing and servicing the diesel heater on an Ekko, based on real failures I’ve seen on rigs I’ve bought, repaired, and put back on the road.
Parts & Tools You’ll Need
- Webasto / Espar ceramic glow plug
- Diesel heater fuel dosing pump (12V)
- Inline diesel fuel filter
- Diesel heater LCD control panel
- Combustion chamber blower motor
- Intake & exhaust silencer kit
- Diesel fuel line silicone tubing (4mm)
- Digital multimeter (auto-ranging)
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Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Step 1: Diagnose Heater Malfunction Issues
Start by checking your Winnebago Ekko’s diesel heater for common failure symptoms such as slow startup, weak heat output, or complete no-heat conditions. Use your digital multimeter to test the glow plug circuit voltage at the LCD control panel connector—you should read approximately 12V when the ignition is on. Document any error codes displayed on the control panel, as these will guide your repair approach and help you determine whether the glow plug, fuel pump, or both components need replacement.
Step 2: Access Heater Components Safely
Disconnect the negative battery terminal on your Class B van to prevent electrical shock and accidental system activation during service. Locate your diesel heater unit, typically mounted under the floor or in the engine bay, and remove the protective shroud or access panel using appropriate socket wrenches. Allow the heater to cool completely before proceeding, as ceramic glow plugs and fuel lines retain dangerous heat even after shutdown.
Step 3: Remove Old Glow Plug Assembly
Disconnect the electrical connector from the old ceramic glow plug by carefully releasing the retention clip and gently pulling away from the heater combustion chamber. Unscrew the glow plug using a hex socket wrench, turning counterclockwise, and inspect the old ceramic element for cracks, discoloration, or carbon buildup. Immediately replace the sealing washer with a fresh component to ensure proper sealing and prevent exhaust leakage in your new installation.
Step 4: Install New Ceramic Glow Plug
Thread the new Webasto or Espar ceramic glow plug into the combustion chamber by hand first, then carefully tighten with your hex socket wrench to the manufacturer’s specification without over-tightening. Reconnect the electrical connector firmly until the retention clip clicks securely, ensuring the connection is corrosion-free and moisture-protected. Position any new intake or exhaust silencer components according to your heater’s mounting bracket, as these reduce operational noise in your living space.
Step 5: Service Fuel Pump and Lines
Locate the 12V diesel heater fuel dosing pump in the fuel delivery line and disconnect it from both the supply and return fuel lines by releasing the barbed connectors. Replace the inline diesel fuel filter first, ensuring the new filter’s flow direction arrow points toward the pump inlet, then install the fresh fuel dosing pump with its outlet facing the heater unit. Reconnect all 4mm silicone fuel tubing securely and inspect for any cracks or loose fittings that could cause leaks during operation.
Step 6: Verify Control Panel Function
Reconnect your battery negative terminal and power on the diesel heater LCD control panel to confirm it displays normal operation without error codes. Cycle through the menu settings to verify the panel recognizes the new glow plug and fuel pump components without displaying fault indicators. Check that the combustion chamber blower motor runs smoothly when activated, listening for any unusual grinding or rattling that would indicate bearing wear.
Step 7: Test Heating System Performance
Start the heater and allow it to run through a complete warm-up cycle, monitoring the glow plug ignition sequence and fuel pump priming for approximately 90 seconds. Use your digital multimeter to measure the glow plug voltage throughout the startup sequence, confirming it achieves full heating voltage before fuel injection begins. After 10–15 minutes of operation, verify that your Winnebago Ekko reaches the desired cabin temperature, then shut down normally and inspect all fuel connections for any seepage or drips.
Recommended Parts
| Part | Link |
|---|---|
| Webasto / Espar ceramic glow plug | View on Amazon |
| Diesel heater fuel dosing pump (12V) | View on Amazon |
| Inline diesel fuel filter | View on Amazon |
| Diesel heater LCD control panel | View on Amazon |
| Combustion chamber blower motor | View on Amazon |
| Intake & exhaust silencer kit | View on Amazon |
| Diesel fuel line silicone tubing (4mm) | View on Amazon |
| Digital multimeter (auto-ranging) | View on Amazon |