Entegra Esteem – Furnace Igniter & Control Board Replacement

Entegra Esteem – Furnace Igniter & Control Board Replacement

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

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Diagnose Furnace Failure and Gather Tools

Before starting any replacement work, verify that your furnace isn’t producing heat and listen for the igniter clicking sound when the thermostat calls for heat—no clicking indicates an igniter electrode problem, while clicking without ignition points to a control board issue. Gather your digital multimeter, screwdrivers, and the replacement parts (igniter electrode, control board, and sail switch), then locate your Entegra Esteem’s furnace compartment, typically accessed from an exterior panel or under a cabinet near the water heater.

Step 2: Disconnect Power and Propane Supply

Turn off the 12V DC power at your RV’s main breaker switch and disconnect the propane supply valve by turning it clockwise until snug—do not force it. Wait 5 minutes to allow any residual propane to dissipate, then open a window or door to ventilate the area before proceeding with component removal.

Step 3: Remove Furnace Access Panel and Components

Unscrew the furnace access panel (typically 4-6 Phillips head screws) and set it aside, then disconnect the wiring harness from the existing control board by gently pulling the connector straight out—note the wire positions using a photo or diagram for reference. Locate and remove the igniter electrode by unbolting it from its mounting bracket (usually 1-2 bolts) and disconnect its wire terminal, which may require gentle prying with a plastic tool to avoid damage.

Step 4: Test High-Limit and Sail Switch Function

Using your digital multimeter set to continuity mode, test the sail switch by checking for a complete circuit when the switch arm is in the closed position—the meter should show near-zero resistance. Similarly, verify the high-limit switch (typically a small disc-shaped component) shows continuity at room temperature; if either switch fails this test, replace it with the matching Suburban/Atwood specification part.

Step 5: Install New Igniter Electrode and Control Board

Position the new furnace igniter electrode into the combustion chamber mounting bracket and secure it with the provided bolts, torquing to approximately 15-20 inch-pounds to avoid cracking the ceramic element. Disconnect the old control board by removing its mounting bolts, then slide the new circuit board into place, reconnect the main wiring harness, and secure it with bolts—ensure all connectors are fully seated and the board sits flush against the furnace housing.

Step 6: Reconnect Propane, Power, and Test Continuity

Reattach the propane supply line to the furnace inlet and turn the valve counterclockwise to the open position, then restore 12V DC power at the main breaker. Set your multimeter to measure DC voltage and verify that the control board is receiving approximately 12V at its main power terminals; if voltage is absent, check your RV’s battery connections and fuses before proceeding.

Step 7: Perform System Startup and Safety Verification

Set your thermostat to heat mode and turn it up 5 degrees above the current temperature, then listen for the igniter to click and the furnace to ignite within 10-15 seconds—you should hear the blower motor engage after a brief delay. Once the furnace is operating smoothly for at least 2 minutes, verify your Propane/CO combo detector alarm is not triggered, check that warm air flows from all vents, then shut the system down and reinstall the access panel securely with all screws.