The full-time RV community is the most generous knowledge-sharing group I’ve ever been part of. Someone has already fixed the exact problem you’re dealing with, documented it in a forum thread, and answered follow-up questions for free. This guide pulls together the best of that collective experience into one place. On the Entegra Esteem, the furnace igniter and control board are the two components most likely to leave you waking up to a 40-degree bedroom at 2 a.m. — the igniter fails to spark, the control board stops cycling properly, and suddenly your propane furnace is just a box of cold metal. Getting this wrong means more than discomfort: in cold climates, a dead furnace can damage plumbing, ruin a trip, or create a genuinely dangerous situation when you’re parked somewhere remote. I’ve been through this repair on my own rig, cross-referenced it against dozens of forum posts from other Esteem owners, and put together the clearest step-by-step breakdown I could so you can diagnose the real culprit and fix it right the first time.
Parts & Tools You’ll Need
- Suburban RP-35Q 35,000 BTU/h RV Replacement Core for Suburban Furnace Series SF-35, SF-35Q, SF-42, SF-42Q, and SF-Q (2609A) — Suburban/Atwood RV furnace (replacement unit)
- Fit For Suburban RV Furnace Parts 232286,Single Probe Gas Furnace Igniters Electrode with Wire Assembly, Camper Furnace For Suburban 232286 Above 934701426 SF-20, SF-25, SF-30, SF-35 (SF Series) — Furnace igniter electrode
- DTAIR 33082 Sail Switch Replacement for Select Dometic Atwood RV Furnace(Pack of 2) — Furnace sail switch
- 520814 Rv Water Heater Module Board Ignition Control Circuit Board Compatible with Suburban Furnace SW4D, SW6D, SW6DE, SW12D, SW6DEM RV Water Heaters,Replace 520814 520820 520871 33550L (With lid) — Furnace circuit board / control board
- DTAIR 33082 Sail Switch Replacement for Select Dometic Atwood RV Furnace(Pack of 2) — Furnace high-limit switch
- Suburban 232684 RV Furnace 12v SF-Series DC Blower Motor, SF-35, SF-35F, SVF-35, SF-42, SF-42F OEM Caliber — Furnace blower motor (12V DC)
- RV Carbon Monoxide & Propane Gas Alarm, Briidea Dual LP/CO Detector with Separate LED Indicator Light, 100dB Loud Alarm, 12 VDC, Black — Propane/CO combo detector alarm
- FKM Pro Digital Multimeter Tester TRMS 6000 Counts,Smart Rechargeable Voltmeter 5″Color LCD,Auto-Ranging Automotive Multimeters,for AC/DC Current/Voltage,NCV,Ohm,Capacitance,Resistance,Continuity,Temp — Digital multimeter
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.