Entegra Odyssey – Furnace Igniter & Control Board Replacement

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

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Diagnose Furnace Ignition Failure

Start by turning your RV furnace to the ON position and listening for the blower motor to engage—if you hear the fan but no ignition click or smell propane, your igniter electrode or control board likely needs replacement. Use your digital multimeter set to DC voltage mode to test the igniter electrode connector; you should read between 10-14 volts when the furnace attempts to ignite. If voltage is absent or the furnace cycles repeatedly without igniting, proceed with component replacement.

Step 2: Disconnect Power and Propane Supply

Turn off the main 12V DC battery disconnect switch in your Entegra Odyssey and shut off the propane supply at the tank regulator, waiting 2-3 minutes for any remaining propane to clear from the fuel line. Verify the power is off by attempting to turn on the furnace blower—nothing should happen. This dual isolation protects you from electrical shock and propane exposure during the replacement process.

Step 3: Remove Furnace Access Panel and Connectors

Locate your Suburban or Atwood furnace unit (typically mounted in a lower cabinet or basement area) and remove the access panel using a Phillips screwdriver, exposing the igniter electrode, sail switch, and control board. Carefully disconnect the wire harnesses from the control board and igniter electrode, noting their positions with a photo or small label for reassembly. Unscrew the mounting bracket bolts (usually 1/4-inch) that secure the furnace unit and carefully slide the entire assembly out approximately 6-8 inches to access the internal components.

Step 4: Replace Igniter Electrode and Sail Switch

Locate the furnace igniter electrode (a ceramic-tipped rod positioned near the burner chamber) and unscrew its mounting nut with a 1/2-inch wrench, then disconnect its wire connector. Install the new igniter electrode, ensuring the ceramic tip is positioned 1/4-inch away from the burner tube opening, and tighten the mounting nut to 12-15 foot-pounds of torque. Check the sail switch (a small metal flapper near the blower intake) for corrosion or damage; if fouled, replace it by unbolting the mount and reconnecting its harness to the new component.

Step 5: Install New Furnace Control Board

Remove the old control board by unbolting its mounting bracket (typically 2-3 screws) and carefully disconnecting all wire terminals, which should include connections for the igniter, sail switch, high-limit switch, and blower motor. Position the new furnace circuit board on the mounting bracket and install mounting screws finger-tight initially, then tighten to secure without over-tightening. Reconnect all wire harnesses to their corresponding terminals on the new board, referring to your photo or the wiring diagram usually printed on the furnace cabinet interior.

Step 6: Reassemble Furnace and Restore Connections

Carefully slide the furnace assembly back into its mounting location, aligning any brackets or spacers, and reinstall the access panel with its retaining screws. Reconnect the propane supply line to the furnace inlet, hand-tightening the 1/2-inch compression fitting and then turning an additional 1/4-turn with a wrench—do not over-tighten or you risk damaging the soft copper ferrule. Restore the 12V DC battery disconnect switch to the ON position, and verify the propane/CO combo detector alarm does not sound (which would indicate a propane leak).

Step 7: Test Furnace Ignition and Monitor Operation

Set your thermostat to HEAT mode and turn the furnace to ON, observing for the blower to engage within 5 seconds followed by an audible ignition click within 10-15 seconds. Once ignition occurs, you should detect a faint propane odor and feel warm air flowing from the furnace outlet within 30 seconds; the sail switch should activate once airflow is adequate. Allow the furnace to run for 5-10 minutes while monitoring the cabin temperature and listening for any unusual clicking, grinding, or smell—if all systems operate smoothly and heat is produced, your replacement is successful.