Mr Heater Big Max - Not Working

[turbosl2]

This is the begining of the 3rd year for my big max. It worked a few times then i came home today and the garage was cold.

I get a code 2 flashs that says "system lock out, failed to detect or sustain flam. Current signal at flame terminal <.6 Microamps.

Any idea on which part went bad? Ignition Electrode, coil...?

It sounds like it wants to ignite, i hear the ticking, but there is no spark. Even if i remove the electrode i still hear that ticking. Its the ticking you would hear when its igniting. It tries i think 3 times then shuts down.

 

[Bronson]

Bad flame sensor.? there may be a retrofit kit for that furnace that needs to be installed, but I have been out of the HVAC for a while.

 

[turbosl2]

Idk what you mean by retrofit. I don't think flame sensor because it doesn't even light

 

[cork]

Can you tell if its getting gas? I had a bad regulator that was causing mine to go into lock out.

 

[turbosl2]

I can hear the gas come out. I don't see any spark

 

[Bronson]

Idk what you mean by retrofit. I don't think flame sensor because it doesn't even light

By retrofit, I mean a kit that the original Mfg supplies to modify a unit. For instance, that model may have a history of Flame Sensor failures. Mr. Heater may have a kit available to install a re-designed Flame Sensor, or whatever component is causing the problem. I had a similar Code/Lockout on My home furnace several years ago. The builder sent Me a retrofit kit that replaced the flame sensor, and several other components. I installed it Myself because I was in the trade then.
If Your flame sensor is bad, it would never ignite in the first place, and would throw a code, IIRC.
There are plenty of HVAC guys here, I'm surprised someone more current than Me hasn't chimed in yet.

 

[Bronson]

I can hear the gas come out. I don't see any spark

Are You sure You are hearing gas? Can You smell gas?
The gas valve shouldn't be opening on lockout.

 

[turbosl2]

I reset it after it locks out and I hear it open and try 3 times, it never ignites... Then goes into lockout

 

[Bronson]

I reset it after it locks out and I hear it open and try 3 times, it never ignites... Then goes into lockout

You sure the gas is on?

Unplug the unit for 10 minutes and plug it back in, then raise stat and see if it works.
Check the roll out switches to see f they need to be re=set. it will look like a tiny red button, make sure it is pushed all the way in. If it is tripped, it will probably trip again. Sorry I cant be more help.

 

[tgb]

Try cleaning your electrode with some sandcloth sometimes they get dirty and won't spark in the right place.

 

[turbosl2]

Thanks for the help so far, nothing has worked. I actually removed the electrode and put it onthe bench, to my suprise after the blower comes on I still hear that tic tic tic like Is sparking, I think it may be shorted on the board....not sure wat else would sound like an ignitor....even when the electrode is not there.
nothing wrong with the limit switchs, neither were tripped, both are closed...checked for contnuity with a meter. Gas is 100% coming out while it trys to ignite, I can smell it and hear it, if I turn the gas valve off during lightup it shuts down the ignitor and gas turns off...seems to work as intended, just no spark

 

[dipper]

call there customer service. they are great to work with and will help you troubleshoot the problem. If you keep searching here for info, you'll find that they had bad control boards for a few years. They will send you a new, updated control board that should resolve the problem. It takes about 10 minutes to replace. I did this with mine when it was doing the same thing you describe.

 

[turbosl2]

call there customer service. they are great to work with and will help you troubleshoot the problem. If you keep searching here for info, you'll find that they had bad control boards for a few years. They will send you a new, updated control board that should resolve the problem. It takes about 10 minutes to replace. I did this with mine when it was doing the same thing you describe.

I talked to them, they are sending me a new board and ignitor. They are not sure of the problem, they say it wont tick if its the board. I told them i unplugged the ignitor electrode and its still ticked...leading me to believe the board is shorted and its arcing to the board...not making it to the ignitor.

We will see how it goes

 

[Bronson]

I am sure the new board will fix it. Let Us know how it works out. I am curious if the old board will show evidence of arcing.

 

[turbosl2]

Will do.

 

[TEXACMAN]

Alot of times they have a rubbery looking wire that attaches at board or igniter on a little pointed stake , I have had that wire come loose or arc out of a small pinhole.

 

[dipper]

Glad they were a help so far. I recall the day I finally broke down and called after a year of just resetting it myself and dealing with it. I was on the phone for maybe 10 minutes all together, the new control board was shipped free of charge, i installed and fixed my igniting problem and it has been 2 or 3+ years now i bet.

Please keep this thread updated with your resolution as it will help others in the future as they use the search tool.

Good luck!

 

[turbosl2]

Fixed the heater

Problem was the motherboard, they sent me that and the ignitor for free. I swapped that out first and it runs fine. The new motherboard has 1" standoffs vice 1/2" from the burner box...whomever designed the motherboard to mount to the burner box is an idiot. I probably should had moved it to the side cover or something, the wires are long enough.

 

[RAMBIN]

ive been having this same issue on and of for a few years (basicly since install) I usually use my woodstove but sometimes id like to have the furnace to just keep it warm in there for a few days un attended....anyhow I read how u guys get such great service...I cant ever get them to answer always end up on hold forever...Ive left my # for there callback service 3 times.. that was 2 weeks ago im still waiting... ill try again next week hopefully with better luck

 

[turbosl2]

ive been having this same issue on and of for a few years (basicly since install) I usually use my woodstove but sometimes id like to have the furnace to just keep it warm in there for a few days un attended....anyhow I read how u guys get such great service...I cant ever get them to answer always end up on hold forever...Ive left my # for there callback service 3 times.. that was 2 weeks ago im still waiting... ill try again next week hopefully with better luck

I was on hold for over an hr. They only cover the parts for 3 yrs. it's only $60 for the board, you can get it on the website if I recall

 

[Junkman]

I bought a Mr. Heater about 5 years ago, and it never worked from day one. They sent me parts that didn't resolve the problem, and I finallly gave up on it. It is still hanging in the garage, and I have turned off the power and the gas to it. I figure that when I move, it will be the next owners problem.

 

[turbosl2]

Wow mine has been trouble free since day one...until this isdud, now its working fine. Its -1 outside and my garage is 48, right where I keep it all winter. Whats your issue that your having? These things are really simple so it cant be that hard to fix.

 

[Gov2094]

turbosl2......if you wanted to, are you able to bring your temp up to 70 degrees? And is the unit noisy when on? thinking of getting the 75k Bigg Maxx for a 24x36 garage

 

[turbosl2]

turbosl2......if you wanted to, are you able to bring your temp up to 70 degrees? And is the unit noisy when on? thinking of getting the 75k Bigg Maxx for a 24x36 garage

Yes for sure. Sometimes it's -10 outside and I raise it from 45 to 65 in 20 minutes. The ceiling is 14' tall. It's overkill. It's not noisy. Our bathroom is above where the heater is mounted and I cannot hear it run. Even on the otherwise of the wall (our mud room) I can barely hear