Atwood Water Heater: “Gas & spark, no flame proven”
warning RV water heater fault codes
What it means
A diagnostic sub-condition of the DSI lock-out: both gas and spark are present but the flame either does not establish or is not sensed reliably, so the board still locks out. Usually a combustion-quality or grounding/alignment problem.
Most likely causes
- Incorrect gas pressure (set inlet to 11 inch W.C. with two or more appliances running) most likely
- Poor electrical ground (the spark/sense circuit needs a good ground to prove flame) common
- Electrodes sparking out of the flame pattern, or to the burner screw, or dirty electrodes common
- Partial obstruction or partially blocked orifice in the main burner, or mis-set air shutter common
- Mis-aligned flame spreader or solenoid valve/manifold not aligned with the main burner less common
- Low DC voltage, partially opening solenoid valve, or defective circuit board less common
Safe checks you can do yourself
- Confirm gas pressure with another appliance running and set to about 11 inch W.C.
- Secure a clean electrical ground (green wire to the flue box) since flame sensing depends on it.
- Clean electrodes and re-aim them into the flame path, away from the burner screw.
- Set the burner air shutter roughly 1/4 open and check that the flame spreader is square to the end of the burner tube; the flame should be mostly blue and quiet.
How to reset / clear Gas & spark, no flame proven
- Switch OFF about 30 seconds and back ON after correcting pressure, ground, or alignment.
When to call a technician
If pressure, ground, electrodes, air, and alignment are correct but the burner still will not stay proven, have a technician check the solenoid valve and board.
Applies to
G6A-8E · GC6AA-10E · GCH6A-10E · GC10A-4E · GCH10A-4E
FAQ
What does Atwood Water Heater code "Gas & spark, no flame proven" mean?
A diagnostic sub-condition of the DSI lock-out: both gas and spark are present but the flame either does not establish or is not sensed reliably, so the board still locks out. Usually a combustion-quality or grounding/alignment problem.
How do I reset Atwood Water Heater Gas & spark, no flame proven?
Switch OFF about 30 seconds and back ON after correcting pressure, ground, or alignment.
What is the most common cause of Gas & spark, no flame proven on a Atwood Water Heater?
The most likely cause is incorrect gas pressure (set inlet to 11 inch w.c. with two or more appliances running).
Related · Atwood water heater
On Atwood DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) water heaters there is… ECO open / tripped
The ECO is a backup high-limit temperature switch wired in s… Gas present, no spark
A diagnostic sub-condition of the DSI lock-out from the offi… No spark / no ignition
Dead unit with no spark at the electrode and no lockout-ligh… Spark present, no gas
A diagnostic sub-condition of the DSI lock-out from the offi… TCO (thermal cut-off) tripped
Current Atwood DSI water heaters have a one-shot thermal cut…
Sources
- Atwood Electronic Ignition Water Heater Trouble Shooting Guide — Trouble Shooting Guide, section 'WATER HEATER LOCK OUT - GAS AND SPARK PRESENT', effective 2/10/14 (Atwood Mobile Products LLC)
Note: Sub-condition within the single lock-out lamp indication, not a separately displayed code.
● Last verified 2026-06-29 · compiled from manufacturer documentation. Codes can vary by model year — always cross-check your unit’s manual.