Girard Water Heater: “E5”
warning RV water heater fault codes
What it means
Blower/fan motor fault. The control board commanded the combustion blower to run but received no motor feedback signal, so it cannot safely proceed with combustion.
Most likely causes
- Loose or unseated CN1 connector at the control board most likely
- Debris or obstruction in the blower assembly preventing it from spinning common
- Wiring fault or poor power/ground to the blower common
- Failed blower motor less common
- Failed control board (motor not driven even with flow icon on) less common
Safe checks you can do yourself
- With power off, reseat the CN1 connection at the control board.
- Check the blower assembly for debris, insect nests, or anything jamming the fan.
- Confirm the water-flow icon appears on the control panel when you run hot water (shows the heater is trying to fire).
- Verify good 12V power and ground to the unit.
How to reset / clear E5
- Turn the heater off at the panel.
- Power-cycle the 12V supply for ~10 seconds.
- Turn it back on and run hot water to retest.
When to call a technician
If CN1 is seated, the blower is clear, and 12V power is good but E5 persists, have a technician determine whether the blower motor or the control board needs replacement.
Applies to
GSWH-2 · 2GWHAM
FAQ
What does Girard Water Heater code "E5" mean?
Blower/fan motor fault. The control board commanded the combustion blower to run but received no motor feedback signal, so it cannot safely proceed with combustion.
How do I reset Girard Water Heater E5?
Turn the heater off at the panel. Power-cycle the 12V supply for ~10 seconds. Turn it back on and run hot water to retest.
What is the most common cause of E5 on a Girard Water Heater?
The most likely cause is loose or unseated cn1 connector at the control board.
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Sources
- Girard Products GSWH-2 Technical Manual — GSWH-2 Technical Manual, E5 blower fault (check CN1, debris in blower, power/ground) (Girard Products / ManualsLib)
- Girard GSWH-2 E5 Code (owner discussion citing manual) — E5 blower motor / no motor signal troubleshooting per technical manual (Keystone Forums)
Note: Wording varies between 'blower motor failure / no motor signal' and a general blower fault; CN1 connector and debris are the manual's first-line checks.
● Last verified 2026-06-29 · compiled from manufacturer documentation. Codes can vary by model year — always cross-check your unit’s manual.