Girard Water Heater: “E9”
warning RV water heater fault codes
What it means
Flame sensor fault, and specifically the inverted case: the board sees a flame signal *before* ignition, when there cannot be one. Girard documents this as a short in the flame sensor. The buzzer sounds with this code.
Most likely causes
- Short in the flame sensor itself most likely
- Sensor wire shorted to ground — chafed insulation or a pinched lead common
- Sensor probe physically touching the burner assembly common
Safe checks you can do yourself
- With the unit off, look at how the flame sensor probe sits: it must not be resting against the burner or any metalwork.
- Follow the sensor lead for chafing or a pinch point where it could be shorting to the chassis.
How to reset / clear E9
- Correct a physical short, then power-cycle the heater.
- A shorted sensor element does not clear with a reset and needs replacing.
When to call a technician
The wiring and probe position are sound and E9 returns — the sensor is failing internally.
Accuracy notes
Girard's manual documents three separate flame-sense outcomes and they are easy to confuse: E1 is no flame proven during ignition, E2 is a flame lost during normal operation, and E9 is a flame reported before ignition even started. Only E9 points at a short rather than at gas supply.
Applies to
Girard GSWH-2 · Girard tankless RV water heaters with a user control panel
FAQ
What does Girard Water Heater code "E9" mean?
Flame sensor fault, and specifically the inverted case: the board sees a flame signal *before* ignition, when there cannot be one. Girard documents this as a short in the flame sensor. The buzzer sounds with this code.
How do I reset Girard Water Heater E9?
Correct a physical short, then power-cycle the heater. A shorted sensor element does not clear with a reset and needs replacing.
What is the most common cause of E9 on a Girard Water Heater?
The most likely cause is short in the flame sensor itself.
Related · Girard water heater
Ignition failure. The igniter sparked but the board never confirmed a… E2
Flame sensing was interrupted during normal operation. The burner had…
Sources
- Technical Manual — Girard GSWH-2 Demand Tankless Water Heater — Error Codes on User Control Panel; Troubleshooting sections (Girard Products (Lippert))
● Checked against 1 manufacturer document · Last verified 2026-08-09 · compiled from manufacturer documentation. Codes can vary by model year — always cross-check your unit’s manual. How we verify