Whirlpool W10100870 User Manual

26

Thermal
Switch

Thermal Switch Location

Have you bled all the air 
from the pilot tube and 
gas supply line?

While repeatedly depressing the igniter 
button, push in and hold the gas control/
temperature knob until the pilot is lit and 
maintains a stable flame, (status light 
will blink) then release the gas control/
temperature knob. 

Section A: Pilot light will not light (new installation).

Is the manual gas shut-off valve, 
located in the supply line to the 
water heater, in the on position?

Turn the manual gas shut-off valve to 
the on position and follow the lighting 
instructions on the front of the water heater.

Is the igniter producing a 
spark?

Follow the Testing the Igniter System 
section in this manual.

Check for insufficient combustion air.

Are the combustion air supply and ventilation openings 
of sufficient size? See Combustion Air Supply and 
Ventilation section in this manual for requirements.

Is there a furnace/air handler in the same room as the water heater?

Does the return air duct for the furnace/
air handler draw its air from a separate 
location than the water heater? See the 
Location Requirements section and the 
Combustion Air Supply section.

Is there proper drafting at the 
drafthood? See Checking the 
Draft section in this manual.

Contact a local Heating, 
Ventilation, Air-Conditioning 
& Refrigeration authorized 
service provider to correct 
the combustion air supply/
ventilation issue.

Correct size of 
openings to allow 
sufficient air.

Check the vent 
system for restrictions/
obstructions and check 
the vent termination 
height. Refer to the 
Installation Instructions 
section of this manual for 
specific requirements.

Section C: Pilot light will not remain lit.

Contact Customer Service at the number 
located on the front of this manual.

Set thermostat to desired temperature.

Section B: Pilot light repeatedly goes out.

Remove the burner door 
assembly. Are the flame-trap and 
burner free from debris due to 
excessive lint, dirt, dust or oil?

Refer to the Use & 
Care Guide section 
of this manual for 
information on 
cleaning the flame-
trap and burner. 

Does the diagnostic status light on the 
gas control valve/thermostat give 
a two flash error code?

Does the flame-trap 
show signs of 
discoloration? 

Shut-off the gas supply to the water heater at the 
manual gas shut-off valve, and contact Customer 
Service using the number on the cover of this manual.  

Reassemble the heater, press the thermal 
switch, and attempt to return the heater to 
service. Does the pilot remain lit?

Set to desired temperature.

Refer to the Replacing the Pilot 
Assembly instructions in the manual.

Reassemble and restore to service. 

Go to section C. 

NOTE: If you are still experiencing diffi culties 
after following the steps in sections A, B, and C,  
please use the number located on the front of 
this manual to contact Customer Service.