Truma products have a very good reputation among caravanners and motorhome owners, for producing reliable and efficient appliances and accessories. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Truma s3002 LPG heater is a popular choice for those with touring caravans and other leisure vehicles.
However, like many of the best products, it’s not completely faultless. One particular issue that has been highlighted by various owners lies with the ignition. What is the problem, what causes it and how can it be resolved?
We are going to look at all those questions in the following post.
What is the Truma s30002 Ignition Problem?
According to one owner, they noticed with their Truma s3002 gas heater that the battery ignition starts to make an audible ticking noise when the fire heats up. As this fire can be used in several different ways, it’s worth noting that this incident involved the heater set to convection only (without the use of a fan).
When the fire is turned on and the temperature is turned up to anything above 3 on a dial from 1 to 10, once it has heated up, after about 10 minutes, a ticking noise sounds constantly. If the fire is turned off, it stops and if the fire cools down and then is reignited, once it is back to a specific temperature, the ticking starts again.
What Could Be Causing It?
There are a lot of different theories bandied around, as a lot of people have experienced the same issue with these Truma heaters. One suggested cause is that the thermocouple of faulty in some way.
This makes sense because the ticking noise is basically the ignition trying to light the gas flame. It should only make the noise once when you ignite the fire and again if the gas runs out and is refilled or the fire has cooled down.
The thought being that the fire thinks it’s cooled down when it really hasn’t.
Problem solved?
That would make things really simple. The trouble is there is another theory.
Many other users have noted that the thermocouple is designed with just one single function – to cut the gas at the gas valve when the flame disappears, and it’s got nothing to do with the ignition module.
What actually happens is that the spark ignition senses when there is a flame present via the ignition electrode Based on the issues involved, this theory suggests it is either the faulty ignition module or electrode tip isn’t always touching the flame.
What is the Solution?
Well, that depends on what theory you think is most plausible. At Caravan Helper, we feel, without knowing the ins and outs of every piece of equipment, based on what other people have suggested that the latter problem is probably more likely the cause of the ticking.
The solution to that would be to first make sure the flame at the point where it meets the electrode is not distorted and dirty with debris on and around the burner and that the burner jet is nice and clear. If that is the case and the ignition electrode bracket is tightly screwed in place, it may be time to completely replace the ignition module.