Rheem tankless water heater code 61 is the clear error indication of the malfunctioning blower motor of the system. The blower motor is not speedy enough to allow proper combustion.
Various factors are contributing to the blower motor malfunction that isn’t running freely. Either the blower assembly is clogged with dust and debris or the problem could be electrical. It’s not getting the right voltage from the PC board to turn on. In this instance, a defective blower motor or PC board is the main culprit to blame.
Anyway to resolve the issue, clean out the blower assembly first. Then ensure a sung Molex connection of the motor to the PC board. If needed, test the DC voltage across the motor wiring and replace them as needed.
Don’t assume the end here! Let me share my hands-on expertise and offer you simple, practical solutions to erase the error code 61 effectively.
Table of Contents
Possible Reasons & Solutions For Rheem Tankless Water Heater Code 61 [Quick Overview]
Before heading to the details, let’s have a short glimpse at the quick table below highlighting all the probable reasons and solutions for Rheem tankless water heater code 61.
| Probable Reasons | Recommended Fix |
| Clogged blower motor | Vacuum out all the stuck dirt and dust from the motor assembly. |
| Loose wiring harness to the blower motor | #Inspect the blower motor wiring harness for loose or damaged connections and fix those. #Remove the blower motor Molex connector G and reinsert it snugly. |
| Improper voltage supply to the fan motor | #Test the DC voltage across the wiring connection of Molex G for various voltage readings. #If the readings are off, replace the bad blower motor. |
| Defective PC board | If motor resistance readings are within specifications, replace the bad PC board. |
How To Fix Rheem Tankless Water Heater Error Code 61 [Easy Solutions]
Without question and beyond doubt, combustion plays a vital role in a gas-operated tankless water heater. It helps to pass through the combustion gas from the system and allows fresh air to continue the ignition process.
Now various elements of the heater contribute to this combustion process and the blower motor is the major one of them. During the heating cycle, it turns on and draws combustion air into the system, ensuring the gas is burning properly.
But in case the blower motor won’t run at multiple speeds, the system fails to circulate the air properly, creating restrictions on the combustion process. When the control board senses this malfunction, it throws the error code 61 on the display.
Here are the complete details of all diagnostic procedures to diminish the error code 61 from your Rheem tankless water heater control display:
1. Fan Is Failing To Move Freely
In case of the fan failure in my tankless water, I discovered that it wasn’t moving freely. It was mainly related to the motor bearings that were locked up due to accumulated dirt and debris in the fan shaft.
While running the combustion process, it’s quite common to build up dirt and dust in the blower assembly, making it hard to turn or even at times not at all.
This draws more amperage and pushes less fresh air getting into the system. All that is enough to trigger the Rheem error code 61 on the control display.
In most cases, a clogged blower motor requires more power from the system due to the abnormal resistance, which may damage or short out the blower. Thus as for the first step, you will need to clear out the blower in order to erase the code.
How To Fix:
Start by turning off the power supply to your water heater. Turn off the power from the remote control and unplug it from the power connection. Before heading to the cleaning, this step is essential to prevent any potential injuries and chances of electrocution.
Anyway, at the next step, you need to visually inspect the blower motor for cleaning. In this instance, remove the screws attached to the front panel and disconnect it from the connection.
Next, you will find a control board which you need to dismount from its place. Let the board hang and you will see to the blower motor.
Once you’ve done this, dismount the blower by disconnecting the screws holding it in its place. Slide out the blower fan assembly but pay attention to the wires that are still attached to the housing. It’s time for cleaning:
Take a hose-attached vacuum cleaner and vacuum out the debris between the fan motor and housing. You can even use a brush as well to remove the large clumps of dust efficiently. After cleaning, try to turn the motor manually with your hand to see if it’s moving freely.
2. Loose Or Damaged Wiring Connection To Fan Motor
After thoroughly cleaning the blower motor assembly, it’s time to inspect the wiring harness to the motor for damaged or loose connections. If there is any bad or damaged connection to the motor assembly, it’s quite obvious the fan won’t work as it should.
Even at times, loose wiring connection to the motor will lead to the electrical short and cause the heater to stop heating water.
How To Fix:
Inspect all the wiring connections to the motor and look for the damaged connection. Tighten the loose wiring or replace the worn-out one.
Ensure all the connectors from the blower motor to the control are well-secured. Remove the connector “G” on the control board and reinsert it.
Reassemble the unit and attempt to operate it again and check for error code 61 on the Rheem display. If the code doesn’t display, be sure the unit has a loose connection.
In case, there is still the same error code, don’t worry! We have many more options to resolve the error.
3. Abnormal Resistance Of Motor Wiring
If you notice that the blower motor is running freely but still there is the error 61 on the Rheem display, be sure you’re experiencing a power supply issue to the system. The best possibility is the blower motor isn’t getting the right voltage from the control board.
That’s the reason, you’ll have to test the blower motor electrically to check its continuity.
How To Fix:
Start by turning off the power supply to your water heater. Remove the front access panel and set it aside. Now turn off the water and gas shut-off valve to your water heater to stop the water and gas supply to the unit.
Now with the front cover removed, restore the power supply to your water heater. Well, now you’re all ready to test the blower motor.
Here are the simple steps to follow to test the blower motor:
Step #1: Take a multimeter to test the blower motor. Set the multimeter to read between 144 – 192 DC VOLTS and test the DC voltage of the black and red wires on Molex connector “G”.
Step #2: Now press and hold the “MAX” button on the control board. It will activate the blower motor.
While the Blower is running, test the DC voltage across black and white wires on the Molex connector “G”. This time set the multimeter to read in between 12 – 18 DC VOLTS.
Step #3: Now set the multimeter to read in between 4 – 10 DC VOLTS. And Measure the DC voltage across black and blue wires on the Molex connector “G”.
Step #4: If you get any malfunction in the reading, be sure the blower motor is and you need to replace it.
Step #5: But in case, all the test readings are within specifications and your blower motor runs freely, nothing but the bad control is the culprit now. You will need to replace the defective board to erase the error code and get the heater back into normal operation.
4. Defective PC Board
As you’ve learned above, a faulty PC board is one of the big reasons for the malfunctioning blower motor and showing the Rheem hot water heater error code 61 on the digital display.
As a solution, you’ll need to replace the bad board. If you have a Rheem control board replacement part in your hand, you can easily do it by yourself.
Don’t worry, we’ll guide you with effective instructions. But in case you’re technically inclined, we’ll recommend to hand over the task to a professional or contact Rheem customer service.
How To Replace Control Board In Rheem Tankless Water Heater?
Follow the below simple to replace the control board on your Rheem tankless water heater:
Step #1: First off, turn off the power supply to your water heater. Also, turn off the water shut-off valve and gas shut-off valve to your hot water heater.
Step #2: Remove the front access panel and set it aside. Now locate the front access panel from the inside.
Step #3: Start by disconnecting all the wiring and connectors to the control board. In this instance, you can take a picture of all the wiring connections as you’ll have to reconnect them all as in the previous sequence.
Step #4: Locate the two retaining screws at the top right and bottom left side of the PCB. Remove them. Also, disconnect the multi-pin connectors from the connection.
Step #5: When done, gently slide the PCB out of the chassis. Take your new PCB board and install it back in position. Follow the above instructions reversely to install the board. Ensure a snug connection of all the wiring and connectors to the board.
Step #6: When all is done, reassemble the font cover and resort to the power supply to your water heater. Also, turn on the gas and water shut-off valve.
FAQs:
How often should I clean the blower motor of my Rheem tankless water heater?
It’s good to be in the habit of cleaning the blower motor of your tankless water heater at least once or twice a year. Clean the blower assembly and also inspect it for any loose or damaged wiring.
How do you know if your blower motor goes bad?
There’re a few signs to detect a bad blower motor. That includes appearing strange noises from the motor, no or poor airflow from the vents, the motor overheating, or a burning smell coming from the vents.
What makes the blower motor of a tankless water heater go bad?
The blower motor goes bad due to age and wear and tear. Over time, the motor can break down or become damaged due to a sort in the electrical circuit. Additionally, accumulated dirt and debris cause the motor to work less efficiently.
Why is it a must to clean the Rheem tankless water heater?
The blower motor is the most essential equipment of a water heater. A clogged blower can block the airways which leads to an efficiency loss of the system. It can increase your energy bills and shorten your heater’s life drastically.
In Closing!
In conclusion, you need to be regular with your Rheem water heater maintenance to prevent Rheem tankless water heater code 61. Especially, inspect the blower motor once a year and service it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can get a professional technician to fix any malfunction of the blower motor.
Well! That’s all here for you today. In case you struggle with any more error codes on your Rheem display, read our comprehensive Rheem tankless water heater error codes guide to get all the effective instructions to deal with the issue.