Rheem tankless water heater code 76 refers to a potential communication fault between the temperature controller and the water heater.
Before considering anything else, make sure the wiring connection between the water heater and the remote controller is in good working order. In case multiple remote controllers are installed, confirm link cables are correctly installed.
Otherwise, bad remote control or defective PCB is the major source of this error that needs replacement.
Hold on tight with us to deal with the Rheem tankless water heater error code 76 with the effective fixes!
Table of Contents
Possible Reasons & Solutions For Rheem Tankless Water Heater Code 76 [Quick Overview]
When the Rheem tankless water heater displays error code 76 on the digital display, do the following as a temporary fix:
- Turn off the power supply to your water heater. Turn off the hot water faucets as well.
- Wait about 5 seconds, and then plug back in.
- Restart the water heater. Also, turn on the hot water faucet, and now recheck the remote control display. Your water heater should work as before.
If not, and there is still the same error code 76, have a quick glimpse at the quick table below, highlighting all the probable reasons and solutions for this error code:
| Probable Reason | Recommended Fix |
| Bad remote control wiring | Remove the remote Control wiring terminals at the bottom of the unit and plug in your water heater without a remote. If the unit works, replace the bad wiring. |
| Faulty remote control | Replace the defective remote control |
| Non-operating control board | Replace the malfunctioning control board. |
How To Fix Error Code 76 On Rheem Tankless Water Heater? [Easy Solutions]
Below, we are going to reveal the underlying reasons responsible for displaying Rheem error code 76 with the effective solutions:
1. Bad Remote Control Wiring
In the case of non operating remote control, a bad wiring connection is the root culprit to blame at. Don’t finalize this factor as a main suspect as long as you are not testing it electrically.
To confirm this fact, here I’ve suggested quick steps to test your tankless water heater without the remote control connection:
Step #1: Unplug your unit from the power connection, or you may flip the circuit breaker to the Off position.
Step #2: Now unscrew the front access panel and set it aside.
Step #3: Locate the two terminals to which your remote control is connected. If you are confused, see the picture below indicating the terminal location.
Step #4: At this stage, gently disconnect the wiring from the connection and plug your unit back into the power outlet.
Step #5: Turn on all the hot water faucets and start operating your unit.
Step #6: Figure out whether your tankless water heater is operating as expected. Remember, without a remote, a tankless water heater is able to run at 100 degrees F° as a default setting.
Step #7: However, if the unit works quite fine, be sure you have a bad remote control wiring that needs replacement.
How To Fix:
Once you’ve confirmed the faulty wiring connection to the remote control, you will need to replace it. Use a different new wire and connect the remote control to it.
Make sure you’re using 18 gauge thermostat wire which you can easily find in any hardware store or home center.
Ensure a snug connection of the remote control wiring to the connection and turn it on after fitting. Now check for error code 76 on the digital display to see whether it’s eliminated.
2. Defective Remote Control
After replacing the remote control wiring and there is still the same error code on the control display, be sure the remote control is defective itself, triggering this error code.
While operating the tankless unit, it’s quite common for the remote control to start malfunctioning or not operating at all due to long wear and tear.
Anyway, once you’ve ensured about a defective remote controller, you will have to replace it. You can call for a professional to replace your remote, or you can do it by yourself if you have a Rheem tankless water heater remote control replacement.
Follow out the how-to section.
How To Replace Remote Controller On Rheem Tankless Water Heater?
Before installing the new remote control, review the following considerations to determine the location of the remote control:
- Install your remote control in an easily accessible location.
- Do not install in high-temperature environments or steamy conditions like inside of the bathroom, outdoors, direct to the sunlight, or the children can easily reach.
- Also, it should be far away from chemical agents like benzene, and fatty and oily detergents.
- Avoid installing the remote control to direct exposure to oil or flammable objects.
- Make sure there is enough slack to the new remote controller cord. Thus, it can easily reach the external connection terminal block.
- The maximum distance between the water heater and the remote control installation location is limited to 195 ft. (59 m) of wire.
- You can use a conduit to protect remote control wiring. It should be a minimum 20 AWG wire (No polarity).
Well, once you’ve confirmed all the above, follow the below simple steps to install the remote controller for your Rheem tankless water heater:
Step #1: First up, turn off the 120 VAC power supply to the water heater. Now drill a 1- to 1 1/2-in. (2.5/3.8-cm) hole at the proposed control location.
Step #2: When done, install the remote control cable between the location of the remote control and the water heater. Now remove the remote control from its base plate.
Step #3: Feed the remote control cable through the large center hole in the base plate. And then, install the base plate to the wall using suitable screws and wall anchors.
Step #4: Connect the remote control to the remote control cable and position it on the base plate.
Make sure the tabs on the base plate are lined up with the slots on the back of the control panel. Then, secure the control panel to the base plate with one screw into the bottom tab. Keep note that you can use up to three remote controls with your water heater.
Step #5: After that. You will have to connect your remote controller to your water heater. To do so, loosen the one screw located on the remote control connection cover and take it off.
Step #6: Secure the remote control extension cable on the hook located on the side of the remote control connection base. Finally, Reinstall the remote control connection cover and secure it with one screw and restore the power supply to your water heater.
3. Faulty Control Board
After replacing the faulty remote control wiring or defective remote control, a malfunctioning PCB is another major culprit for this error code. While dealing with the same issue, you found that a defective remote control or its wiring wasn’t causing the issue, and only the bad filter capacitors on the main PC board were the main source of this error.
Whatever the fact is, a non-functional PCB fails to recover any signal from the remote control and triggers the error code 76 on the control display. Here the higher possibility is that the ceramic disk capacitor across the remote control terminals is clogged with dirt or damaged at all.
How To Fix:
Once you’ve confirmed the faulty capacitors, you’ll need to change them with the new ones. It would be open or bulging, signing you that the capacitors are at fault.
Anyway, replace the faulty capacitor and install the new one with the help of a professional or contact Rheem customer service. Or, you may contact Rheem technical support for the replacement part as you may need to replace the complete PCB as well.
Rheem tankless Water Heater Error Code 76 + Multiple Errors
If you’re encountering error 76 along with other different codes, be sure the problem is with the PCB main circuit board or the dirty part. Basically, when the unit is getting full of dirt and dust in the internal part, it triggers several codes at a time.
In this instance, you need to concentrate on the proper maintenance of your Rheem tankless water heater.
Especially make sure you’ve de-limed or cleaned the combustion parts of your unit properly. Also, the water filter of your water heater should be cleaned.
For better assistance, check out the comprehensive guide on Rheem tankless water heater maintenance and ensure your tankless unit runs efficiently.
FAQs:
Why does my Rheem tankless water heater keep turning off?
Rheem tankless water heater will shut off rapidly due to a loose or damaged wiring connection. Also, it may happen if you are using too many hot water fixtures at a time or due to a low water flow rate.
Is there any reset button on the Rheem tankless water heater?
No, there is no built-in reset button in the Rheem tankless water heater. You can reset the system by turning off the power and water supply for some time. Or you can hard reset through the DIP switches on the PCB.
What does Rheem tankless water heater error code 99 mean?
Rheem tankless water heater code 99 refers to the fan motor failure during normal operation. That means the fan isn’t creating enough ventilation leading to several combustion issues. Check for possible blockage in the vent, air intake filter, heat exchanger, or combustion fans.
In Closing!
Whenever there is a degradation in the communication between the remote controller and the water heater, you will encounter Rheem tankless water heater code 76 on display.
In most cases, the defective remote control wiring is the only source that is interrupting the proper communication of the controller and PCB. If not, you may need to replace the remote control or, at times, the circuit board.
Whatever you’re doing, seek professional help if you are technically inclined. Only you can ensure the best service of your water heater.
But in future, if you trouble with your tankless unit, our effective Rheem tankless water heater troubleshooting guide will be enough to deal with the problem like a pro! We’ll recommend checking the guide till the end.