State Select Water Heater No Status Light [5 Reasons With Solutions]

You’ve bought a new State Select water heater. But after a couple of days, you notice that the status light isn’t working. You don’t see any LED light and that keeps you wondering what’s the reason for State Select water heater no status light?

Well, there are exactly common reasons why this type of issue arises. It happens when –

  • The pilot light isn’t working
  • The thermal switch tripped
  • The igniter is unable to produce sparks
  • The supply gas line pressure isn’t enough 
  • The thermopile has defective wiring or components

So, to fix the status light of the State Select water heater, you must inspect the pilot light first. If it’s not working, relight it. If the status light still doesn’t work, check the wiring of the thermal switch, gas control valve, and thermopile. Correct the wiring connections and replace all of the defective components.  

The water heater’s status light will start blinking in no time!    

State Select Water Heater No Status Light: 5 Reasons with Solutions

I’ve only provided the gist of the solution in the previous section. If you want to learn in detail how to solve the status light issue, stay tuned till the end. You’ll get to learn about important tips as well to protect yourself and your water heater while operating. 

But first, check out this at-a-glance table summary to get an idea of the fixes. 

Probable ReasonsPossible Solutions
Pilot light not workingChange the control knob setting and relight the pilot light.
Inoperable thermal switch# Check the continuity of the thermal switch.
# Replace the thermal switch.
Damaged igniter system# Inspect the wire connections and electrodes.
# Change the igniter.
Incorrect gas pressure# Check the supply line and manifold pressure.
# Change the setting of the supply gas regulator.
# Replace the gas control valve/thermostat if faulty.
Faulty thermopile wiring or components# Look for loose thermopile wiring and tighten them.
# Detect any irregularities in the voltage of the thermopile.
# Replace the thermopile if it doesn’t meet the voltage requirement. 

Now, here’s a detailed description of the causes of the non-performing status light with respective solutions. 

Reason 1: Non-Functional Pilot Light 

If the pilot light is out, you won’t see any status light flashing on your State Select water heater. It’s because the pilot light is responsible for the thermopile to generate voltage. This voltage helps to keep the gas control valve/thermostat operating. If there’s not enough power, the status light won’t work.  

Now, before we dive into the reasons, you should learn why pilot lights go out. Firstly, a wrongly set control knob can be the culprit. Again, if the thermal switch has faulty wire connections, the pilot light won’t work. 

Another reason the pilot light can go out is condensation in the water heater. If the water heater is dripping condensation on the burner, it will make the pilot light inoperable. You can identify it by listening to the sizzling sound in the water heater. 

All of this will eventually fail to light the status light in the State Select water heater.   

How To Fix: 

You’ll be able to solve this problem by relighting the pilot light. You’ll find all of the instructions on the water heater’s label. But I’ll still explain them in detail for your ease. So, here’s what you need to do to relight the pilot light.

Step 1: First, you have to turn on the control knob and set it to “Pilot”. In this case, you’ll need to turn the knob about ¼ inch. 

Step 2: Then, press the knob and keep it on hold for 90 seconds. 

Step 3: Simultaneously, you have to click the ignitor button continuously until the status light starts blinking. 

Step 4: Make sure you stop after every 90-second cycle if there’s no status light. In this case, release the control knob and wait at least 10 minutes to go to the next cycle. 

Step 5: Keep repeating the cycle 2-3 times to make the status light blink. 

Note: You can check if the pilot is lit by removing the outer door of the water heater. Then, look through the small glass viewport to check the pilot light. 

Reason 2: Tripped Thermal Switch 

In case the pilot light is on but can’t hold up, this means you have a tripped thermal switch. The State Select water heater won’t show any status light if the thermal switch is tripped. 

Mostly, it happens because of faulty wire connections or poor combustion like blocked air vents, damaged thermostats, and burnt-out heating elements.  

The thermal switch has wire connections directly to the gas control valve or the thermostat. If the thermal switch isn’t working, it won’t pilot the water heater. As I’ve described above, an inoperable pilot light will lead to an inoperable status light. 

How To Fix: 

To solve this problem, first, you have to turn off the water heater and the pilot. Then, reset the thermal switch by pressing the thermal switch button. If the problem still persists, you have to identify if the switch has really tripped. 

In case the switch still doesn’t work, you have to take other actions such as cleaning the vents and removing flammable vapor-producing objects. 

So, let’s start by identifying a tripped thermal switch. Here is what you need to do – 

Step 1: Take out the wires from the thermal switch first. 

Step 2: Then, put a meter lead on the two terminals of the thermal switch. 

Step 3: Check if the meter shows continuity. 

If there isn’t any continuity, this means the thermal switch has tripped. 

In this case, you have to replace the old thermal switch with a new one. 

How to Replace a Faulty Thermal Switch

how to replace a faulty thermal switch

Here’s how you can change a defective thermal switch. 

Step 1: First, unscrew the two bolts on the thermal switch to do this. 

Step 2: Then, carefully take the thermal switch out. 

Step 3: After that align the new switch on the same location and tighten the screws. 

Step 4: Now, you have to reconnect the thermal switch wires. They are red in color as you have seen in the above picture. 

Step 5: Secure the two wires tightly to the manifold door. It should have connections with the gas control valve or thermostat.  

Step 6: Finally, start the water heater by lighting up the pilot. Ensure that there are no flammable vapors to avoid future electrical cutoffs. 

As soon as the pilot is working, the status light should be on. 

Note that this water heater’s thermal switch is resettable. So, don’t try to modify or disable the settings. 

Reason 3: No Spark from the Igniter

Another reason the State Select water heater has no status light is that the piezo igniter is not producing a spark. It happens when the ignitor wires have the following issues –

  • The igniter wires are worn out, loosened, or damaged.
  • You may find rusty igniter components. 
  • Sometimes the igniter can have bents.
  • Dusty igniter spark rods can also be the culprit.  

For these reasons, the pilot light goes out and so the status light doesn’t work. 

How To Fix: 

So, first, you need to test the igniter system. To do this you have to turn off the gas shut-off valve. Then, activate the igniter. You should notice the electrode tip through the viewport during activation. 

If you see any visible spark, this means the igniter is okay. But if you don’t see any sparks, you should start checking the wire connections. Also, inspect the electrode thoroughly if it’s broken or not. 

In case the igniter system is defective, you should replace the igniter of your state select water heater with a new one.  

Note: During igniter system inspection, don’t touch the burner or any part of the pilot assembly. Be careful to avoid any electric shocks. 

Reason 4: Incorrect Gas Pressure

Again, if the supply gas pressure is insufficient, the State Select water heater will not flash any LED light. Moreover, having air in the gas line also prevents the pilot from lighting. So, the status light can’t work as well. 

You should check the requirements for both line pressure and manifold pressure from the water heater labeling.

For more clarity, line pressure means the incoming gas line. On the other hand, manifold pressure indicates the pressure from the gas control valve to the burner. You can get the gas outlet pressure requirement from the gas control valve’s label. 

How To Fix: 

To combat this issue, you have to measure the gas pressure first. Turn off the gas. Then, take a  3/16 inches Allen wrench and remove the pressure plug from the bottom of the gas control valve. Finally, attach the gas gauge and take the reading. 

manifold gas pressure test

Now, based on the reading, you have to take the necessary actions. Here’s what I’ve meant by necessary actions-

ConditionAction
The supply gas pressure is lower than the required amount# Increase the setting of the supply gas regulator.
# Make the supply gas piping size big
(Only perform any one of the actions)
Supply gas pressure higher than the requirement# Add a gas pressure regulator.
# Reduce the setting on the built-in regulator
Manifold gas pressure is not within the +/- 10% of the required amount# Check the gas pressure supply.
# Test the size of the main burner orifice.
# Change the gas control valve/thermostat.

Now, in the case of the manifold gas pressure problem, you should change the gas control valve only when the first 2 tests don’t meet the requirements.

How To Remove and Replace the Gas Control Valve or Thermostat?

So, here’s how you can replace the State select gas control valve or thermostat.

Step 1: First, turn off the gas supply by setting the gas control knob to the OFF position.

Step 2: Then, you need to turn off the manual shutoff valve on the gas supply pipe as well.

Step 3: After that, you have to drain and flush the water heater.

Step 4: Next, take needle nose pliers to disconnect the red (+) and white (-) wires on the thermopile. 

Step 5: Now, use a 7/16 inches wrench to disconnect the manifold tube and an ¾ inch wrench to disconnect the gas control valve. 

Step 6: Again, remove the ground joint union in the gas piping. Disconnect the rest of the pipes from the gas control valve or thermostat.

Step 7: Now, you have to insert a 4-inch section of gas pipe into the inlet and thread it to turn the gas control valve. Make sure you’re turning it in a counterclockwise direction. You’ll be able to remove the gas control valve safely. 

Step 8: Finally, reassemble the new gas control valve in reverse order. Use Teflon tape or pipe joints to secure the connections. Also, make sure you remove the pilot ferrule nut from the new gas control valve. 

So, as you’ve finished replacing the gas control valve, you should check whether it’s working. Turn on the main gas supply line and inspect any gas leaks. 

You can use an approved non-corrosive leak detection solution to find any leakage issues. If it’s not available in your area, use a DIY mixture (15 parts water to 1 part soap). If the mixture shows bubbles, this means there’s a leak. In this case, fix the leaks immediately.

Now, remember that you should check the gas line for any air blockage as well. If there’s air in the gas line, your water heater won’t only stop functioning, but also explode! 

How to Clear Air Blockage from Gas Line?

So, for safety issues, follow the steps below to purge air from the gas line.

Step 1: First, take out the gas cover with a screwdriver. Turn the hinges counterclockwise to open it.

Step 2: Next, you have to open the gas valve. Keep the vent caps tightly secured and closed so that the room doesn’t get filled with carbon monoxide. 

Step 3: Then, disconnect the water supply to your State Select water heater.

Step 4: After that, turn off the gas line attached to all of your appliances.

Step 5: Finally, insert a vacuum cleaner hose to take out all the air from the gas line. 

This is how you can fix the gas pressure. 

Reason 5: Defective Thermopile 

Finally, the thermopile can also be the cause of status light failure in State Select Water Heaters. Sometimes even when the pilot lights, you’ll notice that the status light doesn’t blink.

This could indicate either the thermopile has loose wiring connections or the thermopile is faulty. 

So, how is a thermopile connected to the status light? Generally, when the pilot lights, heat gets connected to the Honeywell control. At this time, the thermopile is able to generate at least 750-900 millivolts in an open circuit and 350 millivolts in a closed circuit. 

This voltage helps the gas flow by opening the power head of the control valve. Simultaneously, the power operates the onboard diagnostics where the status light is. So, any loose thermopile wiring or faulty components won’t allow the status light to flash.

How To Fix: 

So, first, you have to inspect the wiring of the thermopile at the gas control valve. If the wires are loose, you have to tighten them. 

If the problem still prevails, it’s time to check the health of the thermopile. You have to perform separate tests for inspecting the thermopile in an open circuit and in a closed circuit. However, note that both of the tests are the same. 

Here’s what you have to do to perform the test:

  • First of all, you have to take out the connectors attached to the gas control valve using needle-nose pliers.
  • Then, insert multimeter probes into the thermopile plugs. Remember to set the multimeter’s reading to millivolts DC. 
  • Next, light the pilot and keep holding the gas control knob until you get the final result. You can use an assistant to help you in this case.
  • You’ll notice that the thermopile’s reading is increasing gradually as the water heater heats up. If the thermopile reading is at least 350mV DC, this means the thermopile is functional (for closed circuits). 
  • After taking the reading, you have to plug the connectors right where it was in the gas control valve. Commonly, the red wire stays on the left whereas the white connector should be on the right side. 

So, let’s explain what you should do with the reading. If you see an output of more than 350mV, you have to change the gas control valve. The same rule applies if you don’t see the status light blinking at least once every 3 seconds.

I’ve already explained the replacement process of gas control valves/thermostats in the “Reason 4” subsection (Solution). You can follow that method and solve this problem easily. 

replacing state select water heater thermopile

Again, if the output is 350mV or less, you should replace the thermopile immediately. 

How to Remove Old Thermopile in State Select Water Heater? 

Here’s how to remove the old thermopile assembly.

Step 1: Firstly, you have to take out the manifold door assembly. 

Step 2: Then, remove the burner screws one by one to access the thermopile. Make sure you’re not removing the orifice in this case.

Step 3: After that, screw out the thermopile assembly attached to the pilot bracket. Don’t forget to store those screws for later purposes. 

Step 4: Now, take a flat-blade screwdriver and pull the retailer clip straight up from the back of the manifold component block. You’ll find it on the manifold door. 

Note that you shouldn’t alter the position of the pilot tube in this case. You have to use it as a bending template for the new pilot assembly later on.

Step 5: Finally, hold the thermopile and the igniter wire together and lift it up from the manifold assembly. 

So, as you remove the damaged thermopile, it’s time to install the new one.

How to Install a New Thermopile in State Select Water Heater? 

Here’s how you can install a new thermopile on the spot.

Step 1: First, you have to bend the new pilot tube exactly as the old pilot tube is assembled. 

Step 2: Now, take the new pilot tube and thermopile wires and route them through the opening of the manifold door. 

Step 3: Then, attach the new thermopile assembly with the pilot screws you stored earlier. Keep in mind that the burner scoop (if present) should be on the pilot side of the manifold tube.

Step 4: Next, secure the manifold component block in the manifold door like before. You should maintain the previous positions of the wires correctly.

Step 5: After that, carefully bend the new pilot tube. It should be exactly like the previously bent manifold tube. Be careful not to crease or crimp the pilot.

Step 6: Now, hand-tight the new brass ferrule nut in the gas control valve. It’s at the opening of the thermostat’s pilot tube. 

Step 7: Finally, install the manifold assembly. 

FAQs: 

Should Status Light Blink on Water Heater?

Yes, the status light should blink on the water heater. Each type of blinking can refer to different kinds of water heater problems. If there’s no problem with your water heater, the status light should be still. 

Where is the Reset Button on a State Select Hot Water Heater?

The reset button on a State Select Hot water heater is situated in the thermal switch. You’ll find it right in the center between the thermal switch terminals. 

How Do I Know if My Hot Water Heater Pilot Light is On?

By looking through the viewport, you’ll know your hot water heater pilot light is on. For this, you need to remove the outer door of the water heater. You’ll see a slight glass window. That’s the viewport through which you can see the blue flames of the pilot. 

Why Do You Need to Wait 90 Seconds for the Pilot to Light the Status Light?

You need to wait 90 seconds for the pilot to light the status light because it takes approximately 90 seconds to heat the thermopile. As the heat will generate, it’ll power the gas control valve which will eventually light the status light.  

Conclusion:

Hopefully, now you know the reasons behind the State Select water heater no status light issue. Basically, having a faulty pilot light strengthens this problem. And if the thermal switch, igniter, gas control valve, or thermopile is defective, the pilot won’t light. So, the status light won’t flash as well. 

Well, if you have a State Select tankless water heater & you want to know about light codes in detail, check out our complete guide on state select water heater light codes for both gas & electric water heaters.

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