How do you reset the White Rogers Intelli-Vent controller from lockout mode?

Answer 1

How to Reset the Intelli-Vent Gas Water Heater Controller

If the water heater Flammable Vapor Sensor has detected some type of gas, cat litter, water-based paint, or even bad breath it can lock out the water heater controller and you will have no hot water. The lights on the controller will tell you if it's in lookout or you're screwed mode. Look for the Green (Warm/Vacation) light on the left and the Yellow (Very Hot) light on the right to be lit. This means the unit is in lock out mode. The water heater manual wants you to call a phone number but the folks on the other end can be real but heads.

Here are the steps to get the controller out of lockout mode without their assistance:

1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in.

2. There is a switch located on the top of the WH on the Black thing (the blower) - turn it off for 10 seconds.

3. Turn the switch back on, and within 10 seconds press and hold both temperature buttons until the Green (Warm/Vacation) lights starts to blink.

NOTE: Buttons are located on the controller-one marked "COOLER < " and the other marked "HOTTER >"

4. Release the < > buttons (Hotter and Colder).

5. Immediately press both < > buttons (Hotter and Colder) again. All the controller lights should come on and the blower (top of the WH) should run. You should hear the gas valve open and the burner ignite.

NOTE: If this doesn't work (or if the WH should off and locks out again) you need to check the resistance of the Flammable Vapor Sensor. It's located near the bottom of the WH. It has 2 Black wires going from the controller to it and has a diameter that is about the size of a dime.

Unplug the sensor and using an ohmmeter measure its resistance. It should be in the range of 20,000 to 50,000 ohms. If the sensor has been exposed to some form of gas the resistance will be higher-over 100,000 ohms. You can try to "air" the sensor out by taking it outside for a few hours. Re-measure the resistance-it should be lower. If it never gets lower (and remains over 100,000 ohms) it needs to be replaced. If the sensor has gotten wet it may also be bad. Once the sensor's resistance is in the 20 to 50k range plug it back in and try the reset procedure.