Rinnai · Tankless water heater
32 Outlet water temperature thermistor fault
What the control is telling you
The outgoing water temperature thermistor or its circuit is reading abnormally.
Applies to: SENSEI Series; SENSEI RX/CX Series; Non-SENSEI Series (extra step for RUR199/RUR160)
Likely causes
- Loose, broken or damaged thermistor harness
- Scale build-up on the thermistor
- Thermistor resistance out of spec
- Failed thermistor
- RUR199/RUR160 in crossover recirculation: open check valve or bypass filter issue
Test and repair steps
- Inspect the thermistor harness from thermistor to PC board for loose, broken or damaged connections.
- Caution: Shut off the water supply and drain the system before continuing.
- With the hot water lines empty, remove the thermistor and clean off any scale or deposits.
- With a meter set to read 20K ohms, measure across the thermistor plug; resistance should drop when the bulb is warmed (e.g. by hand) and rise when cooled.
- Typical values 11.4–14K ohms at 59°F, 6.4–7.8K at 86°F, 3.6–4.5K at 113°F, 2.2–2.7K at 140°F, 0.6–0.8K at 221°F.
- If readings are good, reinstall the thermistor, checking that its small O-ring is intact and lightly lubricated.
- Restore water supply and check for leaks at the thermistor.
- Fire the unit again; if code 32 returns, replace the thermistor.
- RUR199/RUR160 in crossover recirculation: isolate/drain unit, swap bypass filter for a bypass plug if available. If that fixes it, reseat or replace the check valve if open (see Tech Data Sheet).
Settings for these units
- RSC supply connection sizes · SENSEI
- RSC water quality limits · SENSEI
- RSC clearances to combustibles · SENSEI
- RSC temperature settings available · SENSEI
- RX supply connection sizes · SENSEI RX/CX
- RX water quality limits · SENSEI RX/CX
- RX water treatment and flushing by hardness · SENSEI RX/CX
- RX clearances to combustibles · SENSEI RX/CX
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Source: Rinnai Troubleshooting TWH Diagnostic Codes (100000652), p.37. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.
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