Bradford White Water Heater Error Code 6 flashes red (V2)

Six red flashes on a Bradford White V2 control indicates a door temperature sensor failure. The control board has detected either an open circuit or a short circuit in the sensor located at or near the burner door assembly. The heater locks out when this fault is present to prevent unsafe operation without reliable temperature monitoring at that location.

No. The 6 flashes red (V2) fault causes the water heater to lock out and stop heating, meaning the unit will not operate while the fault is active. Do not attempt to bypass the lockout. The door temperature sensor is part of the safety monitoring system, and operating without a functional sensor removes an important layer of protection against overheating conditions near the burner door.

Repair costs vary depending on what has failed. If only the connector needs cleaning or reseating, the cost may be limited to a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. Replacing the door temperature sensor itself generally adds $20 to $80 in parts. If the wiring harness or control board requires replacement, total repair costs can range from $200 to $500 or more depending on labor rates and parts pricing in your area.

A knowledgeable DIYer can start by checking that the sensor's wiring connector is fully seated and free of corrosion, which requires no special tools. Measuring the sensor's resistance with a multimeter to confirm a failure is also within reach for someone comfortable working around gas appliances. However, any work near the burner assembly or gas components should only be performed by someone with appropriate experience, and in many areas a licensed technician is required for gas appliance repair.

A manual reset may temporarily clear the fault display, but the error will return immediately if the underlying sensor or wiring problem has not been corrected. The control board actively checks the sensor circuit during operation, so any persistent open circuit or short will re-trigger the fault code. Resetting without repair is not a solution and should not be used to restore heating indefinitely.