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Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code 62

Maximum number of retries detected (soft lockout

Bradford White codesBradford White water heater codes

Maximum number of retries detected (soft lockout - main burner cannot be lit or fails to prove flame after 3 ignition trials).

First step from the service manual

Check combustion system per Combustion System Testing and Replacement; reset by pressing Lockout Reset button for 3 seconds; control will also retry every 60 minutes.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 62 means on a Bradford White water heater

Error code 62 on a Bradford White water heater indicates a soft lockout condition triggered when the control board has exhausted its ignition retry sequence. Specifically, the main burner has failed to light or the flame sensor has failed to prove a stable flame across three consecutive ignition trials. At that point, the control enters a soft lockout rather than a hard lockout, which means it will automatically attempt to restart the ignition cycle every 60 minutes without requiring manual intervention, though a manual reset is also available.

The combustion system is at the center of this fault. This includes the gas valve, igniter, flame sensor (flame rod), burner assembly, and all associated wiring and connectors. A failure anywhere in this chain can prevent successful ignition or flame proving. Common culprits include a fouled or degraded flame sensor rod that cannot generate adequate microamp signal to confirm flame presence, a weak or failed igniter that does not produce sufficient spark, low or interrupted gas supply, or a burner assembly that is partially blocked by debris or corrosion.

Because this is a soft lockout, the control board retains the ability to recover without parts replacement if the root cause is transient, such as a momentary gas pressure dip or a condensation event on the flame rod. However, repeated triggering of code 62 strongly suggests an underlying hardware fault that requires hands-on diagnosis of the combustion system components, gas supply pressure, and the integrity of all electrical connections to the igniter and flame sensor circuits.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 62

  1. 01

    Fouled or failed flame sensor (flame rod)

    Part replacement

    The flame rod becomes coated with oxidation or carbon buildup over time, reducing its ability to pass a detectable microamp current through the flame. Inspect the sensor for visible deposits or corrosion and check that the sensor wiring connection is secure.

  2. 02

    Weak or failed igniter

    Part replacement

    An igniter that produces a weak or intermittent spark may fail to reliably ignite the gas mixture within the trial period. Listen for audible spark clicking during an ignition attempt and inspect the igniter electrode for cracks or excessive gap.

  3. 03

    Insufficient or interrupted gas supply

    Wiring / connection

    Low gas pressure, a partially closed supply valve, or gas supply interruption can prevent the burner from sustaining ignition. Verify the manual gas shutoff valve is fully open and confirm gas pressure at the appliance meets the specified requirement.

  4. 04

    Blocked or contaminated burner assembly

    Wiring / connection

    Debris, rust, or insect nesting inside the burner orifice or burner ports can restrict gas flow and prevent a stable flame from forming. Inspect the burner assembly visually and clean as needed per the combustion system testing procedure.

  5. 05

    Faulty gas valve

    Part replacement

    A gas valve that fails to open fully or at the correct timing will not deliver adequate gas for ignition. This is less common but should be considered after the igniter, flame sensor, and gas supply have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 62

What does 62 mean on a Bradford White water_heater?
Error code 62 means the water heater attempted to light the main burner three times and could not successfully ignite or prove a stable flame during any of those trials. The control board then entered a soft lockout to prevent repeated failed ignition attempts. Because it is a soft lockout, the unit will automatically retry ignition every 60 minutes, and you can also manually reset it by pressing and holding the Lockout Reset button for 3 seconds.
Will pressing the reset button fix error code 62 on my Bradford White water heater?
Pressing the Lockout Reset button for 3 seconds will clear the lockout and immediately trigger a new ignition attempt, but it will not fix the underlying cause. If the combustion system has a hardware fault such as a failed flame sensor, weak igniter, or gas supply problem, the unit will fail ignition again and return to code 62. Use the reset as a starting point for diagnosis, not as a permanent solution.
Is error code 62 on a Bradford White water heater a safety concern?
The soft lockout associated with code 62 is a built-in safety response designed to prevent uncontrolled gas release from repeated failed ignition attempts. The heater is not producing hot water in this state, but the lockout itself is functioning as intended. You should diagnose and resolve the combustion system fault promptly, particularly if gas odor is present, in which case shut off the gas supply and contact a qualified technician immediately.
How much does it cost to repair a Bradford White water heater showing error code 62?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. Cleaning the flame sensor or clearing a blocked burner may cost little beyond a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. Replacing a flame rod or igniter usually runs $150 to $350 including parts and labor. A gas valve replacement is more involved and can range from $300 to $600 or more depending on the unit and local labor rates.
What should I check first when my Bradford White water heater shows error code 62?
Start by confirming the gas supply valve to the water heater is fully open and that other gas appliances in the home are operating normally. Next, press and hold the Lockout Reset button for 3 seconds and observe whether the burner lights and stays lit. If the unit retries ignition but fails again, proceed with a full inspection of the combustion system including the flame sensor, igniter, and burner assembly as outlined in the combustion system testing procedure.

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