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Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code No LED (WR Electronic)

White Rodgers Electronic

Bradford White codesBradford White water heater codes

White Rodgers Electronic: Indicates control is off; main and pilot burner are off.

First step from the service manual

Light pilot per lighting instructions.

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

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What No LED (WR Electronic) means on a Bradford White water heater

The No LED condition on a Bradford White water heater equipped with a White Rodgers electronic gas valve control indicates that the control board is currently inactive. In this state, both the main burner and the pilot burner are completely off, meaning no combustion is occurring anywhere in the appliance. This is not necessarily a fault code in the traditional sense; rather, it reflects a de-energized or shut-down control state that can result from several different conditions ranging from a simple unlighted pilot to a loss of thermocouple-generated power to the control.

The White Rodgers electronic gas valve control relies on a small amount of millivolt power generated by the thermocouple or thermopile to operate. When the pilot flame is not lit, this power source is absent and the control receives no operating voltage, leaving the LED completely dark. The system is essentially in a cold-start condition. Because the LED serves as the primary status indicator for the control's operational state, the absence of any illumination is the first and most visible sign that the control has no power or has been intentionally shut off.

The recommended first diagnostic step is straightforward: follow the lighting instructions printed on the unit's label to attempt to light the pilot. If the pilot lights and stays lit, the thermocouple will begin generating voltage, the control will power up, and the LED should illuminate to indicate normal operation. If the pilot will not light or will not remain lit after multiple attempts, further diagnosis of the thermocouple, thermopile, gas supply, or the control valve itself is warranted.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of No LED (WR Electronic)

  1. 01

    Pilot light is out

    Wiring / connection

    The most common reason for No LED is simply that the pilot flame has been extinguished by a draft, gas interruption, or manual shut-off. Without a burning pilot, no thermocouple voltage is generated to power the control.

  2. 02

    Thermocouple failure

    Part replacement

    If the pilot lights temporarily but will not stay lit, a faulty thermocouple may be failing to generate sufficient millivolt output to hold the gas valve open, leaving the control unpowered. Testing the thermocouple output with a millivolt meter can confirm this.

  3. 03

    Gas supply interrupted

    Wiring / connection

    A closed gas shut-off valve, an empty propane tank, or a disruption in natural gas service will prevent the pilot from lighting at all. Verify the gas supply valve is fully open and that gas is available at other appliances.

  4. 04

    Control intentionally shut off

    Wiring / connection

    The White Rodgers control can be placed in an off position manually, cutting power to the LED and both burners. Check that the control knob or switch has not been turned to the off position.

  5. 05

    White Rodgers control board failure

    Part replacement

    In less common cases, the control board itself may have failed internally, preventing it from powering up even when the pilot is lit and the thermocouple is functioning correctly. This would require replacement of the gas valve control assembly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about No LED (WR Electronic)

What does No LED (WR Electronic) mean on a Bradford White water_heater?
No LED on a Bradford White water heater with a White Rodgers electronic control means the control board is completely off and both the main burner and pilot burner are not operating. The LED indicator relies on thermocouple-generated voltage from a lit pilot flame to illuminate. Without a lit pilot, the control has no power source and displays nothing. This condition can result from an extinguished pilot, a gas supply issue, or a faulty thermocouple.
How do I fix the No LED condition on my Bradford White water heater?
Start by following the pilot lighting instructions printed on the label of your water heater to relight the pilot flame. If the pilot lights and stays lit, the control should power up and the LED will illuminate. If the pilot will not light or goes out after you release the control knob, inspect your gas supply and test the thermocouple for proper millivolt output. A thermocouple that reads significantly below the expected range will need to be replaced.
Is a No LED condition on my Bradford White water heater a safety concern?
In most cases, No LED simply means the water heater is not operating rather than indicating an active hazard. However, if you smell gas near the unit, do not attempt to light the pilot. Leave the area, avoid operating any electrical switches, and contact your gas utility immediately. Only attempt relighting procedures when there is no detectable gas odor.
Will resetting the control clear the No LED condition?
There is no traditional reset procedure for the No LED condition because it reflects a lack of power to the control rather than a latched fault. The correct approach is to light the pilot according to the unit's instructions, which will restore power to the control. If the pilot cannot be sustained, the underlying cause such as a bad thermocouple must be addressed before the control will power up and the LED will illuminate.
How much does it cost to repair a Bradford White water heater showing No LED?
If the fix is simply relighting the pilot, there is no parts cost involved. If the thermocouple has failed, replacement parts typically range from $15 to $40 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $75 to $150 in most markets. A complete White Rodgers gas valve control assembly replacement, if needed, can range from $150 to $350 for parts, plus labor.

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