mypros+
Error code reference

Bradford White Water Heater Error Code Solid ON red (V2)

Not an error; indicates the control is in OFF mode.

Not an error; indicates the control is in OFF mode.

First step from the service manual

Wait until LED turns off if you want to restart system. LED will go out and the control will function normally once the pilot is lit.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for Solid ON red (V2).

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What Solid ON red (V2) means on a Bradford White water heater

On Bradford White water heaters equipped with the V2 control board, a solid red LED that remains continuously illuminated does not indicate a fault condition. Instead, this steady red light signals that the control has been placed into OFF mode. The gas valve and ignition system are intentionally disabled while the unit is in this state, meaning no heating will occur and no pilot flame will be maintained.

The V2 control is a microprocessor-based gas valve controller that monitors system status and communicates operational states through LED blink patterns and solid illumination. When the control enters OFF mode, it holds this solid red indication until the operator takes action to restart the system. This is a normal, expected behavior built into the control logic as a safe shutdown indication rather than a diagnostic warning.

To return the unit to normal operation, the technician or user must initiate a proper restart sequence. Once the pilot is successfully lit and the control confirms flame presence, the solid red LED will extinguish and the control will resume standard operation. No components are faulty when this indication is present. The key distinction to confirm is that the LED is fully solid and not blinking, since blink patterns on V2 controls do correspond to actual fault codes requiring diagnosis.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Solid ON red (V2)

  1. 01

    Control manually placed in OFF mode

    Wiring / connection

    The most common reason for this indication is that someone turned the control to the OFF position, either intentionally for maintenance, vacation, or shutdown purposes. Check the control knob or mode setting to confirm it was set to OFF.

  2. 02

    Pilot outage triggering automatic shutdown

    Wiring / connection

    If the pilot flame was lost during operation, the V2 control may have transitioned to OFF mode as part of its shutdown sequence. Inspect the pilot assembly and verify whether a flame is present before attempting a restart.

  3. 03

    Recent power interruption or reset

    Wiring / connection

    A power interruption or a manual reset of the control can cause the unit to default to OFF mode upon restoration. This is a normal protective behavior that requires a fresh startup cycle.

  4. 04

    Previous fault condition was cleared

    Wiring / connection

    If the control was previously displaying a blink-code fault and was manually reset to clear it, the control may land in OFF mode before the restart cycle is completed. Review service history to determine if a prior fault was addressed.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Solid ON red (V2)

What does Solid ON red (V2) mean on a Bradford White water heater?
A solid red LED on a Bradford White V2 control indicates the control is in OFF mode, not an error condition. The heating system and ignition are disabled while this light is on. The light will turn off once the pilot is lit and the control resumes normal operation. No parts are faulty when this indication is present.
How do I fix the solid red light on my Bradford White water heater?
Since this is not an error, no repair is needed. You simply need to restart the unit by lighting the pilot according to the startup procedure on the water heater label. Once the pilot is established and the control recognizes the flame, the solid red LED will go out and normal operation will resume.
Is a solid red light on a Bradford White water heater a safety concern?
No, the solid red light on a V2 control is not a safety warning. It simply means the control is in OFF mode and the burner is not operating. The important distinction is to confirm the light is fully solid and not blinking, since blink patterns do indicate fault conditions that may require attention.
Will resetting the control clear the solid red light on a Bradford White V2?
The solid red light will clear on its own once the pilot is successfully lit and the V2 control confirms normal operation. There is no separate reset procedure needed specifically for this indication. Just follow the standard pilot lighting instructions for the unit.
How much does it cost to fix a solid red light on a Bradford White water heater?
Because the solid red V2 indication is not a fault, there is typically no repair cost involved. If the unit restarts normally after lighting the pilot, no service call or parts are required. If the pilot will not light or stay lit after multiple attempts, a technician visit to diagnose a related component issue could range from $75 to $200 or more depending on what is found.

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass