Englander PVDC-25 E-2 error hours after start

My Englander PVDC-25 (mfg. Oct. 2005) has started shutting off after running for hours. Here's the deal:

The stove will enter start-up, and I'll get a fire after 5-6 minutes (this is after a thorough cleaning of the igniter and tube). So far, so good. Then, I'll get an E-2 after 20 minutes, and it enters shut down mode. The room blower does not come on.

So, I push the "Start" button again, and after about 10 more minutes, the room blower will come on, and the stove will work just fine for some random amount of time.

Then, 1 of 2 things will happen:

1. The stove will just shut off WITHOUT entering shut down mode: Everything shuts off at once - room blower, exhaust blower, both augers, control panel. And the fire burns merrily away in the now-quiet room.

or ...

2. I'll get another E-2 and it will enter shut-down mode

Here's what I've done (just the recent stuff):
2011 - replaced bottom auger assembly (nylon gasket and auger collar), burn pot and wear plate
2012 - replaced top auger motor, replaced door and window gaskets
2013 - Replaced bottom auger motor

For this particular problem I have -
• Checked heat sensor (nice and tight at panel and firewall, and correct diagnostics)
• Checked all other diagnostics - all fine
• Checked factory settings (according to Englander, they're correct at 6-9-1 for this make and year)
• Thoroughly cleaned inside the stove
• Cleaned the inside back, including vacuum hoses
• Cleaned the exhaust pipe, outside air intake and flue
• Cleaned blowers in situ (did not remove them).

No luck. Englander help says factory reset may help. Do I need to tear the whole thing down and take a wire brush to it?

CladMaster said:

I'd be looking into this problem before any other problem, sounds like the control board might be on it's way out and needs replacing. Check all the connections on the board, make sure none are loose.

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Yup- thanks. Did that. All tight. Calling ESW again today.

rich2500 said:

Inside the stove to the right of the burnpot is a small port have you checked to make sure that is clear.

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Yes- thanks. Did that. That vacuum controls the top auger, as I understand. It's nice and clear.

Don2222 said:

Hello
Sounds like one or even both vacuum switch bladders are bad or the exhaust vacuum hose is cracked or clogged.

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Thanks. ESW guys did not focus on those, but I will ask them today.

stoveguy2esw said:

hi JamesJ

sorry i didnt see the thread , enjoyed our chat this morning , let me know if the reboot doesnt clear up your problem

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Thanks so much. Will try as soon as I get home later.

Don2222 said:

I have seen this case where the AC cord is bad. Also if the AC outlet is very warn and you have to wiggle the plug to make it work sometimes. I would replace the AC outlet on the wall. Also if the AC outlet is a GFI that is a real problem with pellet stoves. Never use a pellet stove on a GFI outlet it can damage the stove components.

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Thanks Don - No GFI. But with Mike H's help, we're focused on the control panel and power supply. It's an old house, but wiring was updated 8 years ago. It's in an outlet that also serves a TV, Roku box, Bose sound dock and a small bluetooth receiver all through a cheap power strip. Nothing heavy duty, but plan to move it to its own outlet with a good power strip.

kofkorn said:

Totally agree with CladMaster. Even if vacuum switches were bad, the entire unit wouldn't shut down at once. This is an indication of a power problem or board issue.

- Check the fuse on the board. It may be a good idea to just replace it. It can be very difficult to tell if it is blown or not. There was a similar issue with another member a few months ago that ended up being a fuse, which visually looked fine. They are inexpensive and very critical. If it is failing, it can be intermittent (vibration would affect it) before it blows completely, kind of like a flickering light bulb.

- Make sure the power cord is in good condition with no cuts. Also make sure the leads are securely attached to the board (unplug from the wall first!).

- Is the power loss occurring at the same time as any other events? Well pump kicking on, lights dimming, etc. Maybe there's a power issue coming in? (Not likely, but should eliminate as a possible problem)

- Any visible circuit board / component problems? Capacitors with rounded tops, components with burnt rings around them, funny smell emanating from the circuit board, etc.

When all of the motors and blowers shut down at the same time, it's indicative of a power loss of some kind, or a serious crash of the circuit program. Try to eliminate the cheap/easy items first, then look into a new circuit board.

Good luck!

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Thanks so much - great points. Will do on the fuse. Power cord is OK. Power loss is totally independent and seemingly random. No circuit board issues visible or "smellable!" My plan - replace fuse; re-boot the board and set to mode "D"; check for 6-9-1 on the lower indicators; Hope for the best!

stoveguy2esw said:

hi JamesJ

sorry i didnt see the thread , enjoyed our chat this morning , let me know if the reboot doesnt clear up your problem

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No luck. Reset panel, got fire in 4:30, then E-2, and shut OFF, not shut down.

Follow-up: Replaced the control board, after consulting with Mike H. That fixed the E-2 error. Started and ran fine. But top auger stopped after 40 mins. Cleaned vacuum hose (again), to no avail. So we suspected dirty room blower was causing stove to overheat. I yanked it and cleaned it tonight - was an ugly mess. Now running like a champ on hour 4. Heat output is significantly improved. Fingers crossed.

For newbies and reluctant technicians like me: the room blower is a pain to get to, but cleaning is worth it. Be prepared for some contortions and tight squeezes. And replacing control board is very simple and straight forward.

Bottom line: I bought this stove in May 2005 for half price from Home D, just before they got rid of it to make room for lawn mowers. Installed it myself. I've put probably <$400 in parts and maintenance into it. And dozens of hours working on it. Have replaced bottom Auger, top auger motor, control board, all gaskets. It cut my gas bill by two-thirds here in coastal Mass. I should clean it thoroughly, regularly. I think I'm still ahead.

CladMaster said:

Glad you got it fixed, had to be one of two things, and the control board was No.1 from your stoves symptoms that you posted.

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Thanks Clad. Now where can I buy some pellets?