How to Service Your Igniter and Replace the Atomizer Screen

In this video we go over troubleshooting issues you may be having with the ceramic igniter on your Airtronic heater, and how to get it out without breaking it. We also cover the atomizer screen and ventilation hole. In fact, the atomizer screen and ventilation hole are the primary maintenance issues on a D2 heater. The symptoms of a failed atomizer screen are the appearance of smoke when the heater first starts, but then stops smoking.
To download the Airtronic D2/D4 Diagnostic and Repair Manual, click here: cutt.ly/7bLxJ02
To learn more about our EasyScan diagnostic and service tool, click here: cutt.ly/1bLRxwR
If you enjoyed this video or found it helpful, we invite you to add a comment below. We'd also love to hear your ideas for other service related videos you'd like to see added to our Service Corner | Tech Topics playlist.
We’d love to assist you in any way we can. Please direct your comment or concern to one of the following options and an Eberspaecher representative will respond to you shortly. For technical support, contact us via email at help[at]eberspaecher.com or phone our support team at 1-800-387-4800 ext. 2299.

[@weasel884]

If you use a pick and medical forceps it’s much easier to grab on to the atomizer screen to pull out. The forceps are thinner and you can lock the handle closed to get a better grip to pull the screen out.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

If you have forceps, that's a great suggestion. Thanks weasel884.

[@PainterD54]

No, you don't always have to get new parts. If you use a larger lag screw you can pull the atomizer screen out without damaging it and reuse it if you clean it off. I suggest brake cleaner and a good jet nozzle on your air compressor to blow it clean. If your glow plug still works (you can just check it with 12 volts) you won't need to always order new parts. The same goes with the larger screen at the rear of the larger heat chamber. Keep it clean and your heater will serve you fine.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

The proper service recommendations are the ones given in this video and trying to clean the atomizer screen will not work every time and is not advised. The glow pin does not require to be replaced, unless you break the ceramic element or the wires during removal or reinsertion. The one part you require to purchase for this process is the atomizer screen that comes with the insertion tool to set the proper depth as explained in the video.

[@lucacavallini561]

I Discover that the heater, startup more Better, if i remove One turn of the layer from the grid atomizer...and this make more Easy remove It in future maintenance

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Happy to hear you found a workaround that works for you, Luca.

[@bigfootwojak4393]

Pro tip, jutuse a pick to mash up the screen into a mangled ball, thread a wood screw down into there and pull it it.

[@brucealmighty4835]

Great video. You explained so well.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cheesepaper3031]

Be prepared. If that screen is caked in there. It will be a pain to get out. Biodiesel does not play well with these. Most of the time if it takes around 3 times for a flame to start and just spewing smoke, that air hole is usually plugged it can be unplugged with the screen still in. If it's dead of winter and your in need of a quick fix get a 12mm deep well socket and using a dremel cut a slice down the side with a dremel for the glow plug wires to fit. The tool is insanely expensive at $80. Its been about 3 years so I went ahead and got a new plug for $150 and a tool comes with it. Do not get the thermal king plug! It is $100 more than the espar one. Take out the glow plug and bend a large paperclip to clean out that hole. Heater should start again and get you through the winter "hopefully". Dont keep trying to restart and restart it, then the contol module will lock it out and will need a diagnostic tool to unlock. But as soon as possible replace that screen and the fuel filter at the pump. The screen is $9 and the fuel filter is $3.50. If you have a thermoking evolution it will be fitted with a fuel warmer and it is a nightmare to get out. Replace them every year late spring when its warm out. As always use anti gel in the fuel if it drops below 10 degrees

[@sages101]

Do you need to replace the glow plug every year?

[@cheesepaper3031]

@@sages101 No. The glow plug can go for about 4 winters. Every year though the atomizer screen and fuel pump filter need to be replaced to keep it clean. It only costs $13 for both. The clogging carbon buildup is why most of these heaters wont start. If you have the funds though you can replace the plug every year. 3-4 winters is the service life of the plug.

[@sages101]

@@cheesepaper3031 cool, thanks a lot :) I have the D2L in my van that I installed last august, sometimes if has start up issues but I really think I can push it to the summer months and replace those things in the warmer weather. Been on the fence about just purchasing an extra glow plug and fuel pump for when the day comes, I have it on hand. This winter hit -15C where I live. I would hate for it to go in weather like that and not have parts. 😬

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Hey @sages101... I realize it's been a long time, but just thought I'd check in to see if you got the answers you were looking for? If not, or if you have any new questions, the best course of action is always to reach out to our technical support team first. Phone: [phone] ext 2299 or [e-mail]. Best, Eberspaecher Support Team

[@danstreight2529]

Thank you for the good explanation and instructions. However, I have been surprised (not pleasantly...) how much maintenance is required of the/my 2-1/2 year old S2D2L heater. When it starts and runs reliably it is a fantastic heater but seems to overly engineered like so many German automotive products and requires an inordinate amount of care/maintenance/service compared to former Webasto, et al. Give it to the Japanese to re-design & mfg and I think it would be near perfect.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Hey Dan. Thank you for your feedback. And my apologies for not getting back to you in a more timely manner. I'll be sure to pass it along your comments to Engineering and the Technical Support Team. In the meantime, if you have any questions for tech support regarding the maintenance of your heater, I encourage you to reach out to our technical support team. They can be reached by either email or phone. 📞 1-800-387-4800 X2299 📧 [e-mail] And if you don't receive a response to your email or call, please let us know and I'll send your question to someone's direct email.

[@danstreight2529]

@@EberspaecherNorthAmerica The issues I was experiencing were caused by a faulty/defective fuel pump. Heatso sent me a new fuel pump and the S2D2L is functioning reliably and perfectly again! My only other wish: To have a Bluetooth controller app to control the heater via iPhone. Thank you, Dan

[@notanotherusername]

So how is the 12 mm oxygen sensor socket (thank you for that!) different from the 12 mm socket included for tightening only? trying to understand. Excellent video and great update from the one before. Thanks

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Curious on that too.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Hi AJ, and my apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I'll endeavour to do better going forward. Our technical support team will be more than happy to help you out with any questions you have. You can reach Technical Support at: 📞 1-800-387-4800 X2299 📧 [e-mail] And if you don't receive a response to your email or call, please let us know and I'll send your question to someone's direct email.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

See the response I sent AJ.

[@tomndeena]

Good explanations but I’ve had issues with my D2 more often than others. Can you post a follow-up video showing how to do this on the vehicle? Or, do you recommend taking it off for service? If so, what about glycol and fuel lines? Any priming involved?

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

It’s easy job. If you are that challenged spend your time at a shop not on do it yourself.

[@leinmachine]

This is for the airtronic not the hydronic. Try running straight Kerosine through the heater instead of diesel. Do this once a year or so and it should burn the excess carbon out of the unit. It burns much cleaner and hotter. Let it run for a two hour cycle on Kerosine. should help between regular maintenance.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

I realize that replying two years out is a bit ridiculous, and I do apologize for your comment/question slipping through the cracks. But let's just say that curiosity go the better of me. That, and my desire to clear up any comments I haven't replied to. Did the advice you received from lienmachine help? Also, should you have any issues with an Eberspaecher heater in the future, please don't hesitate to reach to our Technical Support Team at 1-800-387-4800 X2299 and/or [e-mail]. They will always be more than happy to assist you and/or answer any questions you have. And again, I sincerely apologize for not seeing and replying to your question sooner. Safe travels always.

[@jattingatt]

​@leinmachine hey bro. I have a hydronic d5 on my truck. Its giving white smoke when i turn it on. I am gonna run kerosene throufh it this weekend. If that didnt work can i service it myself like change the glow plug and atomizer. Is it similar to airtonic or much tougher.

[@chesterschendel343]

The S2 heater doesn't look like this, and there doesn't seem to be a way to remove the glow plug wires. Will you be doing a video for the S2? My heater is currently taken apart, and I can't find any information about it.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Hi Chester, and my apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I'll endeavour to do better going forward. Our technical support team will be more than happy to help you out with any questions you have. You can reach Technical Support at: 📞 1-800-387-4800 X2299 📧 [e-mail] And if you don't receive a response to your email or call, please let us know and I'll send your question to someone's direct email.

[@mcl237]

Awesome video. I thought it was my relay and when I disconnected it I shorted out the fuse. Do you know where it’s at. If I key my ignition it will turn on my controller and allow me to the. On heater but that’s only with the key turned on ACC

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Apologies for the tardy response, @mcl237... have you managed to address your issue, or should I pass your request for help along to our tech department?

[@mcl237]

@@EberspaecherNorthAmerica got it done

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

We would need further info on your case in order to better assist you, so please contact our Technical Support Team at [phone] or email to [e-mail] and they will be happy to guide you on solving this issue. Alternatively, take your vehicle to one of our dealers for assistance (www.eberspaecher-dealer-locator.com/).

[@philcorp1213]

Extremely vital info. Brill

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Thank you. Glad you've found them useful.

[@temoaguil1830]

thanks very much 👍🏼

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

You're very welcome!

[@blonggone1322]

a lag bolt wrks good b careful of the threads tho

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Thanks Mr. Gone. ; ) Appreciate you sharing your experience with our other viewers. Much appreciated.

[@sarajevovalter4295]

Perfect video,thank you so much....

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Thanks, @sarajevovalter4295 . Much appreciated. If you have any other ideas for videos, feel free to let us know. We could always use suggestions.

[@damodharkumar2134]

Good explanations Mike.

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Thanks, @damodharkumar2134. Much appreciated. If you have any other ideas for videos, feel free to let us know. We could always use suggestions. Safe travels

[@davidmason9087]

Where did you find 12mm o2 socket

[@davidmason9087]

So... i just ended up making one into a deep socket...

[@chesterschendel343]

@@davidmason9087 Did he mean 22mm? I can't find a 12mm O2 socket anywhere, and I don't have a Dremel to make my own. I'm on the road, in a van, in Park City Utah, and I really need my heater to work. :)

[@davidmason9087]

I assumed 12mm i haven't actually pulled it apart yet ... sorry

[@tylermonsen7616]

Yes 12mm. Snap-on FRXM12.

[@davidmason9087]

@@tylermonsen7616 yup 12MM worked

[@chesterschendel343]

Mike, did you mean a 22mm O2 socket? I can't find a 12mm anywhere. I'm on the road, in Park City Utah, in the middle of winter and I need to perform this service. Thanks in advance!

[@davidmason9087]

Look for espar technician alot of 18 wheelers have them installed and know how to do this

[@sarahwright5245]

Did you find the tool ? If so, where did you find it.

[@chesterschendel343]

I bought the Snap-On socket suggested below, for $75, after shipping. Don’t get me started on the price. It hasn’t arrived yet so I can’t comment on whether it works or not.

[@chesterschendel343]

I’ll be in Breckinridge in a few weeks. You can borrow mine, but you can’t take it with you. Want to do heater maintenance in a parking lot?

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Slotted 12 mm google that. Slotted

[@rikujkoivisto]

It is not so difficult, This man just don`t know how it should to be done.

[@ligadoonanoo865]

Let's see how you do it, bud

[@EberspaecherNorthAmerica]

Thx Ligadoon! ; )