Camper & Van Life
Espar And Webasto Heater Tips To Avoid Winter Lockouts
Updated 2026-04-27
Diesel bunk heaters like Espar and Webasto soot up when run only on low heat. Running them on high once a week, keeping fuel clean, and servicing the burn chamber prevent the lockout faults that leave you cold. A hard-starting heater needs a de-soot service.
Run it hot sometimes
Low-and-slow operation builds carbon in the burn chamber. A weekly high-heat run burns off soot and keeps the glow pin healthy.
Fuel and altitude
Dirty fuel and high altitude both cause hard lighting. We check the fuel pickup and set the unit up for how you travel.
When it locks out
Repeated lockouts mean it is time to de-soot the chamber, test the glow pin, and clear the fault so it lights the first time.