State Water Heater E163 Error — What It Means
The E163 error code does not appear in any official State Water Heaters documentation, technical manuals, or support databases from the manufacturer or its parent company A. O. Smith. This code is not recognized in State’s published error code lists for any residential or commercial models, including the RE3 series which does use numeric fault codes.
The most likely explanations are a misread display, a code from a different brand (Navien and Rinnai use E-series codes for condensing units), confusion during service documentation, or a custom diagnostic code not published in consumer manuals. Before attempting any repair, confirm the exact model number using the rating plate QR code and contact State Water Heaters or A. O. Smith technical support with the model number and the exact error display to obtain the correct code definition and repair procedure.
Before You Replace Anything
Do not replace the control board or any sensors until you confirm the code is valid for your model. An E163 code does not exist in State’s system, so replacing parts based on guesswork will waste money. Call the manufacturer first.
Common Causes
- Misread or misrecorded code (~40%) The display may show a different code that was transcribed incorrectly, or the technician may have confused it with a code from another brand’s unit on the same jobsite.
- Code from a different brand (~30%) Navien and Rinnai tankless heaters use E-series codes (such as E003, E012, E030) that look similar, and the homeowner or technician may have mistaken the brand.
- Unpublished internal diagnostic code (~20%) Some manufacturers use service-only codes not listed in consumer manuals, visible only through proprietary diagnostic tools or during board self-tests.
- Display malfunction or corruption (~10%) A failing or damaged control display can show garbled or phantom error codes that do not correspond to any real fault condition.
Quick Diagnosis
Answer these to narrow it down fast.
Does the water heater display show other numbers or letters along with E163, or does the code change when you cycle power?
No: The code is persistent. Proceed to verify the brand and model to rule out misidentification.
Is the rating plate label clearly marked 'State Water Heaters' and not Navien, Rinnai, or another brand?
No: The unit may be a different brand. Look up the error code in the correct manufacturer's documentation.
Does your owner's manual or wiring diagram list any E-series error codes?
No: Your model likely uses a different code format (such as numeric-only codes). Confirm the exact display and model with the manufacturer before troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Photograph the error display exactly as it appears, including any flashing or alternating codes, and note the time and circumstances when the code first appeared.
- Locate the rating plate on the water heater (usually on the front or side panel) and write down the complete model number and serial number.
- Scan the QR code on the rating plate if present, or visit the State Water Heaters support website and enter your model number to download the correct installation and service manual.
- Search the manual for E163 in the error code section. If the code does not appear, note that it is not a recognized fault for your model.
- Contact State Water Heaters or A. O. Smith technical support with your model number, serial number, and the exact error code. Ask whether E163 is a valid code for your unit and request the official troubleshooting procedure.
- Do not replace parts or reset the unit repeatedly until you receive confirmation of what the code means. Incorrect repairs based on guesswork can void warranties and cause additional damage.
- If the manufacturer confirms the code is not valid, request a service visit to inspect the control board, display, and wiring for faults that may produce phantom codes.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Control board (model-specific) | Amazon | Only order after manufacturer confirms the board is faulty and provides the correct part number for your model |
| Display module (if separate from board) | Amazon | Some models use a separate display panel that can fail independently; confirm with State support before ordering |
When to Call a Pro
Call a licensed plumber or water heater technician as soon as you confirm the error code does not appear in your manual. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair the unit based on codes from other brands or unverified online sources. Gas-fired and high-voltage electric water heaters require proper tools, manufacturer training, and safety procedures. A qualified technician can use proprietary diagnostic equipment to read internal fault logs, verify the control board’s health, and contact the manufacturer’s technical support line directly for service-only codes. If the unit is under warranty, unauthorized repairs may void coverage, so always start with a call to State or A. O. Smith support before opening the control panel.
Rough cost: A pro service call runs about $150-350 for diagnostic and repair once the actual fault is identified.