HVAC Code Lookup

Payne fault codes

34 documented codes for Payne furnaces, each cited to the manufacturer's own manual. Find your code in the table, then jump to what it means, the likely causes, what you can safely check, and when to call a technician.

Payne is a Carrier (ICP) value brand and uses the same furnace control boards and the same status-code numbering as Carrier and Bryant. A Payne PG92/PG95/PG96 flashes the same code numbers as the equivalent Carrier 58-series or Bryant furnace.

Looking it up by flash count?

If you counted LED flashes rather than reading a code number, these are the codes that start with that many flashes:

  • 1 flashes: 10.1 (L1 polarity fault - the polarity of the incoming 115 V power is reversed), 11 (No previous code), 12 (Blower on after power up - normal operation), 13 (Limit circuit lockout), 14 (Ignition lockout), 14.2 (Flame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost three times after the heating blower on-delay), 14.3 (Flame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost seven times during a single heat request)
  • 2 flashes: 21 (Gas heating lockout), 22 (Abnormal flame-proving signal), 23 (Pressure switch did not open), 23.3 (Over pressure at start-up), 24 (The 24 V secondary voltage fuse on the control board is open, which means there is a short in the low-voltage wiring), 25 (Invalid model selection or setup error), 25.1 (No program information in the control's microprocessor - there is no heating operation until the control is programmed), 26.1 (Loose factory wiring - a jumper in the factory wiring harness is loose or disconnected), 27 (The program in the super plug is missing, not recognized, or corrupted)
  • 3 flashes: 31 (Pressure switch did not close or reopened), 31.4 (Loss of pressure before the blower comes on), 31.5 (Loss of pressure after the blower comes on), 32 (Low-heat), 33 (Limit circuit fault), 34 (Ignition proving failure), 34.2 (Flame lost - after successful ignition), 34.3 (Flame lost - after successful ignition), 34.4 (Flame lost while the furnace was operating at reduced inducer pressure following a previous 34)
  • 4 flashes: 42 (Inducer RPM fault), 43 (Low-heat pressure switch open while the high-heat pressure switch is closed - a contradictory pressure-switch state on a two-stage furnace), 45 (Control circuitry lockout), 45.1 (Control failure - flame circuit fault, memory mismatch, or sequence error on the control board), 45.2 (Control failure - the gas valve relay will not close), 45.3 (Control failure - EEPROM memory issue on the control board), 46.1 (Momentary loss of power)

Furnace codes

CodeMeaningSeverity
LED offAmber status LED is completely darkThe control board has no powerWarning
rapid flashAmber LED blinking rapidly with no pause between flashesLine voltageHard lockout
10.1Rapid flashing LED; 10.1 on the 3-digit displayL1 polarity fault - the polarity of the incoming 115 V power is reversedHard lockout
111 short flash, 1 long flashNo previous codeStatus
121 short flash, 2 long flashesBlower on after power up - normal operationStatus
131 short flash, 3 long flashesLimit circuit lockoutSoft lockout
141 short flash, 4 long flashesIgnition lockoutSoft lockout
14.2Major code 14 flashed on the LED (1 short, 4 long); 14.2 on the displayFlame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost three times after the heating blower on-delaySafety fault
14.3Major code 14 flashed on the LED (1 short, 4 long); 14.3 on the displayFlame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost seven times during a single heat requestSafety fault
212 short flashes, 1 long flashGas heating lockoutHard lockout
222 short flashes, 2 long flashesAbnormal flame-proving signalSafety fault
232 short flashes, 3 long flashesPressure switch did not openWarning
23.3Major code 23 flashed on the LED (2 short, 3 long); 23.3 on the displayOver pressure at start-upWarning
242 short flashes, 4 long flashesThe 24 V secondary voltage fuse on the control board is open, which means there is a short in the low-voltage wiringHard lockout
252 short flashes, 5 long flashesInvalid model selection or setup errorWarning
25.1Major code 25 flashed on the LED (2 short, 5 long); 25.1 on the displayNo program information in the control's microprocessor - there is no heating operation until the control is programmedHard lockout
26.12 short flashes, 6 long flashes; 26.1 on the displayLoose factory wiring - a jumper in the factory wiring harness is loose or disconnectedWarning
272 short flashes, 7 long flashes; minor codes 27.1 through 27.3The program in the super plug is missing, not recognized, or corruptedHard lockout
313 short flashes, 1 long flashPressure switch did not close or reopenedWarning
31.4Major code 31 on the LED (3 short, 1 long); 31.4 on the displayLoss of pressure before the blower comes onWarning
31.5Major code 31 on the LED (3 short, 1 long); 31.5 on the displayLoss of pressure after the blower comes onWarning
323 short flashes, 2 long flashesLow-heatWarning
333 short flashes, 3 long flashesLimit circuit faultSoft lockout
343 short flashes, 4 long flashesIgnition proving failureWarning
34.2Major code 34 on the LED (3 short, 4 long); 34.2 on the displayFlame lost - after successful ignitionSafety fault
34.3Major code 34 on the LED (3 short, 4 long); 34.3 on the displayFlame lost - after successful ignitionSafety fault
34.4Major code 34 on the LED (3 short, 4 long); 34.4 on the displayFlame lost while the furnace was operating at reduced inducer pressure following a previous 34Safety fault
424 short flashes, 2 long flashes; minor codes 42.1, 42.2 and 42.3Inducer RPM faultWarning
434 short flashes, 3 long flashesLow-heat pressure switch open while the high-heat pressure switch is closed - a contradictory pressure-switch state on a two-stage furnaceWarning
454 short flashes, 5 long flashesControl circuitry lockoutSoft lockout
45.1Major code 45 on the LED (4 short, 5 long); 45.1 on the displayControl failure - flame circuit fault, memory mismatch, or sequence error on the control boardSoft lockout
45.2Major code 45 on the LED (4 short, 5 long); 45.2 on the displayControl failure - the gas valve relay will not closeSafety fault
45.3Major code 45 on the LED (4 short, 5 long); 45.3 on the displayControl failure - EEPROM memory issue on the control boardSoft lockout
46.14 short flashes, 6 long flashes; 46.1 on the displayMomentary loss of powerStatus

Payne furnace LED Off: The control board has no power

WarningShown as: Amber status LED is completely dark

The control board has no power. The manual's first troubleshooting step is to check for 115 V at L1 and L2 and 24 V at SEC-1 and SEC-2.

Manual wording: “Is AMBER LED status light on? ... Is there 115V at L1 and L2? ... Is there 24V at SEC-1 and SEC-2?”

Documented for: PG96VTA and other Payne furnaces with an amber status LED

Likely causes, most common first

  1. No 115 V reaching the furnace (breaker or service switch off)
  2. Blower door not seated, so the door interlock switch is holding power off
  3. Failed transformer

What you can safely check yourself

  • Make sure the furnace blower door is fully closed and latched
  • Check that the furnace service switch near the unit is ON
  • Check the furnace breaker in your electrical panel

When to call a technician

If power is present at the panel and the door is closed but the board is still dark, the door switch, transformer, or board needs a technician with a meter.

Source

Payne furnace Rapid Flash: Line voltage

Hard lockoutShown as: Amber LED blinking rapidly with no pause between flashes

Line voltage (115 V) polarity is reversed at the furnace, or on twinned units the low-voltage transformer phasing is wrong. The control cannot prove flame, so the furnace will not run.

Manual wording: “Is AMBER LED status light blinking rapidly without a pause? ... Check for correct line voltage polarity. If units are twinned, check for proper low-voltage (24V) transformer phasing.”

Documented for: PG96VTA, PG92ESA, PG95ESA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Hot and neutral swapped at a junction box, outlet, or the furnace
  2. Improper 24 V transformer phasing on twinned furnaces

When to call a technician

Correcting reversed line-voltage polarity means working on live 115 V wiring. Call a licensed HVAC technician or electrician.

Source

Payne furnace code 10.1: L1 polarity fault - the polarity of the incoming 115 V power is reversed

Hard lockoutShown as: Rapid flashing LED; 10.1 on the 3-digit display

L1 polarity fault - the polarity of the incoming 115 V power is reversed.

Manual wording: “10.1 L1 POLARITY FAULT - Rapid flash LED. Polarity of incoming 115V power is reversed.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Line voltage (115 V) hot and neutral reversed at a junction
  2. Improper low-voltage (24 V) transformer phasing on twinned units

When to call a technician

Fixing 115 V polarity requires opening junction boxes on live wiring - call a licensed technician or electrician.

Source

Payne furnace code 11: No previous code

StatusShown as: 1 short flash, 1 long flash

No previous code. Nothing is stored in the control's fault memory; stored codes erase automatically after 72 hours.

Manual wording: “11 NO PREVIOUS CODE - Stored codes are erased after 72 hours. Run system through a heating or cooling cycle to check system.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Normal - no stored fault
  2. A previous fault aged out after 72 hours or was manually cleared

What you can safely check yourself

  • Nothing to fix - run the furnace through a full heating cycle and see whether a real code appears

When to call a technician

If the furnace misbehaves but only shows 11, a technician should watch a live cycle to catch the fault as it happens.

Sources

Payne furnace code 12: Blower on after power up - normal operation

StatusShown as: 1 short flash, 2 long flashes

Blower on after power up - normal operation. The blower runs for 90 seconds because power was restored during a call for heat, or the call ended during the blower on-delay.

Manual wording: “12 BLOWER ON AFTER POWER UP - (115V OR 24V) - Normal operation. Blower runs for 90 seconds, if unit is powered up during a call for heat (R-W closed)”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA, PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Power was interrupted and restored during a call for heat
  2. Thermostat call ended during the blower on-delay period

What you can safely check yourself

  • Nothing to fix - this is normal after a power blip or after switching the furnace back on

When to call a technician

If code 12 keeps appearing without any power outages, have a technician check for a loose 115 V connection or a failing door switch.

Sources

Payne furnace code 13: Limit circuit lockout

Soft lockoutShown as: 1 short flash, 3 long flashes

Limit circuit lockout. The limit or flame rollout switch has been open longer than 3 minutes. The control locks out and auto-resets after 3 hours.

Manual wording: “13 LIMIT CIRCUIT LOCKOUT - Lockout occurs if the limit or flame rollout is open longer than 3 minutes. Control will auto-reset after 3 hours. See code 33.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA, PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Restricted vent or improper vent sizing
  2. Dirty filter or restricted duct system
  3. Blower motor not functioning
  4. Defective switch or connections
  5. Inadequate combustion air supply

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check and replace a dirty air filter
  • Make sure supply registers and return grilles are open and unblocked
  • Make sure the furnace blower door is fully closed

When to call a technician

A 3-minute limit trip means the furnace was really overheating or not venting. Have a technician confirm why before running it again; a tripped flame rollout switch must never be reset without finding the cause.

Sources

Payne furnace code 14: Ignition lockout

Soft lockoutShown as: 1 short flash, 4 long flashes

Ignition lockout. The furnace failed to ignite the gas and prove flame in four attempts. The control auto-resets after 3 hours.

Manual wording: “14 IGNITION LOCKOUT - System failed to ignite gas and prove flame in 4 attempts. Control will auto-reset after 3 hours. See status code 34.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA, PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Igniter, flame sensor, or gas valve problem - see code 34
  2. Low inlet gas pressure or a closed manual gas valve
  3. Loss of control ground continuity

What you can safely check yourself

  • Confirm other gas appliances in the house work, so you know gas service is on
  • Turn the furnace off at the service switch for a minute and back on once for one clean retry

When to call a technician

Ignition faults are inside the burner compartment of a live gas appliance. Have a technician check the igniter, flame sensor, gas valve, and gas pressure.

Sources

Payne furnace code 14.2: Flame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost three times after the heating blower on-delay

Safety faultShown as: Major code 14 flashed on the LED (1 short, 4 long); 14.2 on the display

Flame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost three times after the heating blower on-delay. Auto-resets after 3 hours.

Manual wording: “14.2 FLAME LOST LOCKOUT - Flame signal was lost 3 times after heating blower on delay. Control will auto-reset after 3 hours. See status code 34.3.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Incorrect manifold pressure and gas firing rate
  2. Gas inlet pressure fluctuations
  3. Improper pressure transducer operation
  4. Flame sensing problem - see code 34

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check that the air filter is clean and vents are open

When to call a technician

Repeated loss of an established flame is a combustion fault. Have a technician verify gas pressure and flame sensing before running the furnace.

Source

Payne furnace code 14.3: Flame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost seven times during a single heat request

Safety faultShown as: Major code 14 flashed on the LED (1 short, 4 long); 14.3 on the display

Flame lost lockout - the flame signal was lost seven times during a single heat request.

Manual wording: “14.3 FLAME LOST LOCKOUT - Flame signal was lost 7 times during a single heat request. See status code 34.2 to 34.4.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Incorrect manifold pressure and gas firing rate
  2. Gas inlet pressure fluctuations
  3. Improper pressure transducer operation

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check that the air filter is clean and supply and return vents are open

When to call a technician

Do not keep resetting the furnace. Seven flame losses in one heat call needs a technician to check gas supply and the combustion setup.

Source

Payne furnace code 21: Gas heating lockout

Hard lockoutShown as: 2 short flashes, 1 long flash

Gas heating lockout. 24 VAC was sensed on the gas valve when it should not be there. The control turns off power and waits 5 minutes before retrying.

Manual wording: “21 GAS HEATING LOCKOUT - Turn off power and wait 5 minutes to retry. Check for: - Stuck closed gas valve relay on control. - Miswire or short to gas valve wire.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA, PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Stuck-closed gas valve relay on the control board
  2. Miswire or short to the gas valve wire

When to call a technician

This code means the board may not be able to keep the gas valve shut. Turn the furnace off at the service switch and call a technician.

Sources

Payne furnace code 22: Abnormal flame-proving signal

Safety faultShown as: 2 short flashes, 2 long flashes

Abnormal flame-proving signal. Flame is proved while the gas valve is de-energized. The inducer keeps running until the fault clears.

Manual wording: “22 ABNORMAL FLAME-PROVING SIGNAL Flame is proved while gas valve is de-energized. Inducer will run until fault is cleared. Check for: - Stuck open or leaky gas valve.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Stuck open or leaky gas valve

When to call a technician

The furnace is sensing burning gas when the valve should be closed. Shut the furnace off at the service switch and call a technician immediately. Do not touch the gas valve.

Sources

Payne furnace code 23: Pressure switch did not open

WarningShown as: 2 short flashes, 3 long flashes

Pressure switch did not open. The control expected the pressure switch to be open before the inducer started and it was already closed.

Manual wording: “23 PRESSURE SWITCH DID NOT OPEN - Check for: - Obstructed pressure tube. - Pressure switch stuck closed.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Obstructed pressure tube
  2. Pressure switch stuck closed

When to call a technician

The pressure switch is a combustion safety device. A technician must inspect the tubing and switch. Never jumper or bypass a pressure switch.

Sources

Payne furnace code 23.3: Over pressure at start-up

WarningShown as: Major code 23 flashed on the LED (2 short, 3 long); 23.3 on the display

Over pressure at start-up. The pressure transducer output is above 0.65 Vdc at the start of the heating sequence, so the control delays ignition until the signal returns to range.

Manual wording: “23.3 OVER PRESSUREAT START-UP - Voltage output from transducer is > 0.65 Vdc at start of heating sequence.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Improper vent sizing
  2. Obstruction in the pressure tubing
  3. Defective transducer
  4. Defective transducer wiring
  5. Excessive wind

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check outdoor intake and exhaust terminations for snow, ice, or debris

When to call a technician

The pressure transducer and its tubing are inside the furnace cabinet - have a technician test them.

Source

Payne furnace code 24: The 24 V secondary voltage fuse on the control board is open, which means there is a short in the low-voltage wiring

Hard lockoutShown as: 2 short flashes, 4 long flashes

The 24 V secondary voltage fuse on the control board is open, which means there is a short in the low-voltage wiring.

Manual wording: “24 SECONDARY VOLTAGE FUSE IS OPEN - Check for: - Short circuit in secondary voltage (24V) wiring including thermostat leads.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA, PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Short circuit in the secondary voltage (24 V) wiring, including the thermostat leads

When to call a technician

Just replacing the fuse blows the new one. A technician has to isolate the shorted thermostat or accessory wire first.

Sources

Payne furnace code 25: Invalid model selection or setup error

WarningShown as: 2 short flashes, 5 long flashes

Invalid model selection or setup error. If code 25 flashes only 4 times at power-up, the control is missing its model plug PL4 and is defaulting to the model stored in memory. If it flashes continuously, the model plug is missing with no valid stored model, a setup switch is wrong, or two different models were twinned.

Manual wording: “25 INVALID MODEL SELECTION OR SETUP ERROR - If status code 25 only flashes 4 times on power-up the control is missing its model plug PL4 and is defaulting to the model selection stored in memory.”

Documented for: PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Model plug PL4 missing (common after a replacement control board)
  2. Thermostat call with setup switch SW1-1 or SW1-6 left ON
  3. Two different furnace models twinned together
  4. Incorrect service replacement control

When to call a technician

This is a setup fault that shows up after service work. The technician needs to install the correct model plug and return the setup switches to their proper positions.

Source

Payne furnace code 25.1: No program information in the control's microprocessor - there is no heating operation until the control is programmed

Hard lockoutShown as: Major code 25 flashed on the LED (2 short, 5 long); 25.1 on the display

No program information in the control's microprocessor - there is no heating operation until the control is programmed.

Manual wording: “25.1 NO PROGRAM info in micro, no heating operation.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Control board unprogrammed or program lost

When to call a technician

The control has to be reprogrammed with the program number from the rating plate using the dealer service app or a super plug.

Source

Payne furnace code 26.1: Loose factory wiring - a jumper in the factory wiring harness is loose or disconnected

WarningShown as: 2 short flashes, 6 long flashes; 26.1 on the display

Loose factory wiring - a jumper in the factory wiring harness is loose or disconnected.

Manual wording: “26.1 LOOSE FACTORY WIRING - Jumper in factory wiring harness is loose or disconnected (pins reserved for future use).”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Jumper connection between PL1-2 and PL1-4 loose or disconnected

When to call a technician

The jumper is on the control board's low-voltage harness inside the furnace cabinet - have a technician reseat it.

Source

Payne furnace code 27: The program in the super plug is missing, not recognized, or corrupted

Hard lockoutShown as: 2 short flashes, 7 long flashes; minor codes 27.1 through 27.3

The program in the super plug is missing, not recognized, or corrupted.

Manual wording: “27.1 - 27.3 Program in super plug is missing, not recognized, or corrupted. Remove super plug then retry.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Super plug missing, unreadable, or corrupted

When to call a technician

A technician removes the super plug and retries, then tries a different super plug; if code 27 persists the control is replaced.

Source

Payne furnace code 31: Pressure switch did not close or reopened

WarningShown as: 3 short flashes, 1 long flash

Pressure switch did not close or reopened. On the PG92ESA/PG95ESA this is the HPS: if it stays open for one minute after the gas valve closed (after three successive trials) the control locks out for 3 hours before retrying. On the two-stage PG96VTA, code 31 is the high-heat pressure switch or relay.

Manual wording: “31 HPS PRESSURE SWITCH DID NOT CLOSE OR REOPENED - If HPS remains open for one minute after gas valve closed (after three succesive trails), then furnace control will lockout for 3 hours before retry.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Excessive wind at the vent termination
  2. Restricted vent or improper vent sizing
  3. Defective inducer motor or low inducer voltage (115 VAC)
  4. Defective pressure switch
  5. Inadequate combustion air supply
  6. Disconnected or obstructed pressure tubing
  7. Condensate drainage restricted or blocked
  8. Low inlet gas pressure (if a low gas pressure switch is used)

What you can safely check yourself

  • Go outside and check the furnace intake and exhaust pipes for snow, ice, leaves, or a nest and clear any blockage
  • Check the condensate drain line and trap for a clog or standing water
  • Replace a dirty air filter

When to call a technician

If the vents are clear and the drain is open, the inducer motor, pressure switch, or tubing needs a technician. Never jumper a pressure switch to force the furnace to run.

Sources

Payne furnace code 31.4: Loss of pressure before the blower comes on

WarningShown as: Major code 31 on the LED (3 short, 1 long); 31.4 on the display

Loss of pressure before the blower comes on. The pressure transducer does not sense the target pressure, or pressure is out of range for the operating stage.

Manual wording: “31.4 LOSS OF PRESSURE - Before blower comes on.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Improper vent sizing
  2. Low inducer voltage (115 V)
  3. Inadequate combustion air supply
  4. Disconnected or obstructed pressure tubing
  5. Defective inducer motor
  6. Defective pressure transducer
  7. Excessive wind
  8. Restricted vent system

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check the outdoor intake and exhaust pipes for snow, ice, leaves, or a nest and clear anything blocking them
  • Replace a dirty air filter

When to call a technician

If the vent is clear, the inducer motor or the pressure transducer needs testing by a technician.

Source

Payne furnace code 31.5: Loss of pressure after the blower comes on

WarningShown as: Major code 31 on the LED (3 short, 1 long); 31.5 on the display

Loss of pressure after the blower comes on. The pressure transducer does not sense the target pressure, or pressure is out of range for the operating stage.

Manual wording: “31.5 LOSS OF PRESSURE - After blower comes on.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Improper vent sizing
  2. Low inducer voltage (115 V)
  3. Inadequate combustion air supply
  4. Disconnected or obstructed pressure tubing
  5. Defective inducer motor
  6. Defective pressure transducer
  7. Excessive wind
  8. Restricted vent system

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check outdoor vent terminations for blockage
  • Replace a dirty air filter

When to call a technician

Losing vent pressure once the blower starts often points at vent sizing or a failing inducer - have a technician measure it.

Source

Payne furnace code 32: Low-heat

WarningShown as: 3 short flashes, 2 long flashes

Low-heat (LPS) pressure switch did not close or reopened. If it stays open longer than five minutes the inducer shuts off for 15 minutes before retrying.

Manual wording: “32 LOW-HEAT PRESSURE SWITCH DID NOT CLOSE OR REOPENED - If open longer than 5 minutes, inducer shuts off for 15 minutes before retry.”

Documented for: PG96VTA, PG92ESA, PG95ESA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Improper vent sizing
  2. Air leak between vestibule and blower compartment
  3. Restricted vent
  4. Disconnected or obstructed pressure tubing
  5. Defective or miswired pressure switches
  6. Excessive wind
  7. Plugged condensate drain
  8. Water in the vent piping from a sagging pipe
  9. Defective inducer motor or low inducer voltage
  10. Low inlet gas pressure (if LGPS used)

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check outdoor intake and exhaust terminations for snow, ice, or debris
  • Check the condensate drain line and trap for a clog
  • Replace a dirty air filter

When to call a technician

Vent sizing, sagging vent pipe, and pressure switch calibration are technician diagnostics. Do not bypass the switch.

Sources

Payne furnace code 33: Limit circuit fault

Soft lockoutShown as: 3 short flashes, 3 long flashes

Limit circuit fault. The high-limit or flame rollout switch is open - the furnace is overheating or airflow is restricted. The blower runs 4 minutes or until the switch remakes. If it stays open longer than 3 minutes the code becomes lockout 13.

Manual wording: “33 LIMIT CIRCUIT FAULT - Indicates the limit, flame rollout is open. Blower will run for 4 min. or until open switch remakes whichever is longer. Flame rollout switch requires manual reset.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Dirty filter or restricted duct system
  2. Loose blower wheel
  3. Defective switch or connections
  4. Improper gas input adjustment
  5. Improper limit switch or missing limit gasket

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check and replace the air filter - a clogged filter is the most common cause
  • Make sure supply registers and return air grilles are open and unblocked
  • Make sure the furnace door is fully seated

When to call a technician

If the code returns after a filter change, the limit or rollout switch is tripping for a reason a technician must diagnose. The flame rollout switch requires manual reset and must never be reset without finding out why it tripped.

Sources

Payne furnace code 34: Ignition proving failure

WarningShown as: 3 short flashes, 4 long flashes

Ignition proving failure. Flame was not sensed during the trial for ignition, so the control repeats the ignition sequence three more times before lockout 14.

Manual wording: “34 IGNITION PROVING FAILURE - If flame is not sensed during the trial for ignition period, the control will repeat the ignition sequence 3 more times before lockout #14 occurs.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Gas valve turned off or manual shut-off valve closed
  2. Green/yellow wire not connected to the furnace sheet metal (control ground)
  3. Flame sensor grounded or oxide-coated
  4. Defective hot surface igniter
  5. Low inlet gas pressure
  6. Inadequate flame carryover or rough ignition

What you can safely check yourself

  • Confirm other gas appliances still work, so you know gas service is on
  • Make sure the furnace door is fully closed and latched

When to call a technician

Cleaning the flame sensor, measuring flame microamps, and testing the igniter all require opening a live gas appliance. Call a technician.

Sources

Payne furnace code 34.2: Flame lost - after successful ignition

Safety faultShown as: Major code 34 on the LED (3 short, 4 long); 34.2 on the display

Flame lost - after successful ignition (flame proved), flame was lost before the heating blower on-delay.

Manual wording: “34.2 FLAME LOST - After successful ignition (flame proved), flame lost before heating blower on delay.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Oxide buildup on the flame sensor
  2. Low inlet gas pressure
  3. Gas valve defective or turned off
  4. Poor control ground continuity
  5. Flame sensor grounded or touching the casing
  6. Inadequate flame carryover or rough ignition

What you can safely check yourself

  • Confirm other gas appliances in the house are working normally

When to call a technician

Flame loss right after ignition is a combustion and flame-sensing problem for a technician. Do not attempt to clean or reposition the flame sensor yourself.

Source

Payne furnace code 34.3: Flame lost - after successful ignition

Safety faultShown as: Major code 34 on the LED (3 short, 4 long); 34.3 on the display

Flame lost - after successful ignition (flame proven), flame was lost after the heating blower on-delay.

Manual wording: “34.3 FLAME LOST - After successful ignition (flame proven) flame lost after heating blower on delay.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Oxide buildup on the flame sensor
  2. Low inlet gas pressure
  3. Poor control ground continuity
  4. Airflow disturbing the flame

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check that the air filter is clean and supply and return vents are open

When to call a technician

Losing flame once the blower starts usually points at gas pressure or flame sensing - have a technician measure flame current and manifold pressure.

Source

Payne furnace code 34.4: Flame lost while the furnace was operating at reduced inducer pressure following a previous 34

Safety faultShown as: Major code 34 on the LED (3 short, 4 long); 34.4 on the display

Flame lost while the furnace was operating at reduced inducer pressure following a previous 34.3 fault.

Manual wording: “34.4 FLAME LOST - While operating at reduced inducer pressure from previous 34.3 fault condition.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Same causes as 34.3 - flame sensor, gas pressure, control ground, flame carryover

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check that the air filter is clean and vents are open

When to call a technician

This code follows a chain of flame losses. Have a technician diagnose the combustion and flame sensing before running the furnace.

Source

Payne furnace code 42: Inducer RPM fault

WarningShown as: 4 short flashes, 2 long flashes; minor codes 42.1, 42.2 and 42.3

Inducer RPM fault. 42.1 means no RPM feedback at start-up or before ignition proved; 42.2 means the RPM signal was lost for 5 seconds after ignition proved; 42.3 means the inducer is exceeding its model-specific RPM limit.

Manual wording: “42.1 NO RPM FEEDBACK - at start-up or before ignition proved. 42.2 NO RPM FEEDBACK - after ignition proved, signal was lost for 5 seconds. 42.3 EXCEEDING INDUCER RPM LIMIT”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Improper vent sizing
  2. Restricted combustion air supply
  3. Failed inducer motor
  4. Improper or loose motor wiring or a bad connection

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check the outdoor intake and exhaust pipes for snow, ice, leaves, or a nest blocking them

When to call a technician

The inducer motor and its wiring must be tested by a technician. A furnace that cannot run its inducer cannot vent combustion gases safely.

Source

Payne furnace code 43: Low-heat pressure switch open while the high-heat pressure switch is closed - a contradictory pressure-switch state on a two-stage furnace

WarningShown as: 4 short flashes, 3 long flashes

Low-heat pressure switch open while the high-heat pressure switch is closed - a contradictory pressure-switch state on a two-stage furnace.

Manual wording: “43 LOW-HEAT PRESSURE SWITCH OPEN WHILE HIGH-HEAT PRESSURE SWITCH IS CLOSED”

Documented for: PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Low-heat pressure switch stuck open
  2. Disconnected or obstructed pressure tube
  3. Miswired pressure switches
  4. Low inlet gas pressure (if LGPS used)
  5. Plugged condensate drain
  6. Water in the vent piping from a sagging pipe

What you can safely check yourself

  • Check the condensate drain line and trap for a clog or standing water
  • Check outdoor vent terminations for blockage

When to call a technician

Pressure switch wiring and vent piping slope are technician diagnostics. Never jumper a pressure switch.

Source

Payne furnace code 45: Control circuitry lockout

Soft lockoutShown as: 4 short flashes, 5 long flashes

Control circuitry lockout. The board detected an internal failure and locks out, auto-resetting after 1 hour.

Manual wording: “45 CONTROL CIRCUITRY LOCKOUT Auto-reset after 1 hour lockout due to: - Flame circuit failure. - Gas valve relay stuck open. - Software check error.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Flame circuit failure
  2. Gas valve relay stuck open
  3. Software check error

What you can safely check yourself

  • Turn the furnace off at the service switch for a minute and back on once - the manual says resetting power clears the lockout

When to call a technician

Payne's own instruction is to replace the control if the code repeats after a power reset. That is a technician job.

Sources

Payne furnace code 45.1: Control failure - flame circuit fault, memory mismatch, or sequence error on the control board

Soft lockoutShown as: Major code 45 on the LED (4 short, 5 long); 45.1 on the display

Control failure - flame circuit fault, memory mismatch, or sequence error on the control board.

Manual wording: “45.1 CONTROL FAILURE - flame circuit fault, memory mismatch or sequence error.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Internal control board failure

What you can safely check yourself

  • Turn the furnace off at the service switch for a minute and back on once - the label says to cycle power

When to call a technician

The label says that if code 45 repeats after cycling power, the control must be replaced.

Source

Payne furnace code 45.2: Control failure - the gas valve relay will not close

Safety faultShown as: Major code 45 on the LED (4 short, 5 long); 45.2 on the display

Control failure - the gas valve relay will not close.

Manual wording: “45.2 CONTROL FAILURE - gas valve relay will not close.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Failed gas valve relay on the control board

What you can safely check yourself

  • Turn the furnace off at the service switch and leave it off until a technician arrives

When to call a technician

A gas valve relay that will not close means the board cannot reliably shut off gas. Shut the furnace down and call a technician; the fix is a new control board.

Source

Payne furnace code 45.3: Control failure - EEPROM memory issue on the control board

Soft lockoutShown as: Major code 45 on the LED (4 short, 5 long); 45.3 on the display

Control failure - EEPROM memory issue on the control board.

Manual wording: “45.3 CONTROL FAILURE - EEPROM memory issue.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Corrupted or failed memory on the control board

What you can safely check yourself

  • Turn the furnace off at the service switch for a minute and back on once

When to call a technician

If the code repeats after cycling power, the control board has to be replaced by a technician.

Source

Payne furnace code 46.1: Momentary loss of power

StatusShown as: 4 short flashes, 6 long flashes; 46.1 on the display

Momentary loss of power. Heating stops and restarts on its own once the power fluctuation is resolved.

Manual wording: “46.1 MOMENTARY LOSS of power - Heating operation will stop and will restart once the power fluctuation is resolved.”

Documented for: PG80MSU

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Brownout or brief power interruption to the furnace

What you can safely check yourself

  • Nothing to fix if you had a power blip
  • If it repeats without outages, check that the breaker is fully on and the furnace service switch is not loose

When to call a technician

Frequent 46.1 codes with no utility outages usually mean a loose 115 V connection or a failing door switch - have a technician check it.

Source

How old is this Payne?

Age changes what a fault code means for you. The same failure is a routine repair on a six-year-old unit and the end of the line on a twenty-year-old one. Your Payne serial number has the build date in it.

Decode your Payneserial number →

Manuals used for this page