HVAC Code Lookup

Payne Furnace Code 33

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.

A Payne furnace throwing this code repeatedly has a reason — clearing the code without fixing the cause just hides it.

Sources

Other Payne codes