Dealing with a furnace issue can be daunting, especially when your York furnace flashes an error code. Understanding what these error codes mean is the first step towards troubleshooting the problem and getting your furnace running smoothly again. This article aims to demystify York furnace error codes, offering clear guidance on what they signify and how you can address them.
York furnaces are equipped with an LED light that flashes to indicate the unit’s operational status. When everything works correctly, the light displays a steady, continuous flash.
However, when there’s a problem, the light will blink in a specific pattern to signal various issues, from minor faults to major malfunctions. These error codes are designed to help homeowners and technicians quickly identify what’s wrong with the furnace.
Common York Furnace Error Codes
Error codes can range from relatively easy fixes like a dirty filter to more complex problems requiring professional attention.
Here are a few examples of York furnace error codes and their meanings:
Green Flashes
- One Green Flash: This indicates that the furnace is in a standby state with no demand for heat from the thermostat. Essentially, your furnace is on but not actively heating your home.
- Two and Three Green Flashes: These flashes occur after checking for stored error codes and confirming that no errors have been recorded in the furnace’s memory system.
- Rapid Green Flash: Unique to factory testing, encountering this flash in a non-testing scenario means you should reset your furnace by turning it off and back on.
Amber Flashes
- One Amber Flash Signifies that the furnace operates in cooling mode as directed by the thermostat.
- Two Amber Flashes: Indicates the furnace is heating in response to the thermostat’s call for heat.
- Three Amber Flashes: This shows that the requested temperature has been reached, and the furnace cycle is concluding.
- Four Amber Flashes Suggest a possible airflow restriction within the circulating air system, which could affect the furnace’s heating efficiency.
- Five Amber Flashes: Points to a vent or combustion air system restriction, similarly impacting heating performance.
- Rapid Amber Flash: Warns of a potential low flame issue, often due to a dirty or misplaced low flame sensor rod.
Red Flashes
- One Red Flash: A flame is detected without power supplied to the gas valve, indicating possible gas leakage or slow valve closure.
- Two Red Flashes: The pressure switch is stuck closed, with potential causes including wiring errors or a defective switch.
- Three Red Flashes: Indicates the pressure switch is stuck open, caused by blockages in vent pipes, issues with the pressure switch or hose, or a malfunctioning combustion air blower.
- Four Red Flashes: Signals an open 24-volt fuse or high-limit switch. Check for ducting, dirty filters, blower motor problems, control board fuses, or airflow restrictions.
- Five Red Flashes: An auxiliary limit switch or rollout switch is open. The rollout switch requires manual resetting.
- Six Red Flashes: Points to a failure in the modulating gas valve’s current.
- Seven Red Flashes indicate that the furnace is locked out due to unsuccessful ignition attempts. It automatically retries after one hour.
Understanding these codes allows you to better communicate with technicians and take preliminary steps towards troubleshooting. However, professional diagnosis and repair are recommended for safety and accuracy to address the specific issues highlighted by your York furnace’s LED error codes.
More York Furnace Error Codes:
| Fault Condition | Red Lite | Yellow Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Power on | On | |
| Limit circuit open or external load on “W” | 1 flash | |
| Pressure switch is open with inducer on | 2 flashes | |
| Pressure switch is closed with inducer off | 3 flashes | |
| Ignition failure (check ground) | 4 flashes | |
| 115 VAC & neutral reversed or no ground | 5 flashes | |
| False flame or gas valve relay shorted | Continuous | |
| Power off | Off | |
| Low flame sensor signal | Continuous flash | |
| Flame present | On |
How do I reset the error code on my York furnace?
Here’s how to manage fault codes effectively:
Retrieving Fault Codes
To check for stored fault codes when the thermostat isn’t actively calling for heat, simply push and release the “LAST ERROR” button. The LED will then blink, revealing up to five stored fault codes. These codes are displayed starting with the most recent one.
This feature is invaluable for troubleshooting intermittent or previously occurring issues. If the furnace’s memory doesn’t contain any stored codes, the LED will confirm this by flashing two green lights, indicating no issues currently known in the system.
Clearing the Fault Codes
Once you’ve reviewed the stored fault codes and taken any necessary action, clearing these codes from memory can help you start fresh and ensure that any future blinks are due to new issues.
To clear the fault codes from your York furnace, press and hold the “LAST ERROR” button for at least five seconds. The LED flashing three green indicates successful memory clearance.
This action resets the furnace’s error history, making it easier to identify and address upcoming issues without confusion from past errors.
When to Call a Professional?
While some error codes can be addressed with simple troubleshooting steps, others may indicate more complex issues that require professional attention.
If you’re unsure about the error code or the troubleshooting steps not resolving the problem, it’s best to call a certified HVAC technician. They can inspect thoroughly, accurately diagnose the issue, and safely and effectively perform any necessary repairs.
Do all furnace brands use the same error codes?
York is a well-recognized brand in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. It is known for manufacturing a wide range of residential and commercial furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. York is part of Johnson Controls International Plc, a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Johnson Controls acquired York International in 2005, expanding its portfolio in the HVAC industry.
Sister brands to York under the Johnson Controls umbrella include Coleman and Luxaire. All three brands are part of Johnson Controls’ Building Technologies & Solutions sector and share a commitment to quality, durability, and energy efficiency in their products.
Despite each brand’s unique features and market positioning, York, Coleman, and Luxaire share similarities in their HVAC technologies, including using similar components and designs. This similarity extends to their diagnostic systems, such as error codes in furnaces. Many error codes, how they are displayed (e.g., through LED flashes), and the basic troubleshooting steps are consistent across these sister brands. This commonality helps streamline servicing and repairs, as HVAC technicians can apply their knowledge across all three brands efficiently. However, specific models may have unique features or error codes, so it’s always recommended to consult the specific manual for the serviced unit.
York furnace error codes are a built-in diagnostic tool that can help you quickly understand and troubleshoot issues with your heating system. By familiarizing yourself with these codes and following proper troubleshooting steps, you can address many common furnace problems.
Remember the importance of regular furnace tune-ups and professional inspections to keep your furnace in top condition. When in doubt, always seek the expertise of a professional to ensure your home remains warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
