Ignition Failure Error
Furnace Will Not Light - All Brands
No Heat Emergency?
778-909-5731What is Ignition Failure?
An ignition failure means your furnace attempted to light the gas burners but was unsuccessful. Modern furnaces use hot surface ignitors or spark ignitors to light the gas. When this system fails, the furnace will lockout to prevent unburned gas from accumulating.
This error appears with different codes depending on brand:
- Lennox: E211
- Carrier/Bryant: Code 13 or 31
- Trane/American Standard: 6 flashes
- Goodman/Amana: 6 flashes or slow flash
- York: 8 flashes
Common Causes
- Failed Ignitor: Hot surface ignitor cracked or not drawing proper current
- No Gas Supply: Gas valve off, gas pressure low, or gas valve failed
- Dirty Flame Sensor: Sensor cannot confirm ignition
- Faulty Gas Valve: Valve not opening when commanded
- Control Board Issue: Failed ignition control circuit
Quick Checks
Safe steps you can try
- Verify gas supply: Check that gas valve to furnace is turned on
- Test other gas appliances: Do your water heater or stove work?
- Reset the furnace: Turn power off for 30 seconds, then back on
- Listen during startup: Do you hear the draft inducer motor?
Professional Service Required
Ignition failures require expert diagnosis. Our technicians will:
- Test ignitor current draw and visual inspection
- Verify gas supply pressure
- Test gas valve operation
- Clean or replace flame sensor
- Diagnose control board and wiring
Brand-Specific Pages