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Furnace hot surface igniter

What a hot surface igniter does, the furnace codes that name it, the resistance range Trane gives, and how to choose a replacement.

Updated

What it is

A hot surface igniter is the element that glows to light the burners on many modern furnaces. Goodman, Carrier, Rheem and Trane all list a worn, damaged, misaligned or shorted igniter, or a bad igniter harness, among the causes of ignition codes.

How to choose

  • Use the part number from your manual or the old igniter; the plug, element shape and mounting bracket differ between furnaces.
  • Universal igniters come with several plugs and brackets, so confirm the plug and mounting match the original before relying on one.
  • Read the handling instructions in the box before you touch the element.

How it is tested

  • Trane gives a resistance of 37 to 70 ohms at about 75°F for its igniter in the S9V2 service facts, checked by a technician. Other makes give their own figures, so check your own manual.
  • Rheem lists "igniter not working, not connected or mispositioned" for code 11 and Goodman lists "igniter worn or misaligned" for EE0.

Replacing it

  • Turn off power at the switch and breaker and let the igniter cool completely.
  • Unplug the harness, remove the mounting screws and take out the old igniter; fit the new one in exactly the same position and alignment.
  • Restore power and watch a full ignition sequence. A repeat code points to gas pressure, grounding or the control, which need a technician.
Safety firstGas, venting, high-voltage and control-board work belongs to a licensed HVAC technician. This page is here so you can recognise the part and read a quote, not as a how-to for working on a gas appliance.

Capacitors can hold a charge after the power is off. Safety terms.

Where to buy

These are Amazon links. Product page links go to one specific listing whose title we read on Amazon; we do not say it fits your model. Search links open search results, which change. Always confirm your model number and the part number in your manual.

Searches by type or size

Search: Furnace hot surface igniter, general searchSearch: Universal hot surface igniter kitSearch: Silicon nitride furnace igniter

Searches by brand

Search: Amana furnace hot surface igniterSearch: American Standard furnace hot surface igniterSearch: Bryant furnace hot surface igniterSearch: Carrier furnace hot surface igniterSearch: Goodman furnace hot surface igniterSearch: Lennox furnace hot surface igniterSearch: Rheem furnace hot surface igniterSearch: Trane furnace hot surface igniterSearch: York furnace hot surface igniter

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Codes that mention it

Error codes whose own causes or steps name this part or check.

Amana

Amana EE0Amana EE7

American Standard

American Standard E2.1American Standard E6.3

Bryant

Bryant 14

Carrier

Carrier 14Carrier 34

Goodman

Goodman EE0Goodman EELGoodman EEn

Lennox

Lennox Alternating slow flash

Rheem

Rheem 11

Trane

Trane E2.1Trane E6.3

Per-brand lists: Amana furnace · American Standard furnace · Bryant furnace · Carrier furnace · Goodman furnace · Lennox furnace · Rheem furnace · Trane furnace · York furnace.

Sources