Lennox · Furnace

E205 Gas valve relay contact shorted

Critical severity EL296UHVLennox SL280UHVLennox SL297NV

What the control is telling you

The control's gas valve relay contacts are shorted.

Applies to: EL296UHV(X) series furnaces (integrated control 103130-XX and 107045-XX)

Likely causes

  • Wiring short at control or gas valve
  • Failed control relay

Test and repair steps

  1. Warning: Shut off gas if the valve is energized without a call for heat.
  2. Check wiring at the control and the gas valve for shorts.
  3. If wiring is correct, replace the integrated control.

Settings for these units

Recommended filter size by cabinet width · EL296UHV

Cabinet widthSide returnBottom return
17-1/2 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)
21 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)20 x 25 x 1 in. (1)
24-1/2 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (2)24 x 25 x 1 in. (1)

Number in brackets is the quantity of filters.

Filters are field supplied and installed outside the furnace; inspect monthly.

Recommended filter size by cabinet width · Lennox SL280UHV

Cabinet widthSide returnBottom return
14-1/2 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)14 x 25 x 1 in. (1)
17-1/2 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)
21 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (1)20 x 25 x 1 in. (1)
24-1/2 in.16 x 25 x 1 in. (2)24 x 25 x 1 in. (1)

Number in brackets is filter quantity; filters are field supplied.

Never run the unit without a filter installed.

Models that show this code

22 models in EL296UHV, Lennox SL280UHV, Lennox SL297NV

EL296UH045XV36BEL296UH070XV36BEL296UH090XV36CEL296UH090XV48CEL296UH090XV60CEL296UH110XV48CEL296UH110XV60CEL296UH135XV60DSL280UH060NV36ASL280UH070V36ASL280UH080NV48BSL280UH080NV60CSL280UH090V36BSL280UH090V48BSL280UH090V60CSL280UH100NV60CSL280UH110V60CSL280UH135V60DSL297UH040NV36BSL297UH060NV36BSL297UH080NV48CSL297UH080NV60C

Other codes on the same units

  • E201 Indoor blower communication failure
  • E202 Blower motor mismatch
  • E203 Unit capacity not programmed
  • E204 Gas valve miswired
  • E206 Gas valve second-stage relay failure
  • E207 Hot surface ignitor open
  • E223 Low pressure switch failed open
  • E224 Low pressure switch failed closed

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Source: Lennox EL296UHV(X) Unit Information / Service Literature, Table 5 Ignition Control 103130-XX Diagnostic Codes, p.34; Ignition Control 107045-XX Diagnostic Codes table, p.41. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.