Lennox · Furnace

E207 Hot surface ignitor open

High severity EL296UHVLennox SL280UHVLennox SL297NV

What the control is telling you

The control sensed an open ignitor circuit.

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

Likely causes

  • Failed ignitor
  • Broken ignitor wiring or plug

Test and repair steps

  1. Warning: Disconnect power before handling the ignitor plug or ignitor.
  2. Unplug the 4-pin plug from the control and measure ohms across terminals 1 and 5; it should read 39 to 70 ohms.
  3. If the reading is 0 or infinite, separate the 2-pin jack-plug near the manifold and measure the ignitor directly (39 to 70 ohms).
  4. If the ignitor reads correctly at the jack-plug, repair the wiring between the plug and the control; if not, replace the ignitor.
  5. With power restored, check voltage at terminals 1 and 5 during the 20-second warm-up; it should be 120 volts +/- 10%.
  6. If voltage is low, check the supply voltage to the furnace.
  7. Check ground at the control AC volts between line neutral and the C terminal should not exceed 2 VAC at idle, 5 VAC with inducer/ignitor on, 10 VAC with blower on; a wide swing under load means a poor ground. Line hot to neutral should be 97-132 VAC. A poor ground can cause early ignitor failure.
  8. If wiring, voltage and ignitor are all good but there is no ignitor output, suspect 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

  • E203 Unit capacity not programmed
  • E204 Gas valve miswired
  • E205 Gas valve relay contact shorted
  • E206 Gas valve second-stage relay failure
  • E223 Low pressure switch failed open
  • E224 Low pressure switch failed closed
  • E225 High pressure switch failed open
  • E226 High pressure switch failed closed

Save it for the next call

Star this code in the HVACopedia app and keep the whole library on your phone for jobs with no signal.

Open the app

Source: Lennox EL296UHV(X) Unit Information / Service Literature, Table 5 Ignition Control 103130-XX Diagnostic Codes, p.35; Ignition Control 107045-XX Diagnostic Codes table, p.42, Unit Components p.54, Proper Ground and Voltage p.85. 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.