Lennox · Furnace

E224 Low pressure switch failed closed

High severity EL296UHVLennox SL280UHVLennox ML180UHELennox SL297NV

What the control is telling you

Low-fire pressure switch stays closed on a heat call for longer than 150 seconds.

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

Likely causes

  • Switch contacts stuck closed
  • Jumpered switch
  • Wiring short

Test and repair steps

  1. Check whether the low pressure switch is stuck closed at the start of a heat call (more than 150 seconds).
  2. The control checks that the pressure switches are open before the inducer starts; a switch closed at that point blocks ignition.
  3. Warning: Remove any jumper across the pressure switch; it must never be bypassed.
  4. Check the switch wiring for a short.
  5. Measure operating pressure with a manometer and compare to set-point tables.
  6. Check the condensate trap and the condensate hose screens at the cold end header box for blockage (power off; twist and pull screens, rinse); prime the trap with 10 fl. oz. (300 ml) of water if dry. If furnace and coil drains are combined, the A/C drain must be vented or the pressure switch will not work properly.
  7. Inspect vent and inducer operation.
  8. Replace the switch if contacts are stuck.

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

34 models in EL296UHV, Lennox SL280UHV, Lennox ML180UHE, Lennox SL297NV

EL296UH045XV36BEL296UH070XV36BEL296UH090XV36CEL296UH090XV48CEL296UH090XV60CEL296UH110XV48CEL296UH110XV60CEL296UH135XV60DML180UH045E36AKML180UH045XE36AKML180UH070E36AKML180UH070E36BKML180UH070XE36AKML180UH070XE36BKML180UH090E48BKML180UH090E60CKML180UH090XE48BKML180UH110E60CKML180UH110XE60CKML180UH135E60DKSL280UH060NV36ASL280UH070V36ASL280UH080NV48BSL280UH080NV60CSL280UH090V36BSL280UH090V48BSL280UH090V60CSL280UH100NV60CSL280UH110V60CSL280UH135V60DSL297UH040NV36BSL297UH060NV36BSL297UH080NV48CSL297UH080NV60C

Other codes on the same units

  • E205 Gas valve relay contact shorted
  • E206 Gas valve second-stage relay failure
  • E207 Hot surface ignitor open
  • E223 Low pressure switch failed open
  • E225 High pressure switch failed open
  • E226 High pressure switch failed closed
  • E227 Low pressure switch opened during ignition or run
  • E228 Inducer calibration failure

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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, Troubleshooting: Heating Sequence of Operation flowchart, p.110-112. 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.