Rheem · Furnace
12 Low flame sense
What the control is telling you
Flame is present but the signal is weak; the furnace usually keeps running. On 802P/R95P the amber flame LED blinks slowly (1-4 times per second).
Applies to: 802P/80MDP (802PA050-150); R95P (R95PA040-115); RGPE/RGLE 2-stage 80+
Likely causes
- Dirty or oxidized flame sensor
- Poor ground
- L1/neutral reversed
- Flame not fully contacting the sensor / carry-over issue
- R95P: twinned units with transformers out of phase (flame LED dim)
Test and repair steps
- Clean the flame sensor rod - recommended at the start of each heating season.
- Check flame sensor wire continuity to the IFC (RGPE/RGLE: J1 pin 1).
- Check IFC and furnace grounding.
- Verify L1/neutral polarity.
- Check gas pressure and that flame carries across all burners.
- R95P on twinned units confirm both transformers are in phase.
Settings for these units
Clearance to combustibles (all models) · R95P
| Location | Minimum clearance |
|---|---|
| Left side | 0 in. |
| Right side | 0 in. |
| Back | 0 in. |
| Top | 1 in. |
| Front | 2 in. |
| Vent | 0 in. |
| Service (front) | 24 in. recommended |
Same values for R95PA040 through 115.
Column order read from a rotated drawing header - confirm on the furnace clearance label.
Filter sizes as shipped, upflow (Table 19) · RGPE/RGLE
| Cabinet width | Input | Bottom filter | Side filter | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-1/2 in. | 50, 75 (000 Btu/h) | 15-3/4 x 25 in. | 15-3/4 x 25 in. | 1 |
| 21 in. | 75, 100 (000 Btu/h) | 19-1/4 x 25 in. | 15-3/4 x 25 in. | 1 |
| 24-1/2 in. | 125 (000 Btu/h) | 22-3/4 x 25 in. | 15-3/4 x 25 in. | 1 |
Use one filter location only - do not double-filter or filter the supply side.
21 in./100K: cut 3-1/2 in. off filter and frame for a side filter; 24-1/2 in./125K: cut 7 in.
- Reduced clearance to combustibles, upflow/horizontal (Fig. 4) · Rheem/Ruud 802P / 80MDP 80% two-stage furnace (UT 1028-928 IFC)
- Reduced clearance to combustibles (Fig. 3 and 4) · RGPE/RGLE
Models that show this code
21 models in Rheem/Ruud 802P / 80MDP 80% two-stage furnace (UT 1028-928 IFC), R95P, RGPE/RGLE
Other codes on the same units
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Source: 802P: 92-24161-146-02, Diagnostics and Fault Codes table, p.40, 43, 51; R95P: Diagnostics and Fault Codes table, p.87 (PDF p.91); RGPE/RGLE: Table 16 p.49 / Table 20; Fig. 45 p.63. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.
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