Heating & Cooling Logo

Related Topics:

Posted on Jan 17, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

I have a Goodman gas furnace (model GMP 108-3). It recently stopped working. It is an hsi unit. The HSI appears to be working - I don't see any cracks or anything. When I flip the switch at the unit, the fan kicks on, the HSI gets hot and then the top burner lights. Problem is that it doesn't stay lit and it doesn't travel to the burners below it. I took out the flame sensor and cleaned it with very fine sand paper, but that didn't seem to do anything. Any ideas?

Answer This Question

1 Answer

Ken Bledsoe

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.
Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Expert 306 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 17, 2009
Ken Bledsoe
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points
All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.
Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

Joined: Nov 23, 2008
Answers
306
Questions
0
Helped
173304
Points
822

On your flame travel tube sometimes something gets in that and blocks the path. Now this is what I found one time when same problem happened.

I took it apart and found a dead **** roach in the path. Took the bug out and it worked perfectly.

I don't think you have to take it apart just take something and run in the path like a tooth pick or a small screw driver. Maybe a air compressor air gun just enough to blow the path out. let me know if that helps you. ken

I hope this is what you are talking about as I read your post 2 or 3 times to get a idea of what it is exactly.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

My CUHN 75A-1 gas heater will not light. 4 flash code = high limit or rollout switch open. when I cycle start, the large fan runs, where normally it only starts after the heater lights.

  • What Is Electronic Ignition?

    Jupiterimages/Getty images The electronic ignition system in a gas furnace is a modern development that provides more reliable performance than a standing pilot and offers energy savings through better furnace efficiency. There are two basic types of electronic ignition systems:
    • An intermittent pilot system uses an electronically controlled high-voltage electric spark to ignite a pilot light and subsequently the main burners when the thermostat calls for heat.
    • A hot surface ignition system uses an electronically controlled resistance heating element, not unlike a light bulb filament, to ignite the gas burner.
    Understanding some of the basic components of a modern furnace will help you identify the type of furnace you have and narrow down the list of potential problems.
  • 02of 05

    Types of Electronic Ignition Furnaces


    Design Pics/Getty images Most furnaces with electronic ignition are either conventional induced draft furnaces or high-efficiency condensing furnaces.
    Induced draft furnaces use a small fan to draw the combustion gasses from the combustion chamber and out of the house through the flue (chimney). This system is more reliable and safer than old conventional furnaces, which relied on a natural draft coming in from an opening at the front of the furnace. Induced draft furnaces use either an intermittent pilot (IP) or hot surface ignition (HSI) instead of a standing pilot light. The combination of electronic ignition, electronic controls, and artificially created draft improves the efficiency of induced draft furnaces over older conventional models.
    Condensing furnaces use two heat exchangers, where conventional furnaces use only one. After the gas is burned to heat the primary heat exchanger, the secondary heat exchanger draws heat out of the hot exhaust gasses, cooling them to the point that the water vapor in the exhaust condenses into water. The resulting flue gases are so cool they can be vented outside via a plastic (PVC) pipe, while the condensed water is run to a floor drain. Condensing furnaces use hot surface ignition (HSI).
  • 03of 05

    Troubleshooting an Intermittent Pilot (IP)


    Michael Interisano / Design Pics / Getty images Typically found in induced draft furnaces, an intermittent pilot ignites the burner gas with a high-voltage spark only when the thermostat calls for heat. Once the pilot is lit, and the main burner senses the pilot flame (using a flame sensing rod), the main burner ignites. The intermittent pilot flame goes out after the heating cycle and remains off until the next time the thermostat calls for heat.
    The furnace gas valve for this type of furnace is identifiable with its solenoid designations: MV, PV, and PV/MV - where MV = main valve, PV = pilot valve, and PV/MV = common.
    Common problems with IP ignition include:
    • Ignition doesn't occur, and the furnace won't go on
    • A spark is present, but the pilot won't light
    • Pilot lights, but the main burner doesn't come on
    • Burners ignite but turn off after a few seconds
  • 04of 05

    Troubleshooting a Hot Surface Igniter (HSI)

    The hot surface igniter (HSI) is the most commonly used electronic ignition system. It works like a light bulb filament, heating up when electricity is passed through it. Most are made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide. The igniter is located in the flow of gas entering the burners.
    When the thermostat calls for heat, 24 volts are sent to the electronic ignition control module, which energizes the furnace blower and other systems and sends 120 volts to the HSI. The HSI heats up to around 1,800°F to 2,500°F and glows red-hot. Then the gas valve opens, and the burner gas is ignited by the HSI. Once a proper flame is sensed by the flame sensor, the HSI turns off and stays off until the next heating cycle. In some furnaces, the HSI also serves as a flame sensor (called local sensing) instead of having a separate sensing rod in the burner flame (remote sensing).
    Under normal conditions, an HSI should last for three to five years, and they eventually crack and need to be replaced. This can happen sooner if the oils from your skin get on the element through improper handling. That means: Don't touch the element with your bare hands!
    HSIs usually cost between $25 and $50, and it's a good idea to keep a spare on hand, in case one goes out at night or on the weekend, when you can't easily get a new part.
    Here are some of the common causes of HSI failure:
    • Premature failure due to improper handling (oil from skin got onto element)
    • Improper igniter
    • End of normal usage life cycle (keep a replacement on hand)
    • Voltage in the furnace electrical circuit is too high (over 125 VAC)
    • Severely dirty air filter, causing the high-temperature limit switch to cycle the furnace ignition on and off frequently
  • 05of 05

    Reading Control Board Codes


    Mohd Firdaus Mohd Damanhuri/EyeEm/Getty images Most modern furnaces with electronic ignition systems have an integrated circuit board that controls many sophisticated processes. The boards can perform self-diagnostics and provide failure codes, similar to the diagnostic computer in your car.
    If a failure occurs, LED lights on the control board light up in a blinking pattern to indicate a specific failure code. The codes are listed in a chart in the owner's manual and usually on a door or access panel on the furnace. Control boards are usually located inside the blower compartment of the furnace. If the board has blinking lights, refer to the chart to decipher the code and help identify the problem area with the furnace.
Read full answer
Nov 20, 2018 • Heating & Cooling
0helpful
1answer

Thermostat is calling for heat, combustion air motor starts, HSI glows orange, HSI then stops glowing, repeats procedure 3 times, combustion air motor stops, light blinks once What is my...
Hello, Check to see if you are getting between 40 and 90 ohms on the ig niter, just turn off power to furnace and unplug molex connector at igniter. After u unplug igniter check the Resistance of the ignitor and if it is extremely high like 180 ohms or higher than you will need to replace the igniter.
Read full answer
Feb 10, 2011 • Goodman Heating & Cooling
0helpful
1answer

I have a furnace goodman, the hsi glows then i hear a click ( there is 24 v in the gas valve after the click ) but the burners never ignate.
Hello, the first thing to check is if you are getting gas flow to the burners, if you are than the ignitor is bad and must be replaced. if you are not getting gas to the burners and are getting 24 volts to the gas valve then the gas valve is bad and must be replaced.
Read full answer
Feb 03, 2011 • Goodman Heating & Cooling
0helpful
1answer

Goodman GMP075-3 not igniting. Everything cycles as it should but HSI does not glow. Thermostat is set to heat, temp approximately 10 to 15 degrees higher than room temp, blower motor starts, relay clicks...
The flash code is due to the furnace not proving flame 3 times in a row. If you have a multimeter you can ohm the ignitor out to see if it is good. Depending on the type (silicon Nitride or silicon Carbide) you can verify if it is good. A silicon Nitride ignitor looks like a small thin straight bar type will ohm @ 11 - 18 ohms, a carbide ignitor looks kinda like a tuning fork (sorta) will typically ohm @ 40 - 92 ohms. anything outside of those ranges will require a replacement.
Read full answer
Nov 02, 2010 • Goodman GMS90703BXA Heater
0helpful
1answer

20 year old gas furnace with hsi. I have replaced the draft inducer, control unit and the gas valve. The hsi is working but the gas valve does not open or opens only one in twenty tries. There is 26v...
Test for voltage and an amp draw on the gas valve while it should be energized, see if the power(24volts) is present and if so any amp draw, an amp deaw says its trying to work,
Read full answer
May 28, 2010 • Heating & Cooling
0helpful
1answer

Will not lite. checked hsi without touching
Sounds like air in the line, just crack the gas line coupling or connection till you smell the gas scent and retighten lines and wait a few minutes till the air clears around the unit and fire it back up.!T Y V Much!
Read full answer
Dec 17, 2009 • Carrier Heating & Cooling
0helpful
2answers

Bad control board?
This is a good one! I would check for a blocked vent or intake pipe first. Also check to make sure the condensate lines are free of moisture or debris. What is the code for three blinks?
Read full answer
Oct 11, 2009 • Goodman GMS807034ANA Heater
0helpful
1answer

HSI ignitor is glowing red but furnace isn't lighting every time
most likely the gas vavle only buy honeywell valve the rest are junk
Read full answer
Jan 08, 2009 • Jenn-Air JED8230 Electric Cooktop
0helpful
2answers

Pilot light is on but burner will not come on
You may need to replace the ignighter!...easy fix! or what it really sounds like is your thermastat
Read full answer
Dec 10, 2008 • Goodman GMS90703BXA Heater
0helpful
1answer

Ge jbgp24
I seem to be working on the same problem. What I found bothers me. As a safety feature, the hot surface igniter, (HSI), is in series with the gas valve. If the HSI is dead, then there is no gas flow, which is a good thing. However, if the HSI has increased in resistance, as mine has, it still allows the gas valve to open partially. Not quite enough gas flow to support an ignition but, enough to allow gas to escape. I would suspect your HSI increases resistance after you get a flame causing the gas valve to close long enough for the flame to stop, then the HSI decreases it's resistance enough to allow the gas valve to partially open. Please verify this on your own as I am just a regular home owner myself.
Read full answer
Sep 03, 2007 • GE JGBP24 Gas Kitchen Range
Not finding what you are looking for?

View Most Popular

Heating & Cooling

Related Question

My CUHN 75A-1 gas heater will not light. 4 flash code = high limit or rollout switch open. when I cycle start, the large fan runs, where normally it only starts after the heater lights.

  • Heating & Cooling

86 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Popular Questions

Patio heater won't stay lit

Williams 2509612 Ceramic Mid-Size...

New heating pad not working

Sunbeam 805810 HeatSense Heating Pad...

Compressor makes noise and goes on and off constantly

Heating & Cooling

My Sunbeam electric blanket controls

Heating & Cooling

Heater keeps shutting off !!

Lasko 5132 Ceramic Compact Heater

Top Heating & Cooling Experts

Paul Carew

Level 3 Expert

3808 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19187 Answers

Are you a Heating and Cooling Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

PDF Manual
L0702035 (1).pdf. user-manual-KY-20U...

Soleus KY-20U Air...

PDF Manual
Rads51j.pdf. user-manual-RADS-51 Air...

Comfort-Aire RADS-51...

PDF Manual
5536 Lasco CeramicTowerHeater.pdf....

Lasko 5536 Ceramic...

Loading...