Furnace not igniting/heating - inspect igniter

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

If interested in purchasing this part, visit our Amazon affiliate link below. amzn.to/3r6RYqC 😎👍🔧🔩

[@teegees]

This was an excellent, easy to understand overview of the sequence and parts, thank you! I thought I had an ignition problem but now I'm thinking it may have more to do with the gas output. Do you know which part might be malfunctioning and why? Basically, the heating element does heat up and the gas ignites, but the flames would go out after only a few seconds. So first, I cleaned the flame sensor rod. This appeared to work initially, but the flames still went out, after about a minute or so. So then I ordered a new flame sensor rod, and replaced it. Same issue (flames would go out after about a minute). So then I took out the burners, and made sure they were clean and didn't have any air leaks. Unfortunately that didn't do anything either. The control board was replaced only a few years ago so I don't think that's the issue either. Any ideas on what might be the issue? Why does cleaning the flame sensor and even replacing it help to extend the life of the flames beyond a few seconds, but they still go out after about a minute? I'm thinking perhaps there isn't enough gas reaching the burners? Could the gas be blocked somewhere along their path to the burners? The gas valve is on. Thanks in advance for any leads 🙏

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@teegees Good morning, just poured a ☕️ and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you checked your Pressure Switch? That can cause this as well. Below is a few helpful links regarding Pressure Switch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnXGaaOoqLOagLssi=X0U8Xa2ZavXoUXSu kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaSskIx5o9N5arMsi=LBeh011afMxOs4yw Let’s get this figured out! Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re interested, join our DIY ecosystem and help us grow an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

[@teegees]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Thanks for the quick response! Much appreciated 🙏 Hm you might be right. Took a look at these two videos and had questions on them, take a look.

[@teegees]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Oh and you just earned yourself a new subscriber :) Keep up the great work!

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@teegees Awesome, we will take a look. 👍

[@angelicaguaman5861]

Your video has saved me a good $350. Thank you so much for creating this video, we are first time home owners and your videos has been really helpful!!!

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

We are honored to read this, thank you. Congrats on the new home, and awesome job making it a DIY project with your furnace. You can put that $350 towards something more meaningful. Enjoy that rewarding feeling, and stay warm. Looking forward to 2024, many more helpful videos to come. 🧰👍

[@theantichrist4267]

I wish that I had seen your video back in early October , my brother and sister-in-law , got scammed into buying a new $ 11,000+ dollar furnace , because of the igniter going bad … and just like all scammers they used scare tactics , about the dangers of fixing the problem yourself , or trusting people online telling you how to troubleshoot , and or fix the problem yourself . Great video 👍👍👍

[@pcgtrader]

scammed? lol what do you think theyre going to do make repairs that dont last on a bad furnace so ppl like you can try calling them up and scamming them into being liable or getting poor reviews? ppl like you are the reason why companies lean toward replacing equipment/parts as opposed to repairing them. there are just as many scamming/problematic/nefarious customers than there are service companies. you know nothing about that furnace they had and youre already online calling ppl scammers

[@burpostockings]

I remember back in the day you could look up this stuff easily. Now every single post tells you to call a professional. Lmao if I could afford that, i wouldnt be on google seeing how to rewire a circuit panel 😂

[@Jack51971]

My flame sensor has been cleaned and replaced. This igniter is glowing but the burners will not ignite. The York furnce code has been blinking 7 times which means low gas flow. So, when I clean or have replaced the flame sensor it fires up when I turn the furnace on...I am wondering if the gas valve is not opening?🤔

[@nono-yesyesmaybe]

The brand new ignitor doesn't glow. The l shaped flame tester was dirty. I cleaned it. The safety switch was stuck open. I replaced it. I removed the fan unit and blew everything out with an air compressor. The little reset tabs have not been tripped. Still..... the ignitor refuses to glow.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience, any update. First thing we recommend is turning off the furnace and cutting all electrical power before moving on. Have you inspected the wiring that feeds from the connection all the way back to the motherboard? Check to see if you notice any damage to the wiring…such as melted wires, crimped wires, or exposed wiring that’s coming out of the casing… this could lead to an electrical short…which is not good. Double check that all screws on the motherboard that secure the wiring into place are properly tightened… Not overtightened… however, properly secured.

[@nono-yesyesmaybe]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Safety second as Mike Rowe likes to say. I have a repair tech coming out today. I heard a noise coming from the attic two days ago. Wondering if a critter found its way into the intake duct work. But, the unit is over 27 years old. Could go either way at this point.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@nono-yesyesmaybe Thanks for the reply. We are looking forward to hearing back from you on what the Technician finds. 👍🧰

[@nono-yesyesmaybe]

Female wire connector on left roll out switch partially broken off. Not sure how that would occur out of the blue. With panels covering everything, nothing could bump into it. Perhaps mouse got at it. The mice chewed through a wire in my Subaru ignition a couple of months back. Made a nest under the hood out of firewall insulation. Sounds like I need a cat. And perhaps drive my Subaru a little more often. Haven't had mice in over 30 years. Low rent condos popping up all around me. Finding rats in the wood pile. That's a new one. Critters are getting flushed out of the fields into the neighborhoods perhaps. @@DIYwithMichaelBorders

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@nono-yesyesmaybe Thanks for the update, awesome find on your behalf. Hopefully getting that wire replaced will solve your issue.

[@erikkengaard1894]

What is the make and model of this furnace? What tools are needed?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. This is an early 2000’s Bryant furnace. You wont need any specific tools outside anything used in this video. 😁👍🧰

[@sohailkamran-o3g]

Great information about the sequence of events need to happen to ignite the furnace. It helped me diagnose my problem as my inducer motor was not kicking in to turn the fan on. I moved the fan with my hand once as I heard something falling down that was holding the fan to turn. When I turned the switch back on afterwards all the events happened as you described and the furnace turned on. Thanks for this informative video

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@sohailkamran-o3g Very cool, and we are honored to receive this from you. It’s an incredible feeling when you successfully diagnose and solve your DIY project…your furnace in your case. Definitely paves the way for a more enjoyable weekend. 😎👍🧰

[@davidcooper4385]

BEST EXPLAINED VIDEO IN SOME TIME 10 10 10

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Extremely kind of you to share this, we are very honored to read this. We do our best to help out the DIY community, and appreciate any and all feedback. Let us know if you have any questions. 🧰

[@876Abb]

Thanks to you I fixed my furnace ❤❤❤

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

How to replace Igniter kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoTHi5uoit9pmLc

[@philipperv]

My ignitor went bad last year and I installed a new one myself but it burnt up almost immediately. I then called an HVAC guy and he basically put in the very same ignitor that I had installed myself. Now only less than a year later it also burnt up. What could be the problem?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@philipperv Thanks for watching, that’s no fun. It can be that the igniter itself is an aftermarket part and not as long-lasting as an OEM. Purchasing an OEM replacement is best moving forward.

[@philipperv]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Is there an ignitor manufacturer that you recommend?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@philipperv You may want to enter your unit info into: RepairClinic.com This will be OEM parts only for your unit. 👍🧰

[@philipperv]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders thank you sir

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@philipperv 😎👍🧰

[@mitchg.5125]

My ignitor glows, gas valve clicks, but no flame. Immediately after gas valve clicks, if I hold a lit bbq lighter up to the burner, I get flames and heat. Could it be a bad ignitor that is not heating up enough to ignite the gas?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@mitchg.5125 Thanks for watching, any update? It can indeed be a faulty igniter. It can even be a faulty Limit Switch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGq6qWyLbLyhjcksi=leoqRHx0Lxncim2S 🧰

[@mitchg.5125]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Thanks. Replaced igniter; new one works fine. But the old one worked, it turned out, if I tilted it toward the burner. Its edge had lost heating ability.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@mitchg.5125 Thanks for the update, that’s awesome. Sounds like you have a backup igniter if you ever need it. 😁👍🧰

[@lexestrada4382]

Thank you very much for sharing this. I was able to turn on our furnace this morning.- Alberta,Canada

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching & that’s great news. We appreciate you sharing. Welcome to the DIY Raptor Club. Us fellow DIY’ers need to stick together. Enjoy your day. 😎👍🔧🔩

[@canadian7808]

Another fellow Albertan here, this showed me the problem of my furnace fingers crossed the replacement works cause its forecasted to be -38 tonight

[@oxanalangley9131]

If you monitor this. Quick question for a diy before bringing in a hvac tech. I have 2 furnaces which I thought were both manual light as they look the same. Tenants had no heat So I checked no oilot lit. One kit no problem. But the other I kept hearing clicks. Shut it off. Turned it on still not working. Turned knob to off. Waited. Then to pilot and it wouldn't light. Then I heard the click so looked it up and apparently this one is intermittent pilot electric start. So not sure if I messed up the start cycle. The pilot control know is that supposed to just stay in the on position or in the pilot always position since is automatically controlled?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, any update? It’s possible that your system is in the “Dry-cycle” mode. This likely happens when the furnace is manually turned off while it’s running. If the furnace did not reach the preset temperature selected on the thermostat, it falls into this dry-cycle mode. You will need to turn on your furnace switch on as well as place the wall mounted thermostat lever to heat and allow furnace to turn on. The blower motor may run for upwards of 5 to 10 minutes before igniting the burners. It does this to clear out any possible gases in the system due to its cycle being interrupted. 😎👍

[@oxanalangley9131]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders I reset everything g as if it was just serviced. Asked the tenant to turn up thermostat turned the system switch on and magic its running. Just took a bit to find the model and instructions. So really don't know what happened. Could be what you said. I knew it wasn't broken or dirty. I even checked the pressure switch that the front cover presses when closed. Saved the day and thx for the response. Lowered the anxiety.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@oxanalangley9131 Good morning, we are back with you. That’s great to hear and we appreciate you sharing this update. I know people appreciate it when we respond to their questions and we find it even more awesome when they take the time to give us an update. It means everything to us. We DIYers need to stick together!!!! Hopefully many stress free days ahead for you, enjoy your weekend. 😎👍

[@DAT-TEXAS-DUDE]

Does the inducer motor only come on when using the heater or when using the cooling also?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. The inducer motor should only run when the system is configured for heat. If your inducer motor is running while your a/c is on, it’s likely that it’s wired incorrectly.

[@DAT-TEXAS-DUDE]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Okay thank you sir

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@DAT-TEXAS-DUDE 👍☕️

[@jordanrichmond8292]

Now what do you do if the gas doesn't start going? Gas valve is on and inline, fans are going, igniter is glowing, but there's never any gas introduced. What next steps could be taken?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@jordanrichmond8292 Thanks for watching, any update? Is the actual on/off lever located on the gas valve itself positioned in the on configuration? Also, follow the gas line up and ensure gas feed valve is open. Keep us posted.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Check out our DIY Raptor Club store teespring.com/stores/diy-raptor-club

[@thegreenteam9095]

The heater isn't working as of the other day. There is no sound at all at the furnace. I changed the thermostat and still nothing. Could it be the breaker?

[@patriciocasillas7715]

Everything's working , except I'm not getting any gas for the burners??

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for working, and update? Is the gas valve in the fully open position?

[@kevinforrest4497]

Thank you

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@kevinforrest4497 You are welcome. 👍🧰

[@jackjohnson7236]

Replaced ignitor. Still won't glow. Is it the computer board?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. Do you see any signs of damage to the wiring that feeds off igniter and into control board? We recommend checking the connection screws that secure the wiring to the control board. Any loose connections can cause havoc on system. We recommend having the furnace in the full off/shutdown configuration prior to working on it.

[@onlyme8780]

So what does it mean when the lower starts, but the fan on the top part never starts spinning?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, are you referring to the inducer motor and fan? If so, the purpose of the inducer motor is to draw combustion air into furnace where it can mix with the gas and burn efficiently. If your inducer motor fails, the furnace should detect that and shut down within a few minutes of running. 👍

[@onlyme8780]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Yes. That thing isn't spinning. I can spin it with my hand and it doesn't get hot before the furnace auto shuts off. I think it's a something electrical because there is a yellow flashing light but idk

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@onlyme8780 Thanks for the reply. In that case, it’s time to replace the inducer motor. Below is a helpful video link that shows us replacing this exact inducer motor shown in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX6QnWR4itqfmq8si=Qt2XlMu1sOK8x7Bp Let us know if you want help looking for a replacement inducer motor. We will need your furnace model number.

[@nono-yesyesmaybe]

I measure 89 ohms resistance. I do not measure voltage going to it after waiting a. considerable amount of time.

[@StreakGeek]

This diagnosed me! Igniter isn’t warming up at all

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, any update? That’s awesome you pinpointed that it was a faulty igniter. Have you replaced igniter and got your system back up and running properly?

[@StreakGeek]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders I replaced it and turns out the entire unit is dead. 19 years old so no surprise. It’s gotta go

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@StreakGeek Oh wow, that’s an unexpected outcome. Sorry to hear that. A new furnace is pricey however it will be brand new…nothing better than that.

[@StreakGeek]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Yupp… and new AC as well. AC is older than I am :D

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@StreakGeek Wow, major upgrade. Out with the old, and with a new. 😁👍

[@captaingenius-o1c]

So my furnace works...After turning it on from the box, I go downstairs, wait for it to engage, and hear the CLICK, which is releasing the gas, wait a few seconds, then I MANUALLY light the furnace with a cigarette lighter....This works, but of course I would like it to work on its own......Since it is staying ON once I manually light it, I assume it is NOT the FLAME SENSOR, even though I do not see the Flame sensor light up before the flame starts...So on ONE side you have the FLAME SENSOR and the other side you have the IGNITOR.......I removed the IGNITOR and must be working, since when I removed it and tried to start it, the flame would only last a few seconds, but once replaced the furnace worked(again with a MANUAL cigarette lighter).....Any guesses? The INGITOR causes the FLAME SENSOR to heat up correct? So if it's NEITHER what else would it be or am I looking at this incorrectly? Thanks...

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for sharing this info, any update? It may be a weak igniter. We recommend replacing igniter however it may also be that your flame sensor is in its early stages of failure and acting sporadically…meaning…sending the improper readings to the mother board. Replacing both igniter and flame sensor is a good way to start.

[@danz58]

Why can't they put the sight glass for the LED even lower to the ground so l can put one of my ears on the concrete?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@danz58 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. That would make for a lot of cold ears. 😁👍

[@danz58]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders thanks Michael, I'm a subscriber. One quick question if you have the time: l changed the hot surface ignitor on my mom's maytag oven, and being an electrician and lazy, didn't turn breaker off. Got a little shock when l grabbed it to remount. Was surprised, does that complete it's circuit through the neutral?

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@ Thanks for watching and it will. In that case, you officially became the transfer/feed as it traveled through you and continued on. Glad you’re ok! 😁👍🧰

[@tinkering123]

Good enough. This helps

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. We will take that. Can’t make everyone happy but a “good enough” is way better than a “not good enough”. 😁👍 Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re interested, join our DIY ecosystem and help us grow an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

[@motorsny2906]

What if the ignitior turns on and glows but shuts off? Please let me know i have the same set up. Thanks

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. It’s likely that the igniter is in its early stages of failure. When the igniter heats up, glows, then shuts off…it’s an indication that the igniter is no longer capable of producing the required heat output to ultimately ignite flame. Although it’s looking like it’s going to work, it may be just shy of complete failure. Replacing your igniter will likely solve your issue. 😎👍

[@motorsny2906]

@DIYwithMichaelBorders That's the thing I replaced the ignitor in December of 2022, and it worked fine. I used the same exact part as the original and made sure nothing was touching. Do you think it maybe the pressure switch? How long do the ignitors usually last? Because it glows to its full potential and was barely used for it to malfunction

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@motorsny2906 Thanks for the follow up, since replaced in December 22, it’s likely that your igniter is still good…it shouldn’t fail that quickly…unless you had a power outage while your furnace was actively running. Pressure Switch is the next likely cause as well as Gas Valve. Have you verified that your Gas Valve is in the fully open position?

[@ivanleeascano25]

⁠@@DIYwithMichaelBordershi there! Why did you say unless there is a power outage while furnace is actively working? An electrician did a rewiring on my house and had my power temporarily shut off. Im pretty sure my furnace was running at that time. He used a generator to turn on the furnace. It turned on but there is no heat coming out and there is 9 red blinks in the furnace. It says ignitor problem.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@ivanleeascano25 Thanks for the reply. Before the technician serviced your furnace, we are very confident that the power was shut off properly. We are referring to a power outage in terms of a storm moving through and knocking down a power-line, which then leads to the power outage. If the furnace is running and it experiences such unplanned outage, it can cause havoc on the system.

[@sclapsclap177]

Thanks

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

You are welcome. 👍

[@moeff2503]

My fan is not spinning

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching. Any update? Are you referring to the inducer fan or the main blower motor fan?

[@Havok.93]

Igniter glows, I hear a click but the burners don’t ignite.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning ☕️ two things are likely to cause this. 1. Dirty Igniter. It’s possible that your igniter is ever-so-dirty enough that it’s not allowing the igniter sensor to ignite burners. 2. Bad gas valve. Its likely that you have a worn out gas valve. In your case, the igniter is glowing, then clicking…but the gas valve is not producing the flow/supply of gas properly. Let’s start there, keep us posted. 🧰

[@aliciamonroe4990]

Wait I thought it was going to say how to fix it 😅

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, please let us know if you have any questions. 🧰

[@Erk-o]

Thanks!

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

You are very welcome. I see you’re a Vikings fan, hoping to see Kurt Cousins back strong and healthy next year, he’s a great qb.

[@Erk-o]

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders same. Most in people here in MN think he's garbage but I strongly disagree

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@Erk-o He’s and asset to your franchise, Jefferson is patiently waiting for his return so he can catch passes from Cousins. 😎👍

[@syedraza3065]

Video just shows how the system works that most people already know and adding recording of going up and down the stairs just makes video longer. There is no troubleshooting and implies you call a Furnace guy.

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@syedraza3065 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts, always welcome here on our channel.

[@bigdaddy4975]

Not true your pressure switch could be faulty

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning ☕️ We appreciate you sharing your kind thoughts…😁 The Pressure Switch indeed can cause this as well. Below is a link to our Pressure Switch replacement video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaSskIx5o9N5arMsi=770M9ghR8uDiPfDr 😎👍🧰

[@hammerridecycling7630]

gas valve problem

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Thanks for watching, let us know if you have any questions. 👍

[@notsoglamgrandma]

My ignitor is working. That's not my problem

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

Good morning ☕️ Any update? Have you inspected your Flame Sensor to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced?

[@Jack51971]

My ignitor is glowing bright red. I cleaned the flame sensor twice and immediately after the furnace ignited..the burners...so I replaced the flame sensor and all good for about a week then today same problem. So I, took out the new sensor wiped it with a rag an and the furnace burners came on as it did when I cleaned the old flame sensor. Could it be a faulty gas valve? I know the squirrel cage blower motor etc all need to be cleaned. 23 year old York furnace. y​@@DIYwithMichaelBorders

[@DIYwithMichaelBorders]

@@Jack51971 Good morning ☕️, thanks for the update. Gas valve is likely at this point however have you replaced your limit switch? Below is a link to our limit switch replacement video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGq6qWyLbLyhjcksi=DAl4TFZpC9wpXGzf It may be the culprit at this point, and its worth replacing before the gas valve.