Honeywell Water Heater Status Light Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

If you have a water heater with a Honeywell gas control valve, you may notice a status light on the front of the valve that flashes or blinks at different intervals. This status light is a diagnostic tool that helps you monitor the operation and performance of your water heater. It also alerts you to any potential problems or malfunctions that may require your attention.

In this blog post, we will explain what the different status light codes mean and how to fix them. We will also show you how to reset the gas control valve and relight the pilot light if needed.

By following this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve most common issues with your Honeywell water heater and enjoy hot water without any hassle.

What Does the Status Light Mean on a Honeywell Water Heater?

The status light on a Honeywell water heater is a small LED that flashes or blinks at different intervals depending on the condition of the water heater. The status light is located on the front of the gas control valve, which is usually behind an access panel on the lower part of the water heater.

The status light can flash in red or green colors. The red color indicates an error or a problem that needs your attention. The green color indicates normal operation or a successful reset.

The number of flashes or blinks indicates the specific error code or status of the water heater. You can count the number of flashes or blinks every three seconds to determine the code. For example, if the status light flashes once every three seconds, it means code 1. If it flashes twice every three seconds, it means code 2, and so on.

The following table summarizes the meaning of each status light code for Honeywell water heaters:

How to Fix Honeywell Water Heater Status Light Codes

Depending on the status light code, you may need to perform different actions to fix your Honeywell water heater. Here are some possible solutions for each code:

Code 0: Control off/pilot out

This code means that the gas control valve is turned off or the pilot light is out. This may happen if there is no gas supply, if the pilot light is blown out by a draft, or if there is air in the gas line.

To fix this code, you need to turn on the gas supply and relight the pilot light. To do this, follow these steps:

• Locate the gas control knob on the front of the gas control valve. It should have three positions: OFF, ON, and PILOT.
• Turn the knob to OFF and wait for five minutes to clear any gas from the chamber.
• Turn the knob to PILOT and press it down to start the gas flow to the pilot burner.
• Locate the igniter button next to the gas control knob and press it repeatedly until you see a spark at the pilot burner.
• Keep pressing the gas control knob until the status light flashes once every three seconds, indicating that the thermopile has generated enough voltage to power the gas control valve. This may take up to 90 seconds.
• Release the gas control knob and turn it to ON to start the main burner.

If the pilot light does not stay lit or the status light does not flash, you may need to repeat the steps or check for other problems, such as a clogged pilot orifice, a faulty thermopile, or a defective gas control valve.

Code 1: Normal operation

This code means that the water heater is operating normally and there is no problem. The status light flashes once every three seconds in green color.

To fix this code, you do not need to do anything. Just enjoy your hot water and adjust the temperature knob to your desired setting.

Code 2: Thermopile voltage low

This code means that the thermopile, which is a device that converts heat from the pilot flame into electricity to power the gas control valve, is not generating enough voltage. This may happen if the pilot flame is too weak or too far from the thermopile, if there is dirt or corrosion on the thermopile or its connections, or if the thermopile is defective.

To fix this code, you need to check and clean the thermopile and its connections, adjust the pilot flame, or replace the thermopile if necessary. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the thermopile. It is a metal rod with two wires attached to it that sits next to the pilot burner.
• Disconnect the two wires from the gas control valve and use a multimeter to measure the voltage across them. The voltage should be between 325 and 750 millivolts when the pilot flame is on. If it is lower than 325 millivolts, proceed to the next step. If it is higher than 750 millivolts, replace the thermopile.
• Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently clean any dirt or corrosion from the thermopile and its connections. Make sure there is no loose or broken wire.
• Check the pilot flame and make sure it is blue and steady, not yellow or flickering. The flame should cover the tip of the thermopile and not touch the metal casing. If the flame is too low or too high, you can adjust it by turning the pilot adjustment screw on the gas control valve. Turn it clockwise to increase the flame or counterclockwise to decrease it.
• Reconnect the wires to the gas control valve and turn on the gas supply. Relight the pilot light and check the voltage again. If it is still lower than 325 millivolts, replace the thermopile.

Code 3: Draft pressure switch open

This code means that the draft pressure switch, which is a device that detects the air pressure in the vent system and prevents the water heater from operating if there is a blockage or a leak, is not closing properly. This may happen if there is an obstruction or a restriction in the vent system, such as a bird nest, a collapsed pipe, or a dirty filter, or if the draft pressure switch or its tubing is defective.

To fix this code, you need to check and clear the vent system and replace the draft pressure switch or its tubing if necessary. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the draft pressure switch. It is a round plastic device with two wires and a rubber tube attached to it that connects to the blower assembly.
• Disconnect the rubber tube from the draft pressure switch and blow through it to make sure it is not clogged or kinked. If it is, replace it with a new one.
• Check the vent system for any blockage or restriction. You may need to inspect the vent pipe, the termination cap, and the air filter. Remove any debris or obstruction and clean any dirt or dust. Make sure there is adequate clearance around the vent system and no other appliances are sharing it.
• Reconnect the rubber tube to the draft pressure switch and turn on the gas supply. Relight the pilot light and check the status light. If it still flashes three times, replace the draft pressure switch.

Code 4: High temperature shutdown

This code means that the water heater has detected an excessive water temperature and has shut down to prevent scalding or damage. This may happen if the temperature sensor is faulty, if the gas control valve is set too high, or if there is a cross-connection between the hot and cold water lines.

To fix this code, you need to reset the high temperature shutdown feature and check the temperature sensor, the gas control valve, and the water lines. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the high temperature shutdown button. It is a small red button on the front of the gas control valve.
• Press and hold the button for three seconds to reset the feature. You should hear a click and see the status light flash once in green color.
• Turn on the gas supply and relight the pilot light. Check the water temperature at a nearby faucet and adjust the gas control knob to your desired setting. The recommended temperature range is between 120°F and 140°F.
• Check the temperature sensor for any damage or corrosion. It is a metal rod with two wires attached to it that sits next to the thermopile. If it is defective, replace it with a new one.
• Check for any cross-connection between the hot and cold water lines. This can happen if there is a single-handle faucet, a mixing valve, or a recirculation system that allows cold water to enter the hot water line. To test for this, turn off the cold water supply and open a hot water faucet. If you see water flowing, there is a cross-connection that needs to be fixed.

Code 5: Temperature sensor failure

This code means that the temperature sensor, which is a device that measures the water temperature and sends a signal to the gas control valve to regulate the water flow and temperature, is not working properly. This may happen if the temperature sensor is damaged, corroded, or disconnected.

To fix this code, you need to check and replace the temperature sensor if necessary. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the temperature sensor. It is a metal rod with two wires attached to it that sits next to the thermopile.
• Disconnect the two wires from the gas control valve and use a multimeter to measure the resistance across them. The resistance should be between 9 and 11 kilo-ohms at room temperature. If it is lower or higher than this range, replace the temperature sensor with a new one.
• Reconnect the wires to the gas control valve and turn on the gas supply. Relight the pilot light and check the status light. If it still flashes five times, replace the gas control valve.

Code 6: Water leakage

This code means that the water heater has detected a water leak in the tank or in the plumbing connections. This may happen if there is a crack or a hole in the tank, if the drain valve is loose or faulty, if the temperature and pressure relief valve is leaking or defective, or if the inlet or outlet connections are loose or corroded.

To fix this code, you need to check and repair or replace the source of the leak. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and the water supply to the water heater.
• Inspect the tank for any signs of leakage, such as rust, corrosion, or water stains. If you find any, you may need to replace the entire water heater.
• Check the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and make sure it is fully closed and tight. If it is leaking or damaged, replace it with a new one.
• Check the temperature and pressure relief valve at the top or side of the tank and make sure it is not dripping or spraying water. If it is, you may need to lower the water temperature or pressure, or replace the valve with a new one.
• Check the inlet and outlet connections at the top of the tank and make sure they are not leaking or corroded. If they are, you may need to tighten them or replace them with new ones.

Code 7: Gas control valve failure

This code means that the gas control valve, which is the main component that controls the gas flow and temperature to the water heater, is not functioning properly. This may happen if the gas control valve is damaged, disconnected, or misaligned.

To fix this code, you need to check and replace the gas control valve if necessary. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the gas control valve. It is a large metal device with a knob, a button, and several wires and tubes attached to it.
• Check the electrical connections and make sure they are secure and not loose or broken. If they are, reconnect them or replace them with new ones.
• Check the alignment of the gas control valve and make sure it is not tilted or twisted. If it is, adjust it or replace it with a new one.
• Turn on the gas supply and relight the pilot light. Check the status light. If it still flashes seven times, replace the gas control valve.

Code 8: Flammable vapor sensor error

This code means that the flammable vapor sensor, which is a device that detects the presence of flammable vapors near the water heater and shuts down the unit to prevent a fire or an explosion, is not working properly. This may happen if the flammable vapor sensor is dirty, wet, damaged, or in lockout mode.

To fix this code, you need to check and reset or replace the flammable vapor sensor if necessary. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the flammable vapor sensor. It is a small black device with two wires attached to it that hangs from the bottom of the water heater.
• Check the flammable vapor sensor and make sure it is not dirty, wet, or damaged. If it is, clean it with a soft cloth or replace it with a new one.
• Check if the flammable vapor sensor is in lockout mode. This means that the sensor has detected flammable vapors and has shut down the water heater for safety reasons. If it is, you need to reset it by following these steps:
  • Turn off the gas supply and disconnect the two wires from the gas control valve.
  • Wait for 10 minutes to clear any flammable vapors from the area.
  • Reconnect the two wires to the gas control valve and turn on the gas supply.
  • Press and hold the high temperature shutdown button for three seconds to reset the feature. You should hear a click and see the status light flash once in green color.
  • Relight the pilot light and check the status light. If it still flashes eight times, replace the flammable vapor sensor.

The status light blinks constantly: Pilot light extinguished

This code means that the pilot light, which is a small flame that ignites the main burner when needed, has gone out. This may happen if there is no gas supply, if there is air in the gas line, if there is a draft or a wind that blows out the flame, or if the thermocouple or thermopile is defective.

To fix this code, you need to relight the pilot light and check for any problems with the gas supply or the thermocouple or thermopile. To do this, follow these steps:

• Locate the gas control knob on the front of the gas control valve. It should have three positions: OFF, ON, and PILOT.
• Turn the knob to OFF and wait for five minutes to clear any gas from the chamber.
• Turn the knob to PILOT and press it down to start the gas flow to the pilot burner.
• Locate the igniter button next to the gas control knob and press it repeatedly until you see a spark at the pilot burner.
• Keep pressing the gas control knob until the status light flashes once every three seconds, indicating that the thermopile has generated enough voltage to power the gas control valve. This may take up to 90 seconds.
• Release the gas control knob and turn it to ON to start the main burner.

If the pilot light does not stay lit or the status light does not flash, you may need to repeat the steps or check for other problems, such as a clogged pilot orifice, a faulty thermocouple or thermopile, or a defective gas control valve.

How to Reset Honeywell Gas Water Heater

If your Honeywell water heater is not working properly or has an error code that you cannot fix, you may need to reset the gas control valve and clear any faults. To do this, follow these steps:

• Turn off the gas supply and wait for the water heater to cool down.
• Remove the access panel and locate the high temperature shutdown button. It is a small red button on the front of the gas control valve.
• Press and hold the button for three seconds to reset the feature. You should hear a click and see the status light flash once in green color.
• Turn on the gas supply and relight the pilot light. Check the status light and see if it flashes normally or indicates an error code.

If resetting the gas control valve does not solve your problem or if you see a new error code, you may need to check and fix the source of the problem or contact a professional plumber for assistance

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have explained what the different status light codes mean on a Honeywell water heater and how to fix them. We have also shown you how to reset the gas control valve and relight the pilot light if needed.

By following this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve most common issues with your Honeywell water heater and enjoy hot water without any hassle. However, if you encounter a problem that you cannot fix or if you are not comfortable working with gas or electricity, we recommend that you contact a professional plumber for assistance.