The flame sensor is a rather simple device located at the burner assembly. It's not much more than a thin, usually bent, metallic rod that sits in front of the flame stream inside the furnace. The purpose of the flame sensor is to confirm to the system that whenever the gas valve is open, a fire is actually present.

Similarly, it is asked, where is flame sensor on Payne furnace?

The flame sensor is a rather simple device located at the burner assembly. It's not much more than a thin, usually bent, metallic rod that sits in front of the flame stream inside the furnace. The purpose of the flame sensor is to confirm to the system that whenever the gas valve is open, a fire is actually present.

Also, how do I know if my furnace flame sensor is bad? Signs of a bad furnace flame sensor are:

  1. The furnace lights but then shuts down after a few seconds (short cycles)
  2. The porcelain on the flame sensor is cracked.
  3. The flame sensor is sooty or corroded.

Keeping this in view, where is the flame sensor located?

A furnace flame sensor is a very basic part of your furnace. It's located on the burner assembly and is just a thin metallic rod. It's usually bent, and it sits just in front of the pilot flame inside the furnace.

How do you bypass the flame sensor on a furnace?

Actually, you can bypass the flame sensor. the flame sensor is just a way of exposing the voltage on the flame sensor wire to the furnace burner flames. So you can connect the flame sensor wire to a screwdriver and put the screwdriver into the flames.

When should I replace my flame sensor?

Some experienced technicians will change the flame sensor any time there is a flame current issue, while others usually just clean them. Others will change them as part of their preventative maintenance every two or three years.

Can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up?

The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor) The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. This is typically the problem if you can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.

Can you clean a flame sensor?

Clean the Sensor. Once you have removed the sensor, gently rub the metal rod (only) with soft steel wool or soft scotch brie type pad NEVER USE SANDPAPER as it will damage the flame rod. Then, use a clean paper towel to wipe clean any dust left behind .

Why is my furnace not igniting?

If the furnace doesn't ignite when the thermostat calls for heat, it may be due to a faulty control module, faulty pilot burner, damaged spark electrode or loose connections to the control module. The hot surface ignition system uses an electronic heating element to ignite the gas burner.

Where is the reset button on a furnace?

The reset button is typically located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. When should I press the reset button? First, you need to locate your circuit breaker and switch off the power supply to the furnace. Then, if you see that the button is up, push it to reset your furnace.

Why does my furnace flame sensor keep getting dirty?

It is a sensitive sensor so any type of dust or carbon buildup could cause it to malfunction. Most people have their furnaces in a basement or laundry area where there is excess dust in the air. This dust could stick to the sensor making it dirty and causing your furnace to shut down.

How much does it cost to replace a flame sensor?

Depending on which furnace repair company you call, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to as much as $500 for a new flame sensor, plus the cost of the travel and diagnostic charge.

What is the difference between a thermocouple and a flame sensor?

Difference Between a Thermocouple and a Flame Sensor If the pilot flame goes out, the tip cools, and the thermocouple automatically shuts off the furnace's gas valve. These units have electronic igniters that light the gas for the burners, while the flame sensor makes sure the burners have lighted successfully.

How does a flame sensor work?

How A Furnace Flame Sensor Works. A furnace flame sensor works by detecting the presence of a flame within the furnace. As the gas valve opens to begin the combustion process, the current is sent out from the sensor in order to detect the presence of heat from a flame.

How do you troubleshoot a furnace?

Furnace Troubleshooting Recap:
  1. Clean or replace air filter.
  2. Troubleshoot thermostat problems — replace batteries if necessary.
  3. Set thermostat to heat and at a higher temperature than the current room temperature.
  4. Check electrical panel for blown fuses or tripped breakers.
  5. Make power switch near furnace is flipped on.

Do all furnaces have a flame sensor?

Not all furnaces have a flame sensor, but if your furnace has one, it will be mounted close to the burner with the metal rod positioned in the flame. Flame sensors vary in size (2 to 4 inches) and shape (see examples below).

What happens when flame sensor goes bad?

To know if the flame sensor is in a bad condition, it will not sense the flame even the furnace is running properly, and a flame sensor will automatically shut down a furnace unit. This will cause the furnace will shut down quickly when it's being turned on and will fail to give the heat to the entire house.

How long should furnace flame stay on?

A note about furnaces with standing pilot lights Once you light the pilot, you need to keep the button depressed for at least 30 seconds (sometimes up to 1 minute). This gives the flame enough time to heat the flame sensor (thermocouple) that tells your furnace it's OK to light the burner.

Why does my furnace turn on then off right away?

This is most common cause of short cycling. A dirty air filter restricts air from getting into your furnace. Your furnace's heat exchanger needs that air blowing over it or it overheats, causing the furnace to shut down. Change (or wash, if you have a washable type) your air filter if it's dirty.

How many microamps are in a flame sensor?

5 and 10 microamps (μA) depending on the furnace. Readings between 2 and 6 are common.

What causes flame to go out on furnace?

Flame rollouts in gas furnaces and boilers are caused by a high concentration of combustion gases inside the combustion chamber. Normally, these inflammable gases are exhausted from the furnace through the flue passageways in the heat exchanger, then up the vent to the exterior of the home.

Why does my furnace keep short cycling?

Another common cause of a short cycling furnace is that the furnace itself is overheating and it's turning itself off to prevent damage. This causes the hot air in the furnace to become trapped. Restricted airflow is often the result of interior vents being blocked, a blocked exhaust vent, or a dirty air filter.