Weather King Furnace Reset Button Guide and Troubleshooting

The Weather King furnace reset button is a crucial safety and diagnostic feature that helps restart a tripped system and identify underlying issues. This guide explains where the reset button is located, when to use it, step-by-step reset procedures, common causes for trips, safety precautions, and when to call a professional.

Topic	Quick Facts
Reset Button Location	On the furnace control panel or near the flame sensor/limit switch access
When To Reset	After power interruption, minor gas supply hiccup, or limit switch trip — not repeatedly
Common Causes For Trips	Overheating, blocked vents, faulty blower motor, flame sense issues
Safety	Turn off power and gas if unsure; avoid repeated resets

What Is The Weather King Furnace Reset Button?

The Weather King furnace reset button is a manual control that allows a user or technician to clear certain fault conditions and attempt to restart the furnace control board or safety circuits. It is part of the furnace’s safety design to prevent damage from sustained faults.

Not all Weather King models use a dedicated ‘reset’ button; some rely on electronic controls and error codes instead, while older models may include a mechanical or recessed reset.

Where To Find The Reset Button On Weather King Furnaces

Location varies by model and manufacturing year. Common places include on the furnace control panel inside the cabinet, near the burner access door, or close to the flame sensor or limit switch assembly. Some models use a recessed reset button requiring a small tool to press.

Refer to the model’s owner’s manual or the data plate (usually on the cabinet edge) for exact locations and wiring diagrams. If a manual is unavailable, check the Weather King or York brand resources, as Weather King is often associated with York/Johnson Controls parts.

When To Press The Reset Button

Use the reset button when the furnace has tripped due to a one-time fault such as a brief power surge, intermittent gas supply interruption, or electronic lockout after a single ignition failure. If the furnace trips repeatedly, do not continue resetting; this indicates a persistent fault requiring diagnosis.

Do not reset if there is a strong smell of gas, signs of heat damage, smoke, or burning; in these cases, turn off gas and power and call a technician immediately.

Step-By-Step Reset Procedure

1. Prepare Safely

Turn off the thermostat, set HVAC power switch to OFF (usually mounted on the furnace) and switch off the circuit breaker for the furnace. If a gas odor is present, stop and call the gas company or emergency services.

2. Locate The Reset Button

Open the furnace access panel and visually locate the reset button according to the model diagram. It may be red, recessed, or labeled RESET.

3. Press And Hold

Press the reset button firmly for 3 to 5 seconds, then release. For recessed buttons, use a non-conductive tool if necessary. Some models require only a quick press.

4. Restore Power And Test

Replace the access panel, turn the circuit breaker or power switch back on, set the thermostat to call for heat, and observe the ignition sequence. Allow the furnace up to several minutes to go through diagnostics.

5. Monitor For Repeat Trips

If the furnace runs normally, monitor it for a few cycles. If it trips again immediately or within a short time, turn the system off and contact a qualified HVAC technician.

Common Causes For Reset Button Trips

Understanding why the reset button trips helps prevent recurrence. Frequent tripping often points to a systemic issue rather than a single event.

• Blocked Airflow: Dirty filters, closed supply registers, or blocked return vents cause overheating and limit switch trips.
• Blower Motor Problems: A failing motor, capacitor, or wiring issue can stop proper air movement, causing overheating or system protection to trigger.
• Flame Failure Or Ignition Issues: Dirty flame sensors, faulty igniters, or gas valve problems lead to repeated lockouts.
• Limit Switch Or Safety Device Faults: A defective high-limit switch, rollout switch, or pressure switch can trip and require replacement.
• Vent Or Exhaust Blockage: Chimney obstructions or blocked PVC venting in high-efficiency units cause pressure and flame issues.
• Control Board Or Sensor Faults: Malfunctioning control electronics or sensors can misinterpret conditions and trigger resets.

Diagnostic Tips Before Calling A Technician

Quick checks can save time and help communicate the problem more clearly to a technician.

• Inspect and replace dirty air filters; report how long filters have been in use.
• Check supply registers and return grilles for blockages and ensure doors or furniture aren’t restricting airflow.
• Listen for unusual blower or burner noises and note any delay or failure in ignition sequence.
• Look for error lights or diagnostic codes on the control board; record the code pattern (flashes or number sequence).
• Note when trips occur — during startup, mid-cycle, or after long runtime — and any external conditions like power flickers or storms.

Safety Precautions And Best Practices

Treatment of reset events should prioritize safety and prevention. Repeated resets may cause more damage or create hazards.

• Do Not Reset Repeatedly: Multiple resets without addressing the root cause can damage the furnace and void warranties.
• Turn Off Power During Inspection: Cut power at the breaker before accessing internal components to reduce shock risks.
• Be Cautious With Gas: If gas odor is present, avoid creating sparks, evacuate, and call the gas company immediately.
• Document Everything: Keep notes on reset frequency, error codes, and any maintenance performed for technician reference.

When To Call A Professional HVAC Technician

Some issues require licensed HVAC technicians or electricians. Call a professional if the furnace trips repeatedly, any safety device shows physical damage, or if there are signs of gas leaks, soot, or heat damage.

Request a technician who can perform comprehensive diagnostics including combustion analysis, pressure switch checks, control board testing, and airflow measurements. For gas-fired systems, only qualified technicians should adjust gas valves or replace combustion components.

Common Repairs Related To Reset Button Trips

Technicians commonly find these repairs resolve reset-related lockouts and restore reliable operation.

• Replace clogged filters and clean blower assembly to restore airflow.
• Clean or replace flame sensor rods and test igniter function.
• Replace faulty high-limit switches, rollout switches, or pressure switches.
• Repair or replace blower motors, capacitors, or control relays.
• Repair venting issues, remove blockages, or correct flue draft problems.
• Replace the control board if diagnostics reveal electronic failures.

Understanding Error Codes And Indicator Lights

Modern Weather King furnaces may use LED codes to indicate faults instead of a simple reset button. Learning to read these codes accelerates troubleshooting and helps prioritize repairs.

Commonly flashed patterns correspond to specific problems: pressure switch failure, limit trip, ignition sequence failure, or low flame detection. The furnace’s service manual lists code patterns and recommended actions; take a photo of blink patterns to show the technician.

Preventive Maintenance To Reduce Reset Events

Routine maintenance dramatically reduces faults that cause reset events. Annual or biannual service is recommended, especially before heating season peaks.

• Replace air filters every 1–3 months depending on use and filter type.
• Schedule an annual professional tune-up that includes burner cleaning, airflow testing, and safety checks.
• Keep vents and returns clear of obstructions and maintain adequate clearance around the furnace.
• Check and secure electrical connections and inspect insulation and venting for damage.

Warranty, Parts, And Replacement Considerations

If the furnace is within warranty, repeated trips and repairs may be covered partially or fully. Keep purchase records and maintenance receipts to support warranty claims.

When a furnace repeatedly needs reset-related repairs and is over 15 years old, replacement may be more cost-effective. Newer models offer improved efficiency, diagnostics, and safety features that reduce trips and maintenance needs.

Useful Resources And Manuals

Owners should consult the Weather King owner’s manual and model-specific service guides for accurate reset procedures and wiring diagrams. Manufacturer support, HVAC suppliers, and certified technicians provide replacement parts and diagnostic services.

Online communities and HVAC forums can offer model-specific advice but should not replace professional diagnosis for safety-sensitive issues.

Summary Of Best Practices

• Use the reset button sparingly and only after basic checks such as filter condition and airflow.
• Do not reset if gas odor or burning signs are present.
• Record error codes or LED blink patterns for technicians.
• Schedule professional maintenance annually to prevent trips and extend furnace life.
• Consider replacement if repairs are frequent or the system is aging.

Following these guidelines helps ensure the Weather King furnace operates safely and reliably while minimizing unnecessary service calls and reducing the risk of damage from repeated reset attempts.