Nordyne Furnace Reset Button Guide and Troubleshooting

The Nordyne Furnace Reset Button Guide covers why the reset button exists, how to use it safely, and troubleshooting steps to get a furnace back to working order. This article provides practical instructions, common causes for trips, and guidance on when professional service is required. The information applies to most Nordyne and Goodman brand furnaces with a reset or pressure switch-related reset procedure.

Item	Quick Fact
Purpose	Protects Furnace From Unsafe Conditions
Common Triggers	Flame rollout, limit switch trip, blocked vent, ignition failure
Typical Action	Press Once, Wait 30 Seconds, Restart Thermostat
When To Call Tech	Multiple Trips, Burning Smell, No Heat After Reset

What The Nordyne Furnace Reset Button Is And Why It Trips

The reset button on Nordyne furnaces is a safety device designed to shut down the system when unsafe conditions are detected.

Common protections include: preventing operation during flame rollout, overheating, or failed ignition cycles. The button may physically reset a high-limit switch, rollout switch, or electronic control that latched off to avoid damage or fire risk.

Some modern Nordyne (and Goodman) units use electronic control boards and diagnostic LEDs instead of an accessible reset button; in those cases, the “reset” is achieved by clearing fault codes via power cycling or following manufacturer-specific procedures.

Identifying The Reset Button Location

The reset button location varies by model. It often appears as a small red or black button on the furnace control panel, burner compartment, or near the flame rollout and draft inducer assembly.

Consult the furnace’s data plate or user manual to confirm the exact location. If the furnace has a sealed control board compartment, the reset may be internal and require a service technician.

Step-By-Step Reset Procedure

Follow safety-first steps before attempting a reset: turn off power, inspect for obvious issues, and only press the reset once. Repeated pressing can indicate a persistent fault and may damage components.

1. Turn off thermostat and set to Off.
2. Switch the furnace power to Off at the furnace switch or breaker; wait 30 seconds.
3. Open access panel and visually inspect the burner area for debris, rodent nests, or corrosion.
4. If accessible, locate the reset button (often red) and press it once; hold for one to three seconds if recommended by manual.
5. Replace access panel, restore power, and set the thermostat to Heat at a temperature above room temperature.
6. Observe ignition sequence and listen for normal operation. If the furnace lights and runs, monitor for several cycles.

Important: Do not press the reset button more than once in a short period. If the furnace trips again, stop and proceed to diagnosis or call a technician.

Common Causes For Reset Button Trips

Blocked Venting Or Flue

Obstructed intake or exhaust vents cause poor combustion or pressure imbalance, triggering a safety switch. Inspect exterior vents for debris, bird nests, or snow covering and clear obstructions.

Dirty Or Faulty Flame Sensor

A dirty flame sensor can fail to detect the burner flame, leading to ignition failure and repeated resets. Cleaning the sensor with fine emery cloth or replacing it is a common fix.

Limit Switch Or Overheating

Restricted airflow from dirty filters, closed vents, or failing blower motors causes overheating, tripping the high-limit switch. Replace filters, ensure vents are open, and verify blower operation.

Ignition Or Gas Valve Problems

Failures in the ignitor, gas valve, or control board can cause ignition sequence faults. These typically require component testing and often professional replacement.

Pressure Switch And Draft Inducer Issues

The pressure switch ensures the inducer motor creates proper combustion airflow. A clogged condensate trap, cracked inducer housing, or faulty switch will cause trips and require inspection.

Flame Rollout Or Cracked Heat Exchanger

Flame rollout indicates combustion inside the cabinet rather than the heat exchanger and is a serious safety concern. A cracked heat exchanger may accompany this and always requires professional diagnosis and often part replacement.

Diagnostics: What To Check Before Resetting

Begin with these quick checks to reduce repeat trips: filter condition, vent openings, visible debris in burner area, and unusual odors. A burning smell may indicate electrical issues; do not reset and call for service.

Check the furnace status LED if present. Many Nordyne control boards flash a fault code sequence that identifies the failing circuit. Record the blink pattern and compare it to the manual’s error code table.

When The Reset Button Should Not Be Pressed

Do not press the reset button if there is a strong smell of gas, visible flame rollout, smoke, or repeated trips. These are signs of hazardous conditions requiring immediate professional service.

If the furnace has been reset multiple times in one day, stop troubleshooting and contact a licensed HVAC technician. Repeated resets indicate an underlying issue that simple resets won’t resolve.

Tools And Parts Commonly Needed

Homeowners may need a few basic tools for inspection and minor fixes: a multimeter for electrical checks, a flashlight, a soft brush for cleaning the flame sensor, replacement air filters, and a small vacuum for debris.

Common replacement parts include flame sensors, ignitors, pressure switches, condensate traps, and filters. For major components like control boards or heat exchangers, professional replacement is recommended.

Model Variations And Manufacturer Notes

Nordyne-branded products and units sold under Goodman, Amana, or other labels may share similar components. However, the presence and placement of a manual reset button vary by model and age.

Newer furnaces increasingly use electronic diagnostics and may not have a manual reset button. Always reference the specific unit’s installation and service manual for accurate procedures and safety warnings.

Troubleshooting Flowchart For Repeated Trips

Symptom	Possible Cause	Recommended Action
Trips On Startup	Ignition failure, flame sensor	Clean sensor, check ignitor, inspect gas supply
Trips During Run	Overheating, blocked airflow	Replace filter, check blower, open vents
Trips Immediately After Reset	Persistent fault, cracked heat exchanger	Stop attempts, call licensed tech
No Power To Furnace	Tripped breaker, switch off	Reset breaker, ensure furnace switch on

Signs That Require Immediate Professional Service

• Burning Or Chemical Smells: Indicates electrical or combustion issues.
• Visible Flame Rollout Or Soot: Possible cracked heat exchanger or blocked combustion path.
• Gas Odor: Evacuate and call utility and HVAC service immediately.
• Repeated Trips After Single Reset: Underlying fault needs diagnosis.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Reset Button Trips

Regular preventive maintenance reduces trips. Replace air filters every 1–3 months, schedule annual professional tune-ups, and keep vents and flues clear.

Clean the flame sensor annually and inspect the condensate trap on high-efficiency units. Ensure the furnace room has adequate ventilation and is free of stored flammable materials.

How Much Service Or Repair Typically Costs

Costs vary by region and the specific fault. Simple service visits for cleaning or sensor replacement often range from $100–$300. Ignitor or pressure switch replacement can be $150–$400 including parts and labor.

Major repairs like control board or heat exchanger replacement can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars and may influence decisions about replacement versus repair.

How To Use Diagnostic LED Codes

Locate the control board LED and observe blink sequences. Count long and short blinks and compare them to the manual’s code chart to identify faults like pressure switch failures, limit trips, or ignition errors.

Record the code and any accompanying behavior (e.g., how long before it trips) to provide accurate information to a technician if service is needed.

When To Consider Furnace Replacement

If a furnace repeatedly needs major repairs, is older than 15–20 years, or has a cracked heat exchanger, replacement may be cost-effective. Newer high-efficiency models offer better performance and reduced operating costs.

Consider replacement when repair costs exceed half the value of a new system or when safety concerns are present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe To Press The Reset Button?

Pressing the reset button once after a careful inspection is generally safe, but repeated pressing is not. If hazards like gas smell or flame rollout are present, do not press and call for emergency service.

How Many Times Can The Reset Button Be Pressed?

Press the reset button only once per incident. The reset is intended for occasional use after a single fault; repeated use indicates a persistent problem requiring diagnosis.

Why Does The Furnace Need A Reset At All?

The reset button is a protective measure to prevent operation under unsafe conditions, safeguarding against fires, carbon monoxide risks, and equipment damage.

Can A Homeowner Replace A Cracked Heat Exchanger?

No. Replacement of a heat exchanger is complex and potentially dangerous. A licensed HVAC technician should perform this work and evaluate whether system replacement is more appropriate.

Resources And Further Reading

Refer to the furnace’s owner and service manuals for model-specific reset procedures, diagnostic code charts, and safety warnings. Manufacturer websites for Nordyne, Goodman, and Amana provide manuals and technical bulletins useful for homeowners and technicians.

For safety concerns such as gas leaks or visible fire risk, contact local gas utility and a licensed HVAC professional immediately.

Key Takeaway: The Nordyne furnace reset button is a safety feature. Use it once after basic inspection and troubleshooting. If the furnace trips again, persistent faults or safety hazards require professional diagnosis and repair.