York Furnace Reset Button Guide

The York Furnace Reset Button is a simple safety and troubleshooting feature found on many York gas furnaces. This guide explains where the reset button is located, when to use it, step-by-step reset procedures, common causes of trips, diagnostic tips, and guidance on when to call a professional. It emphasizes safety and practical troubleshooting to help householders restore heat while avoiding damage or unsafe conditions.

Issue	Quick Action	When To Call A Pro
Furnace Won’t Start	Check power, thermostat, and reset button	If reset repeatedly trips or no ignition
Repeated Trips	Inspect flame sensor, venting, limit switch	Persistent trips after basic checks
Blower Runs Constantly	Check fan switch, control board	If board or wiring fault suspected

What Is The York Furnace Reset Button?

The York Furnace Reset Button is a manual reset switch intended to cut power to the furnace after a fault condition. It typically protects the ignition system, gas valve, or motor from damage when overheating, flame failure, or electrical faults are detected. It is not a substitute for diagnosing the underlying problem; repeated resets can indicate a serious issue that needs professional attention.

Where To Find The Reset Button On A York Furnace

Location varies by model, but common places include near the blower compartment, on the control box, or behind an access panel. The button is often red or recessed to prevent accidental presses. Consult the furnace’s installation manual or the York model label inside the cabinet to find the exact location.

Safety Precautions Before Resetting

Always follow safety steps before pressing the reset button: shut off power at the furnace switch or breaker, turn off the gas supply if a gas odor is present, and allow the furnace to cool if it was hot. Never repeatedly press the reset button—pressing it more than once or twice without addressing the cause can be dangerous.

Step-By-Step York Furnace Reset Procedure

These steps provide a safe, methodical approach to using the York Furnace Reset Button.

1. Turn off the thermostat or set to “Off.”
2. Switch off the furnace power at the service switch or the circuit breaker.
3. Wait five minutes to allow the system to clear any residual fuel and reset electronics.
4. Locate the reset button on the furnace cabinet and inspect for visible damage or loose wires.
5. Press the reset button firmly once and release; do not hold it down for more than a second unless instructed by the manual.
6. Restore power and set the thermostat to call for heat.
7. Observe the ignition sequence: inducer motor, ignition, burner light, and blower operation.

What To Do If The Reset Button Does Not Work

If pressing the York Furnace Reset Button does not restore operation, check these common causes: a tripped circuit breaker, blown thermal fuse, failed transformer, or thermostat malfunction. Inspect furnace error codes (if available) on the control board LED and consult the model manual for code meanings.

Common Causes For Reset Button Trips

Understanding why the reset button trips helps prevent recurrence. Frequent causes include restricted airflow from dirty filters, blocked vents or return air, failed limit switch due to overheating, flame sensor failure causing ignition timeout, clogged condensate drain, or motor overload. Addressing these underlying issues reduces repeat trips and improves safety.

How To Diagnose Frequent Reset Trips

Begin with simple checks: replace or clean the air filter; ensure registers and vents are open; verify proper thermostat operation; and inspect intake and exhaust vents for obstructions. If the furnace still trips, examine the flame sensor for carbon build-up, test the pressure switch and inducer motor, and check the condensate system for blockages on high-efficiency units.

Interpreting York Furnace Error Codes

Many York furnaces have a control board with an LED that flashes fault codes. The user manual lists codes and their meanings. Typical codes indicate ignition failure, pressure switch open/closed, limit switch open, or flame signal problems. Record the flash pattern and consult the manual or York technical support for precise interpretation.

When The Reset Button Is A Sign Of Electrical Problems

If the York Furnace Reset Button trips and there are electrical symptoms like frequent breaker trips, burning smells, or scorch marks, power down the furnace and contact a licensed HVAC electrician. Issues such as shorted wiring, failing capacitors, or a failing control board require professional diagnosis and repair to avoid fire hazards.

Replacing A Faulty Reset Button

Replacing a damaged reset button is possible, but it requires care. Confirm part compatibility with the exact York model number. Power must be disconnected and the cabinet opened to access the control box. If the button is integrated into the board or the wiring shows heat damage, replace the board or have a technician perform the repair. Improper replacement can void warranties and create safety risks.

Maintenance To Prevent Reset Trips

Regular furnace maintenance reduces trips and prolongs equipment life. Recommended tasks include replacing filters every 1–3 months, annual professional inspections, cleaning the flame sensor, checking venting and chimney for obstructions, and testing the condensate drain on high-efficiency furnaces. A maintenance contract with an HVAC company can ensure these tasks are performed routinely.

High-Efficiency York Furnaces And Reset Behavior

High-efficiency condensing York furnaces include additional components like condensate traps and secondary heat exchangers that can affect reset behavior. Condensate clogs, pressure switch issues, or blocked PVC vent pipes can cause the unit to lock out and require a reset. Check condensate drains and PVC venting for ice or debris during cold weather.

When To Contact York Support Or A Professional

Contact York support or a licensed HVAC technician if the reset button trips repeatedly, the furnace fails to ignite after a reset, there are unusual noises or smells, or if there are electrical issues. Technicians can perform advanced diagnostics using multimeters, gas pressure gauges, and combustion analyzers to pinpoint the fault and recommend safe repairs.

Cost Considerations For Repairs Related To Reset Trips

Costs vary by problem: simple parts and labor for a flame sensor cleaning or replacement are generally low; replacing a control board or motor is mid-range; major repairs like heat exchanger replacement are expensive. Request a written estimate from a licensed contractor and compare options before authorizing work.

DIY Troubleshooting Checklist Before Calling A Technician

• Verify thermostat settings and batteries.
• Check circuit breakers and the furnace power switch.
• Replace or clean air filters.
• Inspect vents, flue, and intake for obstructions.
• Reset once following safety steps; observe ignition sequence and any error codes.
• Note any unusual smells, noises, or repeated lockouts to report to the technician.

Frequently Asked Questions About York Furnace Reset Button

How Many Times Can The Reset Button Be Pressed?

The reset button should only be pressed once or twice after resolving the suspected cause. Repeatedly pressing it without fixing the issue is unsafe and can indicate a serious fault requiring professional repair.

Is The Reset Button The Same As A Fuse?

The reset button functions as a manual safety switch, not a replaceable fuse. Some furnaces also have a thermal fuse or circuit breaker requiring replacement if blown, whereas the reset button is designed to be reused within safe operating limits.

Can A Homeowner Replace The Reset Button?

Homeowners with electrical experience can replace a simple mechanical reset switch, but replacing components on the control board or doing gas-related repairs should be left to licensed HVAC technicians to ensure safety and code compliance.

Why Does The Furnace Trip Only When Running For A Long Time?

Long run cycles can reveal airflow restrictions, a failing blower motor, or a dirty heat exchanger that causes overheating and trips the limit switch. Check filters, fan operation, and return vents, and schedule a professional inspection if the issue persists.

Additional Resources And Documentation

Locate the furnace model number on the cabinet data plate and download the specific York owner’s manual or service manual from the manufacturer’s website for accurate wiring diagrams, error code charts, and replacement part numbers. For safety recalls or technical bulletins, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and York/Johnson Controls technical support pages.

Key Takeaways

The York Furnace Reset Button is a protective device to clear lockouts, but it is not a cure. Use it cautiously, perform basic troubleshooting first, and seek professional help for repeated trips or electrical and gas-related issues. Regular maintenance and timely repairs prevent most reset-related problems and keep the furnace operating safely.