Payne Furnace Error Code 13: Meaning and Fix

Applies to: Payne PG8MAA and PG8JAA single-stage furnaces with a two-digit status code LED.

13
How 13 appears on a Payne furnace display.

Also shown as: 1 short 3 long, 1 short, 3 long flashes

Reading the furnace display

A furnace reports faults on a small status LED on the control board, seen through the sight glass in the blower door, or on a two-digit display. Watch a full cycle of the pattern and count the flashes, including the pause between groups, before you decide what you saw. The code chart is on the label inside the blower door.

This page lists the fault codes this brand documents, with likely causes and a short repair path. The codes apply to model numbers such as PG8MAA and PG8JAA; check the label on your unit to confirm yours.

What causes 13

How to fix it

If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility from outside; do not touch switches or the furnace. Switch the furnace power off before you open the blower door or touch the igniter or flame sensor, and call a licensed HVAC technician if you are not sure.

The code meaning comes from the manufacturer document listed under Sources. The causes and steps below are general troubleshooting guidance, not the manufacturer's service procedure.

  1. Switch the thermostat to off and replace the air filter if it is dirty.
  2. Make sure every supply register and return grille is open and not blocked.
  3. Check outdoors that the vent and intake pipes are not blocked by snow, ice, leaves or a nest.
  4. Do not reset a flame rollout switch repeatedly. A rollout switch trips because of a real problem such as a restricted flue, so call a licensed technician.
  5. Restore power and run a heating cycle. If the code returns, call a licensed HVAC technician and give them the code, the board label and the furnace model number.

Questions

What does 13 mean on a Payne furnace?

Code 13 (1 short, 3 long flashes) on a Payne furnace is a limit circuit lockout. The limit, draft safeguard, flame rollout or blocked vent switch stayed open for longer than 3 minutes, so the control locked out. It resets itself after three hours. See code 33 for the causes.

Can I reset the furnace myself?

The control can be reset by switching power off at the furnace switch or breaker for about 30 seconds, which clears some lockouts. If the same code returns, the fault is still present and the control will shut the furnace down again. Never bypass a safety switch to keep it running.

When should I call a technician?

Call a licensed HVAC technician for anything involving gas, the pressure switch, the limit or rollout switches, the igniter, the flame sensor or a control board replacement, or if the code keeps coming back after the simple checks.

Other brands with code 13

The same code can mean something different on another maker's appliance. Check the brand before you act.

Other Payne furnace codes

Sources

Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Meanings compiled from manufacturer and parts-retailer documentation; see sources below. Unplug the appliance before opening it.

Applies to models including PG8MAA, PG8JAA.