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Error code reference

Amana Furnace Error Code 5 Flashes

Open rollout control

Open rollout control - rollout limit is open due to flame rollout (50A50/50A55/HSI 1-1A/HSI-2 controls only).

First step from the service manual

Check flue and/or air inlet piping for blockage; check induced draft blower performance; check burner alignment.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
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What 5 Flashes means on a Amana furnace

The 5 Flashes error code on an Amana furnace equipped with 50A50, 50A55, HSI 1-1A, or HSI-2 control boards indicates an open rollout limit control. The rollout limit is a thermal safety switch mounted near the burner assembly. It is designed to detect flame rollout, which occurs when combustion flames escape the heat exchanger and burn outside their intended path. When the rollout limit trips, it opens the circuit and shuts down the furnace to prevent fire hazard or heat exchanger damage. This condition will not self-reset until the root cause is addressed and the limit is manually reset or replaced.

Flame rollout is almost always caused by a restriction in the combustion air or exhaust pathway. A blocked flue or air inlet pipe prevents combustion gases from being properly vented, causing pressure buildup and forcing flames to escape the burner box. A failing induced draft blower that cannot maintain adequate negative pressure in the heat exchanger is another common contributor. Burner misalignment can also direct flames toward unintended surfaces, triggering the rollout limit even when venting is otherwise clear.

Diagnosing a 5 Flashes code requires a systematic inspection of the entire combustion and venting system. Begin by checking all flue and air inlet piping for obstructions such as debris, ice, bird nests, or collapsed sections. Next, test the induced draft blower motor for correct operation and verify that the pressure switch is confirming adequate airflow. Inspect the burner alignment within the heat exchanger tubes to confirm flames are directed properly. If the rollout limit itself has been damaged by heat exposure, it will need to be replaced before the furnace can operate safely.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 5 Flashes

  1. 01

    Blocked Flue or Air Inlet Pipe

    Wiring / connection

    Debris, ice buildup, bird nests, or a collapsed section of pipe can obstruct the exhaust or combustion air supply, causing pressure to back up and flames to roll out of the burner area. Inspect all visible flue and intake pipes for blockages at both the furnace connection and the exterior termination point.

  2. 02

    Induced Draft Blower Failure

    Part replacement

    If the induced draft blower motor is running slowly, intermittently, or not at all, it cannot maintain the negative pressure needed to pull combustion gases through the heat exchanger, which can lead to rollout. Check that the blower spins freely and reaches proper speed during the startup sequence.

  3. 03

    Burner Misalignment

    Wiring / connection

    Burners that have shifted out of position can direct flames toward the burner box walls or outside the heat exchanger tubes instead of into them, triggering the rollout limit. Visually inspect the burner alignment relative to the heat exchanger inlet ports.

  4. 04

    Failed or Damaged Rollout Limit Control

    Part replacement

    After a rollout event, the thermal limit switch itself may be permanently open and unable to reset even after the underlying cause is corrected. Test continuity across the rollout limit with a multimeter; no continuity indicates the control must be replaced.

  5. 05

    Cracked or Restricted Heat Exchanger

    Part replacement

    A cracked or internally restricted heat exchanger can alter combustion airflow patterns enough to cause flame rollout. This condition also poses a carbon monoxide risk and requires thorough inspection before the furnace is returned to service.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 5 Flashes

What does 5 Flashes mean on a Amana furnace?
Five flashes on an Amana furnace indicates that the rollout limit control is open, which means the furnace detected flame rollout during operation. This safety feature shuts the system down to prevent fire hazard or damage to the heat exchanger. This code applies specifically to units using 50A50, 50A55, HSI 1-1A, or HSI-2 control boards. The furnace will not restart until the underlying cause is found and corrected.
Can I fix a 5 Flashes error on my Amana furnace myself?
Some of the initial checks, such as inspecting the flue and air inlet pipes for visible blockages, can be performed by a knowledgeable homeowner. However, testing the induced draft blower, checking burner alignment, and evaluating the heat exchanger require technical knowledge and proper tools. Because flame rollout is a serious safety condition, it is strongly recommended to have a qualified technician complete the diagnosis and any repairs before restarting the furnace.
Is a 5 Flashes error on an Amana furnace a safety hazard?
Yes, flame rollout is a genuine safety hazard. It means combustion flames were present outside their intended containment area, which can expose nearby components, wiring, or structural materials to high heat. In some cases, rollout is associated with heat exchanger problems that can also allow combustion gases including carbon monoxide to enter the living space. The furnace should remain off until a qualified technician has inspected and cleared the system.
Will resetting my Amana furnace clear the 5 Flashes error?
Simply cycling power to the furnace will not reliably clear this error because the rollout limit control is a physical thermal switch that must be manually reset or replaced after it trips. Even if the furnace briefly restarts, it will shut down again if the root cause such as a blocked flue or weak induced draft blower has not been corrected. The rollout limit must be inspected for continuity and replaced if it has been permanently damaged by the heat event.
How much does it cost to repair a 5 Flashes error on an Amana furnace?
Repair costs depend on what caused the rollout event. Clearing a blocked flue or realigning burners may cost between $75 and $200 in labor. Replacing an induced draft blower motor typically runs between $200 and $500 including parts and labor. If the heat exchanger is cracked and needs replacement, costs can range from $500 to over $1,500 depending on the unit and availability of parts. A diagnostic service call is usually needed first to identify the specific cause.

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