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Error code reference

Amana Furnace Error Code 8 Flashes

Pressure switch opened five times during a single call for heat (50A55/HSI-2 controls) or ignitor circuit…

Amana codesAmana furnace codes

Pressure switch opened five times during a single call for heat (50A55/HSI-2 controls) or ignitor circuit problem (50M61/50V61 controls).

First step from the service manual

For pressure switch issue: check and correct pressure switch hose, check flue/inlet piping, verify pressure switch set point. For ignitor circuit: check wiring from control to ignitor, replace bad ignitor.

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

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What 8 Flashes means on a Amana furnace

An 8-flash error code on an Amana furnace indicates one of two distinct fault conditions depending on the control board installed in the unit. On furnaces equipped with 50A55 or HSI-2 control boards, this code signals that the pressure switch opened five times during a single call for heat. The pressure switch is a safety device that monitors negative pressure created by the inducer motor during the prepurge cycle. If the switch fails to close or opens repeatedly, the control board interprets this as a venting or airflow problem and locks out the furnace after five consecutive failures to protect the heat exchanger and prevent combustion byproduct buildup.

On furnaces equipped with 50M61 or 50V61 control boards, the 8-flash code points to an ignitor circuit problem rather than a pressure switch fault. The ignitor circuit includes the hot surface ignitor itself, the wiring harness connecting the control board to the ignitor, and the ignitor terminals. A failed ignitor, a broken wire, a loose connection, or high resistance in the circuit can all trigger this fault. Hot surface ignitors are fragile ceramic components that degrade over time and can develop hairline cracks that cause intermittent or complete circuit failure.

Diagnosing the 8-flash code correctly requires first identifying which control board is installed before proceeding. For pressure switch faults, inspection of the pressure switch hose for cracks, blockages, or disconnections is the starting point, followed by checking for restrictions in the flue or combustion air inlet piping and verifying the pressure switch set point is within specification. For ignitor circuit faults, visually inspecting the wiring from the control board to the ignitor and testing the ignitor for continuity will identify the failed component.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 8 Flashes

  1. 01

    Blocked or restricted flue or air inlet piping

    Wiring / connection

    Debris, ice, bird nests, or collapsed sections of PVC flue or combustion air piping can restrict airflow enough to prevent the pressure switch from closing properly. Inspect all visible sections of the intake and exhaust pipes for obstructions.

  2. 02

    Damaged or disconnected pressure switch hose

    Part replacement

    The rubber or vinyl hose connecting the pressure switch to the inducer housing can crack, collapse, or pull free from its fittings. A compromised hose prevents the switch from sensing correct negative pressure and causes repeated pressure switch trips.

  3. 03

    Failed hot surface ignitor

    Part replacement

    On units with 50M61 or 50V61 controls, the ignitor itself is the most common cause of the 8-flash code. Ignitors develop cracks over time and lose the ability to conduct current, which the control board detects as an open ignitor circuit.

  4. 04

    Faulty pressure switch

    Part replacement

    The pressure switch itself can fail mechanically or drift out of its calibrated set point, causing it to open prematurely or refuse to close even when inducer pressure is adequate. Verifying the set point and testing switch operation with a manometer helps confirm this cause.

  5. 05

    Damaged ignitor wiring or loose connections

    Wiring / connection

    On 50M61 or 50V61 control-equipped units, the wiring harness between the control board and the ignitor can develop breaks, corrosion, or loose terminal connections that create an open circuit. Inspect the full length of the ignitor wiring and check all connectors for secure fit and corrosion.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 8 Flashes

What does 8 Flashes mean on a Amana furnace?
An 8-flash code on an Amana furnace means either the pressure switch opened five times during a single heating cycle or there is a fault in the ignitor circuit, depending on which control board your furnace uses. Furnaces with 50A55 or HSI-2 control boards trigger this code for repeated pressure switch failures, while furnaces with 50M61 or 50V61 controls trigger it for ignitor circuit problems. In both cases the furnace shuts down as a safety measure. Identifying your control board model is the first step toward correct diagnosis.
Can I fix an 8-flash error on my Amana furnace myself?
Some causes of the 8-flash code are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer. Checking the pressure switch hose for cracks or disconnections, clearing debris from the flue or air inlet pipes, and inspecting ignitor wiring for loose connectors are all reasonable first steps. Replacing a hot surface ignitor is also a straightforward repair if you can confirm the ignitor has failed and source a compatible replacement. However, pressure switch set point verification requires a manometer and familiarity with combustion airflow, so calling a qualified technician is advisable if basic checks do not resolve the fault.
Is an 8-flash error on my Amana furnace a safety concern?
Yes, the furnace has shut itself down because a safety monitoring circuit detected a problem, and operating the furnace while the underlying fault exists is not recommended. Repeated pressure switch failures can indicate venting issues that could allow combustion gases to accumulate, while an ignitor circuit failure means the burner cannot light reliably. Address the fault before resuming normal furnace operation.
How much does it cost to repair an 8-flash error on an Amana furnace?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. A replacement pressure switch hose or ignitor wiring repair might cost between $50 and $150 in parts and labor. A new hot surface ignitor typically runs between $75 and $200 including installation. If the pressure switch itself needs replacement, expect costs in the range of $100 to $250. Significant flue or venting repairs can push total costs higher depending on the extent of the work required.
Will resetting my Amana furnace clear the 8-flash error code?
Resetting the furnace by cutting power briefly may clear the lockout and allow the furnace to attempt another heating cycle, but the error will return if the underlying cause has not been corrected. For the pressure switch fault, the control board trips the code after five failed attempts in a single heating call, so the fault condition must be resolved before the furnace will operate reliably. Use a reset only as a diagnostic step to observe whether the fault recurs, not as a permanent fix.

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