Lennox EL296UHV Error Code E 205: Gas Valve Control Relay Contact Shorted
What Does Code E 205 Mean?
Error code E205 on the Lennox EL296UHV indicates that the gas valve control relay on the control board has a shorted contact. The relay is the electronic switch that the control board uses to open and close the gas valve during normal operation, and a short in this component means the gas valve circuit is no longer being controlled properly.
A shorted relay contact can cause the gas valve to remain energized even when the control board is not commanding heat, which is a serious safety concern. The board detects this condition during its self-check and locks out the system to prevent uncontrolled gas flow.
A technician needs to first check the wiring between the control board and the gas valve to rule out a wiring issue. If the wiring is correct, the control board itself must be replaced, as the relay is a component soldered to the board and cannot be repaired individually.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- Immediately — a shorted gas valve relay is a safety concern
- The control board likely needs to be replaced
- You smell gas or notice the burners behaving abnormally before the lockout
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026