Payne PG8MAA Error Code 14: Ignition Lockout

What Does Code 14 Mean?

Status code 14 on the Payne PG8MAA indicates an ignition lockout. The furnace tried to ignite multiple times (see related code 34 for each individual attempt) but failed to establish or maintain a flame, so it has shut itself down as a safety precaution. The control will automatically reset and retry after three hours.

During each ignition attempt, the hot surface igniter glows to light the gas, and the flame sensor then checks for the presence of a flame. If the sensor cannot detect flame current above the minimum threshold (0.5 microamps DC), the attempt fails. After the maximum number of retries, the system locks out with code 14.

The two most common homeowner-fixable causes are a dirty flame sensor and a closed gas supply valve. The flame sensor develops oxide buildup over time that insulates it from the flame, reducing the current it can detect. A closed gas valve simply prevents gas from reaching the burners. Less common causes include a defective hot surface igniter, low inlet gas pressure, or a faulty gas valve — all of which require professional diagnosis.

Common Causes

How to Fix It: Clean the Flame Sensor and Check Gas Supply

What You'll Need

• 1/4-inch hex head driver or nut driver
• a Scotch-Brite pad
• Flashlight

Steps

1. Turn off electrical power at the breaker and shut off the gas supply valve Locate the furnace circuit breaker and flip it to OFF. Turn the gas shutoff valve to the OFF position (handle perpendicular to the pipe). If you smell gas at any point, leave the area immediately and call your gas company from outside.
2. Check the gas supply valve Look at the manual gas shutoff valve on the gas line leading to the furnace. The handle should be parallel to the pipe when open. If it was turned off (perpendicular to the pipe), this is likely why the furnace could not ignite. Turn it to the open position.
3. Locate the flame sensor Open the furnace access panel and look near the burner assembly. The flame sensor is a thin metal rod (usually bent at an angle) mounted with a porcelain insulator. It has a single wire connected to it and is held in place by one 1/4-inch screw.
4. Remove the flame sensor Disconnect the wire from the flame sensor. Remove the mounting screw and carefully pull the sensor out. Handle it by the porcelain insulator or mounting bracket, not the rod itself.
5. Clean the sensor rod Gently rub the metal rod with a Scotch-Brite pad until the surface is clean and shiny. Remove all dark oxidation buildup. Do not use aggressive abrasives, and do not bend the rod or damage the porcelain insulator.
6. Reinstall the flame sensor Place the sensor back in its bracket, secure the mounting screw, and reconnect the wire. Make sure the sensor rod will be positioned in the flame path when the burners ignite.
7. Restore power and gas, then test Turn the gas supply valve to ON (handle parallel to the pipe) and flip the circuit breaker to ON. Cycling the power resets the 3-hour lockout timer. Set your thermostat to call for heat and watch the ignition sequence.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:

• The furnace still fails to ignite after cleaning the flame sensor and verifying gas supply
• The hot surface igniter does not glow orange during the ignition sequence
• You can hear gas flowing but it does not ignite
• The flame appears yellow, lazy, or rolls out of the combustion chamber
• Code 14 keeps recurring even with a clean flame sensor and open gas valve

✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026