Rheem R802VA07542117MSA Error Code A013_F: Flame Lost after Established

What Does Code A013_F Mean?

Fault code A013_F on the Rheem R802VA is the alarm-level version of flame loss after established. The "A" prefix indicates this is more severe than the T013_F troubleshooting code — the flame has been lost five times during a single heat call, and the furnace has entered a one-hour safety lockout.

This repeated flame loss pattern strongly points to a flame sensor that is too dirty to maintain a reliable signal. The sensor may detect enough flame current to pass the initial ignition check, but the marginal signal keeps dropping out as the furnace runs. Each time the flame signal is lost, the control board shuts off gas, then retries. After five failures in one heating cycle, it gives up and locks out.

While a dirty flame sensor is the most common cause, inconsistent gas pressure or a cracked heat exchanger can also produce repeated flame loss. The furnace will automatically attempt to restart after the one-hour lockout period expires.

Common Causes

How to Fix It: Clean the Flame Sensor

What You'll Need

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

Steps

1. Turn off power at the breaker or power switch 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 (perpendicular to the pipe). If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company.
2. Locate and remove the flame sensor Open the furnace access panel. The flame sensor is a thin metal rod positioned near the burners, secured by a single screw. Disconnect the wire and remove the screw to extract the sensor.
3. Clean the flame sensor rod thoroughly Gently but thoroughly rub the metal rod with a Scotch-Brite pad until the surface is clean and shiny. Since this is a recurring flame loss issue, make sure to clean the entire rod surface. Do not use steel wool, as it can leave residue.
4. Reinstall the flame sensor Reinsert the sensor into its bracket, secure with the screw, and reconnect the wire. Verify the rod is positioned correctly in the burner flame path.
5. Restore power and gas, then wait for lockout to clear Turn the gas supply valve to ON and flip the circuit breaker to ON. The furnace is in a one-hour lockout — you can wait for it to expire, or reset it by cycling the power off for 30 seconds and back on. Set your thermostat to call for heat and monitor through several cycles.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:

• The A013_F lockout keeps recurring after cleaning the flame sensor
• You notice the burner flames are uneven, yellow, or flickering
• The furnace was working fine but suddenly started losing flame repeatedly
• Other gas appliances in your home have inconsistent performance
• You hear unusual sounds from the burner area during operation

✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026