Rheem R802VA07542117MSA Error Code A224_F: Flame Status Circuit Failure
What Does Code A224_F Mean?
Fault code A224_F on the Rheem R802VA indicates that the flame status sensing circuit on the IFC board has failed. The flame sensing circuit is the electronic circuitry on the board that measures the microamp-level flame rectification current from the flame sensor rod. This circuit converts the small flame current into a digital flame-present or flame-absent signal that the main processor uses to make safety decisions.
When the flame sensing circuit itself has failed — as opposed to the external flame sensor rod failing — the IFC cannot reliably determine whether a flame exists. This is a fundamental safety function: without knowing whether gas is burning, the control board cannot safely operate the gas valve or prevent dangerous conditions such as unburned gas accumulation.
Because the flame sensing circuit is integrated into the control board electronics, this fault cannot be resolved by replacing the external flame sensor rod or its wiring. The IFC board itself must be replaced. After replacement, the new board requires Bluetooth programming with model data and configuration before the furnace will operate.
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Failed flame sensing circuit on control board | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Control board damage from power surge | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- Any time this code appears — the IFC control board has an internal flame sensing circuit failure and must be replaced by a qualified HVAC technician
- Do not confuse this fault with a dirty or failed external flame sensor — A224_F is an internal board failure
- After replacing the control board, the technician must complete the required Bluetooth programming steps
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026