Ruud U802VA050317MSA Error Code A226_F: Internal Fault: Gas Valve 1 Relay Stuck Open
What Does Code A226_F Mean?
Fault code A226_F on the Ruud U802VA indicates that the relay controlling gas valve 1 on the IFC board is stuck in the open position and cannot close. The relay contacts have failed open, meaning the IFC processor cannot apply voltage to the gas valve even when a heating cycle is commanded. Without voltage to the gas valve, the valve stays closed and no gas flows to the burners.
The Ruud U802VA furnace will go through its normal pre-ignition sequence — the inducer will start, the igniter will heat up — but when the control tries to open the gas valve, nothing happens because the relay cannot close. This results in repeated ignition failure attempts followed by lockout.
Unlike A225_F where the relay is welded shut (a safety hazard with potential for uncontrolled gas flow), A226_F does not present an immediate gas flow danger. However, the furnace is completely unable to heat until the control board is replaced. Power cycling can clear lockout attempts, but the underlying relay failure will prevent any successful ignition until the board is replaced and reprogrammed.
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Failed relay contacts on control board | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- Call a technician — the IFC control board has a failed gas valve relay and must be replaced
- A technician should verify the relay failure diagnosis (vs. a faulty gas valve) using diagnostic measurements before ordering parts
- After board replacement and Bluetooth reprogramming, the technician should verify the gas valve opens and closes correctly through a test heating cycle
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026