Ruud UGPH-07EAMGR Furnace Error Code 2 Blinks (2-sec pause): Pressure Switch Is Open
What Does Code 2 Blinks (2-sec pause) Mean?
Two blinks of the green "OK" status LED followed by a 2-second pause on the UTEC 1012-925 board mean the pressure switch did not close within 60 seconds of the induced draft blower starting. The pressure switch proves that the draft blower is actually pulling combustion air and exhaust through the furnace before the board will allow the gas valve to open. When the switch stays open, the board halts the sequence, shuts the draft motor off for 5 minutes, and then retries.
This single-stage UGPH uses one draft motor and one pressure switch calibrated to that motor's airflow. The most common reason the switch will not close is a blocked or restricted vent or intake — snow, ice, debris, or a bird nest at the outdoor termination — which starves the draft. Other causes are a weak or failed pressure switch and a failing induced draft motor that can no longer generate enough suction.
This is the opposite fault to the 4-blink "pressure switch shorted" code on the same board. Two blinks means the switch fails to close when it should (it reads open and cannot prove venting), while four blinks means the switch is stuck closed when it should be open at rest. Both involve the venting-proof circuit but from opposite failure modes.
You can safely check the outdoor vent and intake terminations for obvious blockage and clear it, which resolves the most common cause. Testing the switch, measuring the draft motor's voltage, and inspecting the sensing hose all require a technician.
What You'll Notice
- The green status LED blinks twice, pauses about 2 seconds, then repeats
- You hear the draft/inducer motor start and run, but the burners never light
- The furnace waits, shuts the draft motor off, and retries roughly 5 minutes later
- No heat despite the thermostat calling for it
- In cold or snowy weather, the outdoor vent or intake termination may be visibly blocked by snow, ice, leaves, or a nest
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked vent or flue pipe | Most common | ✓ DIY fix → |
| Faulty pressure switch | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Failed induced draft motor | Uncommon | ✗ Call a pro → |
How This Is Diagnosed
The one homeowner-safe check is to look at the outdoor vent and intake terminations and clear any obvious snow, ice, leaves, or nesting material — a blocked vent is the most common cause and clearing it can restore operation on its own.
If the terminations are clear, a technician inspects the pressure-switch hose for kinks or trapped condensate, measures the draft motor's voltage and suction, and tests whether the switch actually closes at its rated pressure. The switch or draft motor is replaced as indicated; the switch is only condemned after adequate airflow has been confirmed.
How to Fix It: Clear the Exhaust Vent and Intake
What You'll Need
Steps
- Shut off power and gas before you start Turn off the furnace power switch or breaker and shut off the gas supply before inspecting. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company from outside.
- Inspect the vent termination outside Find where the furnace's exhaust (and intake, if present) pipe exits the wall or roof. Look for ice, snow, leaves, insect or bird nests, or other debris blocking the opening.
- Clear any blockage Gently remove debris by hand and use a flashlight to see into the pipe. Clear snow and ice away from the termination. Do not push objects deep into the pipe or disassemble the venting.
- Check the indoor vent path Make sure nothing — stored items, insulation — is leaning against or covering the vent pipe near the furnace, and confirm the pipe looks intact with no obviously disconnected sections.
- Restore power and gas and retry Reopen the gas supply, restore power, and let the furnace attempt to run. It may take a few minutes to cycle through.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- The 2-blink code stays after you have confirmed the outdoor vent and intake are clear
- The draft/inducer motor is noisy, runs slowly, or does not run at all
- The code appears in mild weather when nothing outside is blocked
- The furnace cycles on and off every 5 minutes without ever lighting
- You see condensate or water collecting around the pressure switch or its hose
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vent should I check outside?
On these furnaces the exhaust (and the intake, on two-pipe installations) terminates outside your home, often through a sidewall or the roof. Make sure the opening is clear of snow, ice, leaves, and nests, since anything blocking it can stop the pressure switch from closing.
Why does it wait 5 minutes between tries?
That pause is a built-in safety delay. After the switch fails to close within 60 seconds, the board stops the draft motor for 5 minutes before retrying so it isn't rapidly cycling on and off.
Is a 2-blink code an emergency?
It means the furnace won't heat, but the safety system is doing its job by refusing to light until venting is proven. Clear any obvious vent blockage; if it persists, have it diagnosed rather than trying to bypass the switch.
Sources
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026