HVAC Code Lookup

Payne Furnace Code 31

WarningShown as: 3 short flashes, 1 long flash

Pressure switch did not close or reopened. On the PG92ESA/PG95ESA this is the HPS: if it stays open for one minute after the gas valve closed (after three successive trials) the control locks out for 3 hours before retrying. On the two-stage PG96VTA, code 31 is the high-heat pressure switch or relay.

Manual wording: “31 HPS PRESSURE SWITCH DID NOT CLOSE OR REOPENED - If HPS remains open for one minute after gas valve closed (after three succesive trails), then furnace control will lockout for 3 hours before retry.”

Documented for: PG92ESA, PG95ESA, PG96VTA

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Excessive wind at the vent termination
  2. Restricted vent or improper vent sizing
  3. Defective inducer motor or low inducer voltage (115 VAC)
  4. Defective pressure switch
  5. Inadequate combustion air supply
  6. Disconnected or obstructed pressure tubing
  7. Condensate drainage restricted or blocked
  8. Low inlet gas pressure (if a low gas pressure switch is used)

What you can safely check yourself

  • Go outside and check the furnace intake and exhaust pipes for snow, ice, leaves, or a nest and clear any blockage
  • Check the condensate drain line and trap for a clog or standing water
  • Replace a dirty air filter

When to call a technician

If the vents are clear and the drain is open, the inducer motor, pressure switch, or tubing needs a technician. Never jumper a pressure switch to force the furnace to run.

A Payne furnace throwing this code repeatedly has a reason — clearing the code without fixing the cause just hides it.

Sources

Other Payne codes