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5 Flashes

A.O. Smith · GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater

A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater 5 Flashes Error Fix: Temperature Sensor Failure

The temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed — it is reading open circuit or short circuit. The gas control valve cannot accurately monitor water temperature without a functioning sensor. The temperature sensor is typically integrated into the gas control valve on newer models. Check the sensor wire connections. If the sensor is a separate component, measure its resistance — it should change proportionally with temperature (typically 10K-50K ohms at room temperature). Replace the sensor or gas control valve as needed.

High severity2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error 5 Flashes on the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater means: Temperature Sensor Failure. The top-ranked community fix is “Test and Replace Temperature Sensor or Gas Control Valve” (medium difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $10-$20). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · water heater

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many water heater repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

This is a high severity error — continued use may cause damage or a safety hazard
The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $250-$400.

Other A.O. Smith Models with Error 5 Flashes

GCR-40 ProLine 40 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine Gas Water Heater with Energy Saver

water_heater · 2 fixes

GNVR-50 ProMax Gas 50 Gal 40,000 BTU ProMax Gas Water Heater with Electronic Ignition

water_heater · 2 fixes

GPVT-50 Power Vent 50 Gal 38,000 BTU Power Vent Gas Water Heater with Electronic Ignition

water_heater · 2 fixes

Other A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater Error Codes

1 Flash

Normal Operation

2 fixes

2 Flashes

Thermopile Voltage Low

2 fixes

4 Flashes

Temperature Exceeded High Limit

2 fixes

7 Flashes

Gas Control Valve Failure

2 fixes

8 Flashes

Loss of Pilot Signal

2 fixes

People Also Ask About A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater Error 5 Flashes

What does error code 5 Flashes mean on a A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater?

Error code 5 Flashes on the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater means: Temperature Sensor Failure. The temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed — it is reading open circuit or short circuit. The gas control valve cannot accurately monitor water temperature without a functioning sensor. The temperature sensor is typically integrated into the gas control valve on newer models. Check the sensor wire connections. If the sensor is a separate component, measure its resistance — it should change proportionally with temperature (typically 10K-50K ohms at room temperature). Replace the sensor or gas control valve as needed.

How do I fix error code 5 Flashes on my A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater?

The most successful fix is "Test and Replace Temperature Sensor or Gas Control Valve" (medium difficulty, ~45 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $10-$20. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code 5 Flashes on a A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater serious?

This error is rated high severity. You should address it promptly — continued use could cause damage or safety concerns.

Can I fix A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater error 5 Flashes myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test and Replace Temperature Sensor or Gas Control Valve") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Electrical contact cleaner.

How much does it cost to repair A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater error 5 Flashes?

DIY cost: $10-$20. Professional repair typically costs $250-$400. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater have?

The A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater has 5 other known error codes, including: 1 Flash (Normal Operation), 2 Flashes (Thermopile Voltage Low), 4 Flashes (Temperature Exceeded High Limit), 7 Flashes (Gas Control Valve Failure), 8 Flashes (Loss of Pilot Signal).

Which other A.O. Smith models have the 5 Flashes error?

Error code 5 Flashes also appears on 3 other A.O. Smith models: GCR-40 ProLine 40 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine Gas Water Heater with Energy Saver, GNVR-50 ProMax Gas 50 Gal 40,000 BTU ProMax Gas Water Heater with Electronic Ignition, GPVT-50 Power Vent 50 Gal 38,000 BTU Power Vent Gas Water Heater with Electronic Ignition. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater have?

The A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProLine XE 50 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine XE Power Vent Gas Water Heater has 5 other known error codes:

1 Flash — Normal Operation (2 fixes)
2 Flashes — Thermopile Voltage Low (2 fixes)
4 Flashes — Temperature Exceeded High Limit (2 fixes)
7 Flashes — Gas Control Valve Failure (2 fixes)
8 Flashes — Loss of Pilot Signal (2 fixes)

Which other A.O. Smith models have the 5 Flashes error?

Error code 5 Flashes also appears on 3 other A.O. Smith models:

GCR-40 ProLine 40 Gal 38,000 BTU ProLine Gas Water Heater with Energy Saver (water heater) · 2 fixes
GNVR-50 ProMax Gas 50 Gal 40,000 BTU ProMax Gas Water Heater with Electronic Ignition (water heater) · 2 fixes
GPVT-50 Power Vent 50 Gal 38,000 BTU Power Vent Gas Water Heater with Electronic Ignition (water heater) · 2 fixes

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