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3 FLASH

Rheem · Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace

Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace 3 FLASH Error Fix: Pressure Switch Stuck Closed

The pressure switch is reading as CLOSED before the inducer (draft) motor has started. The pressure switch monitors the draft created by the inducer motor and should only close when the inducer is running and creating proper airflow through the heat exchanger and vent. Possible causes: a faulty pressure switch with mechanically welded contacts, condensate (water) trapped in the pressure switch or its rubber hose — this is very common in condensing 90%+ AFUE furnaces that produce acidic condensate. Disconnect the pressure switch hose, drain any water, and reconnect. If the switch still reads closed with the hose disconnected, replace the pressure switch.

warning2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error 3 FLASH on the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace means: Pressure Switch Stuck Closed. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace Faulty Pressure Switch” (medium difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $15-$25). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · furnace

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 furnace repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

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: $150-$250.

Other Rheem Models with Error 3 FLASH

Rheem R801T 80% AFUE Single-Stage Upflow Gas Furnace

furnace · 2 fixes

Other Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace Error Codes

1 FLASH

Normal — Heat Call Active

Rollout Switch Open

High-Stage Pressure Switch Open (Two-Stage Only)

2 fixes

2 FLASH

System Lockout — Ignition Failed

2 fixes

4 FLASH

Pressure Switch Stuck Open

2 fixes

5 FLASH

Flame Sensed Without Gas Valve Command

2 fixes

6 FLASH

Power Reversed or No Ground

2 fixes

7 FLASH

Low Flame Signal

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace Error 3 FLASH

What does error code 3 FLASH mean on a Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace?

Error code 3 FLASH on the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace means: Pressure Switch Stuck Closed. The pressure switch is reading as CLOSED before the inducer (draft) motor has started. The pressure switch monitors the draft created by the inducer motor and should only close when the inducer is running and creating proper airflow through the heat exchanger and vent. Possible causes: a faulty pressure switch with mechanically welded contacts, condensate (water) trapped in the pressure switch or its rubber hose — this is very common in condensing 90%+ AFUE furnaces that produce acidic condensate. Disconnect the pressure switch hose, drain any water, and reconnect. If the switch still reads closed with the hose disconnected, replace the pressure switch.

How do I fix error code 3 FLASH on my Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace?

The most successful fix is "Replace Faulty Pressure Switch" (medium difficulty, ~45 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $15-$25. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code 3 FLASH on a Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace serious?

This error is rated warning severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Can I fix Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace error 3 FLASH myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Faulty Pressure Switch") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Needle-nose pliers.

How much does it cost to repair Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace error 3 FLASH?

DIY cost: $15-$25. Professional repair typically costs $150-$250. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace have?

The Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace has 8 other known error codes, including: 1 FLASH (Normal — Heat Call Active), 10 FLASH (Rollout Switch Open), 11 FLASH (High-Stage Pressure Switch Open (Two-Stage Only)), 2 FLASH (System Lockout — Ignition Failed), 4 FLASH (Pressure Switch Stuck Open), and 3 more.

Which other Rheem models have the 3 FLASH error?

Error code 3 FLASH also appears on 1 other Rheem model: Rheem R801T 80% AFUE Single-Stage Upflow Gas Furnace. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace have?

The Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace has 8 other known error codes:

1 FLASH — Normal — Heat Call Active (2 fixes)
10 FLASH — Rollout Switch Open (2 fixes)
11 FLASH — High-Stage Pressure Switch Open (Two-Stage Only) (2 fixes)
2 FLASH — System Lockout — Ignition Failed (2 fixes)
4 FLASH — Pressure Switch Stuck Open (2 fixes)
5 FLASH — Flame Sensed Without Gas Valve Command (2 fixes)
6 FLASH — Power Reversed or No Ground (2 fixes)
7 FLASH — Low Flame Signal (2 fixes)

Which other Rheem models have the 3 FLASH error?

Error code 3 FLASH also appears on 1 other Rheem model:

Rheem R801T 80% AFUE Single-Stage Upflow Gas Furnace (furnace) · 2 fixes

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