Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace 8 FLASH Error Fix: Igniter Circuit Failure

Error code 8 FLASH on the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace means: Igniter Circuit Failure. The hot surface igniter (HSI) is not drawing the expected electrical current. The furnace control board sends voltage to the igniter and monitors current draw — if the igniter does not draw current, this code is set. The igniter may be cracked (visible hairline fracture in the silicon carbide or silicon nitride element), have an open circuit from heat fatigue, or have a loose or corroded wire connection. Remove the igniter and inspect visually for cracks. Measure resistance with a multimeter: a good silicon carbide igniter reads 40-100 ohms; silicon nitride reads 10-30 ohms at room temperature. An open reading (infinite/OL) confirms failure. Replace with the correct OEM or universal igniter. Handle the new igniter carefully — do not touch the heating element with bare fingers as skin oils can cause hot spots and premature failure.

The most successful fix is "Test and Replace the Hot Surface Igniter" (hard difficulty, ~60 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $40-$60. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

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

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test and Replace the Hot Surface Igniter") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 60 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Clean gloves or cloth.

DIY cost: $40-$60. Professional repair typically costs $150-$220. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

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), 3 FLASH (Pressure Switch Stuck Closed), and 3 more.

Error code 8 FLASH also appears on 2 other Rheem models: Rheem Professional Classic 50 Gal. 38,000 BTU Natural Gas Water Heater, 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.