Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace 9 FLASH Error Fix: Grounding Problem — Flame Sense Affected

The IFC has detected a grounding issue that is affecting the flame sensing circuit. The flame rectification method used by Rheem (and most modern furnaces) requires a proper electrical path through the burner flame from the flame sensor rod to the grounded burner assembly. If the furnace chassis is not properly bonded to earth ground, or if a dielectric (insulating) union in the gas piping is interrupting the ground path, the flame sense signal will be weak or absent. Verify the furnace is properly grounded. Check that there is electrical continuity between the burner assembly, the furnace chassis, and the house ground. In some installations, a separate bonding wire from the gas manifold to the furnace chassis may be needed.

warning2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error 9 FLASH on the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace means: Grounding Problem — Flame Sense Affected. The top-ranked community fix is “Install a Ground Bond Wire Between Gas Manifold and Furnace Chassis” (medium difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $10-$20). 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 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

3 FLASH

Pressure Switch Stuck Closed

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

People Also Ask About Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace Error 9 FLASH

What does error code 9 FLASH mean on a Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace?

Error code 9 FLASH on the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace means: Grounding Problem — Flame Sense Affected. The IFC has detected a grounding issue that is affecting the flame sensing circuit. The flame rectification method used by Rheem (and most modern furnaces) requires a proper electrical path through the burner flame from the flame sensor rod to the grounded burner assembly. If the furnace chassis is not properly bonded to earth ground, or if a dielectric (insulating) union in the gas piping is interrupting the ground path, the flame sense signal will be weak or absent. Verify the furnace is properly grounded. Check that there is electrical continuity between the burner assembly, the furnace chassis, and the house ground. In some installations, a separate bonding wire from the gas manifold to the furnace chassis may be needed.

How do I fix error code 9 FLASH on my Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace?

The most successful fix is "Install a Ground Bond Wire Between Gas Manifold and Furnace Chassis" (medium difficulty, ~45 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $10-$20. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code 9 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 9 FLASH myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Install a Ground Bond Wire Between Gas Manifold and Furnace Chassis") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. Tools needed: 1/4" nut driver, Wire stripper, Multimeter, Grounding screws or clamps.

How much does it cost to repair Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace error 9 FLASH?

DIY cost: $10-$20. 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), 3 FLASH (Pressure Switch Stuck Closed), and 3 more.

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)
3 FLASH — Pressure Switch Stuck Closed (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)

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