SHORT CYCLE
Rheem · Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace
The furnace starts heating, runs for a few minutes, then shuts off before the house reaches the setpoint. This cycle repeats. The most common cause is a dirty air filter that restricts airflow across the heat exchanger, causing the high-limit switch to trip from overheating. Replace the air filter immediately. Other causes: undersized ductwork or too many closed registers (restricting return or supply air), a failed blower motor run capacitor (blower runs at reduced speed, insufficient airflow), an oversized furnace for the duct system, or a faulty thermostat sending intermittent signals. If the furnace consistently runs for exactly the same short period before shutting off, the high-limit switch is likely tripping — check airflow first.
Error SHORT CYCLE on the Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace means: Furnace Short Cycling — Shuts Off Too Soon. The top-ranked community fix is “Test and Replace Blower Motor Capacitor or Evaluate Furnace Sizing” (medium difficulty, ~60 min, DIY cost: $20-$40). 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.
While many furnace repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:
Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150-$250.
Normal — Heat Call Active
Rollout Switch Open
High-Stage Pressure Switch Open (Two-Stage Only)
System Lockout — Ignition Failed
Pressure Switch Stuck Closed
Pressure Switch Stuck Open
Flame Sensed Without Gas Valve Command
Power Reversed or No Ground
The Rheem Rheem R96V 96% AFUE Two-Stage Variable Speed Upflow Gas Furnace has 8 other known error codes:
Error code SHORT CYCLE also appears on 1 other Rheem model:
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