# How to Check a Flame Sensor on a Furnace
When you turn on your home furnace, the pilot light ignites the gas, which, in turn, ignites the burners. However, there is a safeguard in place that ensures the pilot is lit. This is the flame sensor. If the sensor does not detect a pilot flame, it then shuts off the gas valves. If your furnace isn't firing, despite a viable pilot light, then it could be a bad flame sensor.
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Steel wool
Instructions
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1
Turn off the power supply to your home furnace.
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2
Remove any screws on the front panel of the furnace and remove the front panel. Notice the metal rod-shaped flame sensor mounted next to the pilot light.
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3
Check the wiring at the base of the sensor to ensure it is properly plugged in and isn't loose. If it is, unplug, then plug it back in.
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4
Check the metal rod of the flame sensor. One common issue that comes up with flame sensors is that they don't function because they are dirty. Check the rod for soot and dirt that is caked on the rod.
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5
Clean the rod of dirt and grime with a steel wool pad.
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6
Replace the front panel of the furnace.
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1
Other Home Appliances
- How to Troubleshoot a Flame Sensor in a Nordyne Furnace
- How to Check a Dryer Flame Sensor
- How to Replace a Flame Sensor Heater
- How to Clean a Flame Sensor on a Lennox Elite Furnace
- How do I Troubleshoot an Induction Furnace?
- How to Troubleshoot the Flame Sensor in a Goodman Furnace
- How to Fix a Rolling Flame on a Furnace
- How to Clean a Flame Sensor
- How to Check an LP Furnace Combustion
- How to Check if the Flame Sensor Is Good in an Oil Stove
- How to Clean a Frigidaire Furnace Flame Sensor
- How to Test a Flame Sensor
