Trane and American Standard E5 Error Code: Open thermal limit or rollout switch
Updated October 2026 · Sourced from Trane and American Standard documentation
🧭 Check a few things first
A thermal limit or the rollout switch is open. The manual says to verify continuity through the rollout switch, primary limit and reverse flow limit circuit.
Is it safe to keep running? Check the steps below first. Call a licensed HVAC technician. Never bypass any limit or rollout switch.
E5 at a glance
| Code / how it shows | Meaning | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| E5 Error code on the control display, with the red diagnostic LED blinking | Open thermal limit or rollout switch | Trane and American Standard A801X high efficiency gas furnaces (A801X060AM3S and related models) |
Check this first
Only steps a homeowner can do safely. Do not open electrical panels or the burner area.
- Replace a dirty air filter, then restore power and see if the code returns.
- Make sure supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs.
- Turn the furnace power switch or breaker off for 30 seconds, then back on, and see if the code clears.
🛑 Stop and call a licensed pro if
- Call a licensed HVAC technician. Never bypass any limit or rollout switch.
- You smell gas. Leave the house, do not touch switches, and call your gas utility from outside.
- Flame rollout, limit or pressure switch codes that come back after one reset.
- Anything involving the control board, gas valve, flame sensor, igniter or venting.
- A carbon monoxide alarm sounds. Get everyone outside and call 911 or the fire department.
Safe first steps for any Trane and American Standard code
- Count the LED flashes through the blower door window before you switch anything off. Cutting power can clear the code.
- Replace or clean the furnace air filter.
- Check the thermostat: correct mode, set above room temperature, and fresh batteries.
- Make sure the furnace power switch and breaker are on. If the furnace has locked out, turning the power off and back on once restarts it.
- Make sure the gas valve is in the ON position, following the lighting instructions on the furnace label only.
- On high-efficiency furnaces, look at the outside vent and intake pipes for snow, ice, leaves or nests (look only, do not take pipes apart).
Source: Trane Installation Manual 88-A801X004-1B-EN (11/2024), Table 13-1 Troubleshooting Chart, p.32. Codes are series-specific, so your unit's own manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Shaun Cain · Certified HVAC & Refrigeration Technician · Ask an HVAC technician
Related Trane and American Standard codes
E1 : Shorted pressure switchE2 : Open pressure switchE6 : Open limit or rollout (after 5 times)E7 : Ignition failure, locked outE8 : Flame loss, locked outFL : Flame lowFE : Gas valve relay stuck closedPr : Power reversedFo : Fuse open2 flashes : System lockout, retries or recycles exceeded3 flashes : Pressure switch fault4 flashes : Open limit switch