Amana AMVM970803BN Error Code E16: Return Air Temperature Sensor Shorted (External)
What Does Code E16 Mean?
Code E16 on the Amana AMVM970803BN means the external return air temperature sensor circuit is shorted. The temperature reading from this sensor will not appear in the CoolCloud HVAC App, but the furnace itself continues to operate and heat your home — this is a monitoring fault, not a shutdown.
The AMVM970803BN uses these temperature sensors to feed the CoolCloud app comfort and diagnostic features rather than to run basic heating. A short is typically caused by damaged sensor terminals or conductors, or by a shorted PCB connector — notably, if the short is reported even with the probe unplugged, the fault is on the board side. Heating continues regardless.
This code belongs to the temperature-sensor family on this board: E15/E16 are the external return-air sensor (open/short), E17/E18 are the external supply-air sensor (open/short), and E19/E1A are the onboard return-air sensor (unplugged/short). They are grouped together because each simply removes one temperature reading from the app while heating continues.
What You'll Notice
- The furnace heats normally but the return-air value is missing or wrong in the CoolCloud app
- The display shows E16
- The fault may follow recent work near the sensor wiring
- No effect on actual heating output
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical short in sensor probe terminals or conductors | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Shorted PCB connector | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Faulty PCB | Uncommon | ✗ Call a pro → |
How This Is Diagnosed
A technician inspects the sensor probe terminals and conductors for a short. A useful check is to report whether E16 still appears with the probe unplugged — if it does, the short is in the PCB connector rather than the probe.
Because this is a monitoring sensor, the furnace continues to operate while the short is traced and corrected.
When to Call a Professional
This code involves components that are not homeowner-serviceable, so have a licensed HVAC technician diagnose and repair it. Keep in mind:
- The return-air reading remains absent or incorrect in the CoolCloud app
- E16 continues even after a power cycle
- You want full CoolCloud diagnostics restored
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E16 an emergency?
No. It is a low-severity fault affecting only the return-air reading in the CoolCloud app. The furnace continues heating normally.
How can a technician tell if the board is at fault?
If E16 still shows with the sensor probe unplugged, the short is on the PCB connector side rather than the probe or its wiring.
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026