Coleman DGAA056BDTA Error Code 5 Flashes: Gas Flow With No Call for Heat
What Does Code 5 Flashes Mean?
A 5-flash code on the Coleman DGAA056BDTA is one of the most serious conditions the Integrated Ignition Control can report. It means the board is sensing gas flow when there is no active heating cycle and no call for heat from the thermostat. Under normal operation the gas valve should be fully closed whenever the furnace is idle.
This fault typically means the gas valve is stuck open mechanically, or the valve is receiving voltage through a wiring fault that bypasses the control's normal safety logic. Either way, gas can reach the burners when it should not, which is why the manual directs the check to the gas valve and its wiring. On this single-stage furnace there is one main gas valve, so a 5-flash code focuses attention on that valve and its circuit.
Unlike the ignition or venting codes on this board, which stop the furnace from lighting, a 5-flash fault is about gas being present when it should be absent. Treat it as an immediate safety issue rather than a routine no-heat call.
What You'll Notice
- The green LED behind the blower-door view port flashes five times, pauses about two seconds, then repeats
- You may smell gas near the furnace even when it is not in a heating cycle
- The burners appear lit or the furnace seems to run when the thermostat is not calling for heat
- The furnace behaves erratically — cycling or heating at times it should be idle
- The fault stays present after normal cycles, indicating the valve is not fully closing
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Gas valve stuck open | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Gas valve wiring fault | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
How This Is Diagnosed
This is strictly a professional diagnosis because it involves the gas valve. After making the system safe, a technician confirms whether gas is actually flowing with the valve de-energized and checks the valve's wiring for a fault or crossed circuit that could energize it unexpectedly. They verify the control board is commanding the valve correctly and test the valve itself for a mechanical stick or leak-through.
The goal is to determine whether the fault is the valve failing to seat or the board/wiring sending it power when it should be off. A gas valve that will not close reliably is replaced rather than repaired. If you see this code, do not attempt these checks yourself — shut off gas and power and call a technician.
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 furnace shows 5 flashes at all — shut off the gas supply and furnace power first, then call for service
- You smell gas near the furnace or anywhere in the home (leave immediately and call your gas company)
- The furnace appears to run or the burners light with no thermostat call for heat
- The 5-flash code remains after the furnace completes a normal heating cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 5-flash code dangerous?
Yes, treat it as a safety issue. It means the control is detecting gas flow when the furnace should be idle, which can indicate a gas valve that is not closing properly. Shut off the gas supply and power to the furnace and call a qualified HVAC technician right away.
What should I do first when I see 5 flashes?
Turn the manual gas shutoff valve on the gas line to OFF, then turn off electrical power to the furnace at the breaker. Do not try to restart or diagnose it yourself. If you smell gas, leave the home immediately and call your gas company before anything else.
Can this be fixed without replacing the gas valve?
It depends on the cause — a wiring fault energizing the valve can sometimes be corrected, but a valve that is mechanically stuck open is replaced rather than repaired. Only a qualified technician should determine which it is, since the work involves the gas system.
Sources
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026