Lennox SLP98UHV Error Code E 207: Hot Surface Ignitor Sensed Open
What Does Code E 207 Mean?
The E 207 fault on the Lennox SLP98UHV means the SureLight control sees the hot surface ignitor circuit as open. In practice, the ignitor element has cracked, burned through, or a wire or connector has lost continuity, so the current the board expects to flow through it is missing. Without a working ignitor to glow and light the gas, this modulating furnace cannot start a heat cycle.
The hot surface ignitor is a brittle silicon-carbide or silicon-nitride element that glows extremely hot to ignite the burners. Repeated heating and cooling cycles gradually make it more fragile until the element finally cracks or opens — it is a normal wear item rather than a defect. On this control, an open ignitor is caught during the ignition sequence before gas is committed, which is why the furnace stops rather than continuing to try.
E 207 is directly related to E 290 (ignitor circuit fault). E 207 specifically reports the ignitor itself sensed open, while E 290 is the broader circuit fault that can also implicate the board's ignitor triggering circuitry. Both prevent ignition, and a technician often measures the ignitor's resistance to tell whether the ignitor or the driving circuit is at fault.
What You'll Notice
- No heat — the furnace runs its start-up sequence but the burners never light
- The ignitor does not glow when the furnace attempts to start
- The inducer and pre-purge run, then the unit stops without ignition
- The furnace short-cycles or sits idle and displays E 207
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Hot surface ignitor has cracked or burned out from age and repeated heating cycles | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
How This Is Diagnosed
A technician measures the electrical resistance of the hot surface ignitor with the power off. An infinite (open) reading, or one well outside specification, confirms a failed ignitor. Before condemning the part, they also inspect the ignitor's wiring harness and connector, since a loose or corroded connection can mimic an open element.
If the ignitor is open, it is replaced with the correct part for the SLP98UHV and the furnace is test-fired. If the ignitor measures good, the technician looks upstream at the board's ignitor circuit, which overlaps with the E 290 diagnosis.
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 will not ignite and displays E 207
- The ignitor does not glow when the furnace attempts to start
- The ignitor glows briefly but the code still returns
- A recently replaced ignitor has already failed
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hot surface ignitor last?
These ignitors are wear items whose life depends heavily on how often the furnace cycles, so lifespan varies. Frequent short cycling shortens it. When one fails with an E 207, replacement is the normal fix rather than repair.
Can I replace the ignitor on my Lennox SLP98UHV myself?
This code is marked for professional service. The ignitor is fragile and sits in the gas ignition path, and E 207 can also stem from wiring or the board's ignitor circuit, so a technician should measure it and confirm the true cause before replacing parts on this sealed communicating furnace.
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026