Payne PG80ESA Error Code 13: Limit Circuit Lockout

What Does Code 13 Mean?

Status code 13 on the Payne PG80ESA is a Limit Circuit Lockout. It is set when a limit switch, draft safeguard, flame rollout switch, or blocked vent switch (if used) stays open longer than 3 minutes. The Furnace Control CPU shuts the burners down and holds the lockout; it will auto-reset after three hours, or sooner if you cycle power.

Code 13 is the escalation of code 33. On this board a limit-circuit opening first shows as code 33 (an active Limit Circuit Fault, with the blower running to cool the heat exchanger); if that open condition simply will not clear within about three minutes, the control gives up and latches code 13. Because this is a single-stage, 80% furnace with a multi-speed ECM blower, the most frequent trigger is an airflow restriction that lets the heat exchanger overheat and open the high-temperature limit — most often a clogged filter or closed registers.

Not every trigger is a homeowner fix. The same limit circuit also carries the flame rollout and draft safeguard switches, which trip on combustion problems rather than plain airflow. Those are safety-critical and point to venting or combustion issues that a technician must inspect. Start with the filter and vents; if the code returns with clean airflow, the cause is elsewhere in the circuit.

What You'll Notice

• The furnace runs the blower but blows cool or room-temperature air because the burners have been shut off
• Heat stops after the system has been running for a while, often when it has been cold and the furnace has run long cycles
• The diagnostic LED flashes one short then three long flashes (code 13) and the furnace will not restart on its own for up to 3 hours
• The air filter is visibly gray, clogged, or overdue for replacement
• Some supply registers or return grilles are closed or blocked by furniture or rugs

Common Causes

How This Is Diagnosed

Because a dirty filter is by far the most common cause, that is checked first, along with closed or blocked registers and a dirty blower wheel — anything that starves airflow across the heat exchanger. If airflow is clearly restored and code 13 still returns, the search moves to the blower motor and capacitor (weak airflow) and to the individual switches and their wiring.

A technician distinguishes a plain high-limit trip from a flame rollout or draft safeguard trip, since those indicate a combustion or venting fault rather than airflow. A tripped flame rollout switch usually has a manual reset button and should never simply be reset without finding why it opened.

How to Fix It: Restore Airflow: Replace the Filter and Open the Vents

What You'll Need

• Replacement air filter (correct size for your system) 🛒 Find at FiltersFast · 🛒 Find at Amazon
• Flashlight

Steps

1. Turn off power at the breaker/switch and shut off the gas supply Set the furnace service switch and breaker to OFF, then turn the manual gas shutoff valve to OFF (handle perpendicular to the pipe). If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company from outside.
2. Replace the air filter Remove the filter from the return duct or furnace filter slot. If it is dirty, clogged, or older than about three months, install a new filter of the correct size with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace. A restrictive high-MERV filter on an already-dirty system can itself trigger the limit.
3. Open all supply and return vents Walk the house and make sure every supply register and return grille is fully open and clear of furniture, rugs, and curtains. Closing off too many rooms starves the blower and overheats the heat exchanger.
4. Inspect the blower wheel for dust With the power still off, shine a light through the blower access opening. Heavy dust caked on the blower wheel reduces airflow and can cause repeat limit trips; if it looks heavily loaded, note it for a technician rather than disassembling anything.
5. Restore power and gas, then reset and test Turn the gas valve and power back ON. The control clears code 13 automatically after 3 hours, or you can cycle power off for 30 seconds to reset immediately. Set the thermostat to call for heat and watch a full cycle.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:

• Code 13 returns even after the filter is replaced and all vents are open
• The flame rollout switch has tripped (it has a manual-reset button) — this signals a combustion or venting problem
• The blower runs weakly, cycles oddly, or makes unusual noise
• The heat exchanger area shows soot, or you suspect a blocked or disconnected vent
• The furnace keeps overheating within a single long call for heat

✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026