Rheem R96VA0702317MSA Error Code 44: Low Pressure Switch Closed, Inducer Off

What Does Code 44 Mean?

Every time a heat call begins, the Rheem R96V Integrated Furnace Control (IFC) runs a self-check before it will energize the igniter. One part of that check is confirming that the low pressure switch is OPEN while the induced-draft motor is not yet running. On a 4-position condensing, two-stage furnace the pressure switches are the control's only proof that the sealed combustion and venting system is actually drawing a draft. If a switch reports a draft that cannot physically exist (inducer off), the IFC cannot trust it and refuses to start.

Code 44 means the low pressure switch was found closed during that at-rest test. The most common reasons are a switch that has welded or stuck in the closed position, or a switch that has been deliberately jumped or bypassed in the field so the furnace would keep running. Either way, the safety interlock that is supposed to prove venting is defeated, which is why Rheem classifies this as a serious condition rather than a simple no-start.

Code 44 is the opposite failure mode from codes 45 and 46, where the same low pressure switch is stuck OPEN when it should have closed. It also has a high-side twin, code 55, which reports the HIGH pressure switch closed with the inducer off. On this two-stage condensing design there are both a low and a high pressure switch, and the IFC tests each one independently, so it is important to read the exact code number rather than treat every pressure-switch fault the same.

With code 44 present the furnace will not run in gas heat, but cooling and fan modes should still operate normally if there is a call for them.

What You'll Notice

• The furnace produces no heat and the dual 7-segment display shows a flashing 44.
• The inducer motor never spins up and the igniter never glows, because the control fails its pre-start safety check.
• Cooling and blower-only fan operation still work normally when called.
• In some cases there is a visible added wire or jumper across the pressure switch terminals from a previous service call.
• The code returns immediately on every heat call rather than after the furnace has been running for a while.

Common Causes

How This Is Diagnosed

A technician first confirms the inducer really is off, then meters the low pressure switch for continuity while it is at rest. A correctly working switch reads open (no continuity) with no draft; if it reads closed, the switch is either welded shut or has been bypassed. The tech inspects the switch terminals and harness for any field-added jumper, checks the wiring back to the control, and confirms the reading follows the switch and not a wiring short. The logical isolation order is: verify the inducer is not running, measure the switch at rest, look for a bypass or jumper, then confirm with a known-good replacement switch. On this model the low switch is distinguished from the high switch and from the inducer's low versus high speed states, so the tech confirms which switch is being tested before condemning a part.

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 display shows 44 and the furnace will not begin a heat cycle at all.
• There is a jumper wire or any added connection across the pressure switch that was not installed by the factory.
• Code 44 returns immediately every time heat is called, even after power has been cycled.
• The furnace was recently serviced and started showing 44 afterward, suggesting a bypass was left in place.

✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026