Rheem Error Code A053: Fan Motor Open Circuit
Warning: Your Rheem HVAC system has detected a fan motor open circuit. It's safe to operate, but you should schedule a professional repair soon.
How to Fix Rheem Code A053
- Turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat and the main power switch.
- Contact a professional Rheem HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
- Do not attempt to open the unit or repair the issue yourself, as this could cause further damage or injury.
How to Reset Rheem Code A053
- Turn off the unit using the power button on the front panel.
- Turn off the gas supply valve.
- Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit. Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power at the breaker, then open the gas valve.
- Turn the unit back on. If the error returns, the underlying issue needs repair.
Resetting clears the code from the display but does not fix the underlying fault. If the code returns after reset, proceed to the diagnostic steps above.
What Does Rheem Error Code A053 Mean?
The A053 error on your Rheem HVAC system indicates that there's an open circuit in the fan motor's electrical system. This could be due to a broken wire, a faulty motor, or a problem with the motor's control board. The system is still running, but the fan motor isn't getting the power it needs to operate. It's important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to your HVAC system.
Common Causes
- A broken or frayed wire in the fan motor's electrical circuit
- A faulty fan motor
- A problem with the fan motor's control board
Diagnostic Steps
| If... | Check | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| The fan motor isn't spinning when the system is running | Measure the resistance across the fan motor's terminals using a multimeter. | Infinite resistance (open circuit) |
| The fan motor is making unusual noises | Listen carefully to the motor while the system is running. | No unusual noises |
Applicable Rheem Models
- NCB(gas)
- NPE(electric)
- R801T(gas)
- R92E(electric)
- R92V(gas)
- RGE(gas)
- RH2T(electric)
- RNC(dual_fuel)
- RNE(electric)
- RNG(gas)
- RP16(electric)
- RPB(gas)
- RTGH(gas)
- Rheem Classic(gas)
- Rheem Classic 80 Plus(gas)
- Rheem Classic 80% Gas Furnace(gas)
- Rheem Classic 90 Plus(gas)
- Rheem Classic Plus Series(gas)
- Rheem Classic Series(dual_fuel)
- Rheem Prestige(gas)
- Rheem Prestige 95% Gas Furnace(gas)
- Rheem Prestige Series(gas)
Replacement Parts
| Part | OEM Number | Est. Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Motor | RHEEM 381000547 | — | Find Part |
| Fan Motor Control Board | RHEEM 381000546 | — | Find Part |
Related Codes on Same Models
Other codes that affect the same Rheem model families as A053.
| Code | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| A001 | Ignition Failure | Warning |
| A021 | Over-Temperature | Warning |
| A031 | Inlet Thermistor Open/Short | Warning |
| A041 | Outlet Thermistor Open/Short | Warning |
| A043 | Water Level Error | Warning |
| A051 | Fan Motor Abnormality | Warning |
| A052 | Fan Motor Speed Error | Warning |
| A054 | Fan Motor Overcurrent | Warning |
| A055 | Fan Motor Locked | Warning |
| A095 | DIP Switch Error | Warning |