Rheem Error Code 29: Rheem Code 29 - Fan Motor Abnormality
Warning: Your Rheem unit has detected a problem with the fan motor and has shut down to prevent further damage. You will likely have no heat or hot water.
How to Fix Rheem Code 29
- Step 1: Check the vent for any visible obstructions like leaves, snow, or debris. Clear any blockages you can safely reach from the outside.
- Step 2: Reset the unit by turning off the power at the breaker for a few minutes, then turning it back on. This might clear a temporary error.
- Step 3: If the error persists after these steps, contact a qualified HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.
How to Reset Rheem Code 29
- 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 29 Mean?
Rheem error code 29 indicates an abnormality with the fan motor. This usually means the system's control board isn't receiving the expected feedback from the fan, or that the fan isn't operating within the expected speed range. The fan motor is responsible for exhausting combustion gases safely out of your home. When it malfunctions, the system shuts down as a safety precaution to prevent dangerous gases from building up inside your home. This code can appear on tankless water heaters or furnaces.
Common Causes
- Fan motor failure: The motor itself has failed due to age, wear, or electrical issues.
- Wiring problems: Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring between the control board and the fan motor.
- Blocked vent: Obstructions in the vent pipe restrict airflow, causing the fan motor to work harder and potentially trigger the error.
- Control board malfunction: The control board is not sending the correct voltage to the fan motor or is misinterpreting the fan's feedback signal.
Diagnostic Steps
| If... | Check | Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Fan motor is not running | Measure voltage at the fan motor connector on the control board during a call for heat/hot water | Appropriate voltage (typically 120VAC or 24VDC depending on the model) |
| Voltage is present at the fan motor | Measure the resistance of the fan motor windings | Specific resistance value according to the Rheem service manual for that model. Open winding = failed motor. |
| Venting appears obstructed | Measure static pressure in the vent pipe | Within the range specified in the Rheem installation manual. |
| Wiring looks suspect | Perform a continuity test on the wiring harness between the control board and the fan motor | Continuity on all wires, no shorts to ground. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft Inducer Motor | — | — | — |
| Control Board | — | — | — |
| Pressure Switch | — | — | — |
Related Codes on Same Models
Other codes that affect the same Rheem model families as 29.
| 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 |
| A053 | Fan Motor Open Circuit | Warning |
| A054 | Fan Motor Overcurrent | Warning |
| A055 | Fan Motor Locked | Warning |