York Error Code R6: Gas Valve Failure

Severity
Critical
Type
digital display
Estimated repair cost: $200 — $500 (parts + labor)
Warning: This error indicates a problem with the gas valve, which could lead to a dangerous gas leak or explosion. Shut down the furnace immediately and call for professional service.

How to Fix York Code R6

  1. Step 1: Immediately turn off the furnace at the breaker. This will stop any further attempts to ignite gas.
  2. Step 2: Shut off the manual gas shutoff valve located near the furnace.
  3. Step 3: Evacuate the premises. Contact your local gas utility company or a qualified HVAC technician immediately from a safe location. Do not attempt to troubleshoot the issue yourself.

How to Reset York Code R6

  1. Turn off the furnace power switch, usually located on or near the unit.
  2. Turn off the circuit breaker for the furnace. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Restore power at the breaker and flip the furnace switch back on.
  4. Set the thermostat to call for heat. If the error code returns after 2-3 ignition attempts, the fault requires 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 York Error Code R6 Mean?

The R6 error code on your York furnace indicates a 'Gas Valve Failure'. This means the furnace control board isn't detecting the gas valve opening or closing properly, or that the valve isn't responding to the board's commands. The gas valve is responsible for safely controlling the flow of natural gas to the burners for combustion. If the valve malfunctions, it can either prevent the furnace from heating or, more seriously, cause a dangerous buildup of gas. Because natural gas is both flammable and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, this is a serious issue that needs immediate attention.

Common Causes

  • Faulty gas valve solenoid(s) not opening/closing
  • Wiring issue between the control board and the gas valve
  • Defective furnace control board not sending the correct voltage to the gas valve
  • Low gas pressure preventing the valve from operating correctly
  • Gas valve is physically blocked or jammed

Diagnostic Steps

If... Check Expected
Furnace displays R6 error Measure voltage at the gas valve terminals during a call for heat 24VAC
Gas valve voltage is present Measure the resistance across the gas valve solenoid coil(s) Typically between 1000-2000 ohms (refer to the valve's specifications)
Gas valve voltage is absent Check continuity of the wiring harness between the control board and the gas valve Good continuity on all wires
Wiring is good, but no voltage at the valve Check the output voltage from the control board's gas valve relay during a call for heat 24VAC

Applicable York Models

Replacement Parts

Part OEM Number Est. Cost Where to Buy
Gas Valve 024-36378-000 — Find Part
Furnace Control Board S1-33102944001 — Find Part
Gas Pressure Switch — — —

Related Codes on Same Models

Other codes that affect the same York model families as R6.

Code Description Severity
A4 Improper Thermostat Wiring Warning
AF Low Flame Current Critical
R1 Flame Without Call Critical
R2 Pressure Switch Stuck Closed Warning
R3 Pressure Switch Stuck Open Warning
R4 High Limit Switch Open Warning
R5 Rollout Switch Open Critical
R7 Ignition Lockout Critical
R9 Reversed Polarity Critical