White Rodgers 21M51U-843 Wiring Diagram Download Page 3

LAST FAULT MODE

To retrieve fault codes, push and release the "LAST ERROR" 

button for more than 1/5 second and less than 5 seconds. 

(Control will indicate this period by solid GREEN for 1/5 to 

5 seconds). The LED will flash up to five stored fault codes, 

beginning with the most recent. If there are no fault codes in 

memory, the LED will flash two green flashes. The control will 

flash the most recent error first and the oldest error last (last in 

first out). There shall be 2 seconds between codes. Solid LED 

error codes will not be displayed.

DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

The 50M51 control continuously monitors its own operation and 

the operation of the system. If a failure occurs, the red LED on the 

control will flash a failure code. 

If the failure is internal to the 

control, the light will stay on. In this case, the entire control 

should be replaced, as the control is not field-repairable. 

If the sensed failure is in the system (external to control), the 

LED will flash in the following flash-pause sequences to indicate 

failure status (each flash will last approximately 0.25 seconds, 

and each pause will last approximately 2 seconds.)
During a second-stage error condition, the red LED when in 

lockout will flash groups of double pulses. The red LED will flash 

on for approximately 1/15 second then off for 1/15 second then 

on for 1/15 second, then off for 3/10 second. The pause between 

groups of flashes is approximately 2 seconds.

DIAGNOSTIC TABLE

Green 

LED 

Flash

Amber 

LED 

Flash

Red LED 

Flash

Error/Condition

Comments/Troubleshooting

1

Flame sensed when no flame should 

be present

Verify the gas valve is operating and shutting down properly. Flame in burner 

assemble should extinguish promptly at the end of the cycle. Check orifices and 

gas pressure.

2

Pressure switch stuck closed/ inducer error

Pressure switch stuck closed. Check switch function, verify inducer is turning off.

3

1st-stage pressure switch stuck open/inducer 

error         

Check pressure switch function and tubing. Verify inducer is turning on the pulling 

sufficient vacuum to engage switch.

4

Open limit switch

Verify continuity through rollout switch circuit.

5

Open rollout/open fuse detect

Verify continuity through rollout switch circuit, check fuse.

6

1st-stage pressure switch cycle lockout

if the first stage pressure switch cycles 5 times (open, closed) during one call 

for heat from the thermostat the control will lockout. Check pressure switch for 

fluttering, inconsistent closure or poor vacuum pressure.

7

External lockout (retries)

Failure to sense flame is often caused by carbon deposits on the flame sensor, a 

disconnected or shorted flame sensor lead or a poorly grounded furnace. Carbon 

deposits can be cleaned with emery cloth. Verify sensor is not contacting the 

burner and is located in a good position to sense flame. Check sensor lead for 

shorting and verify furnace is grounded properly.

8

External lockout (ignition recycles exceeded 

where flame is established and then lost)

Check items for exceeded retries listed above and verify valve is not dropping out 

allowing flame to be established and then lost.

9

Grounding or Reversed polarity

Verify the control and furnace are properly grounded. Check and reverse polarity 

(primary) if incorrect.

10

Module gas valve contacts energized with no 

call for heat

Verify valve is not receiving voltage from a short. If a valve wiring is correct and 

condition persists, replace module.

11

Limit switch open – possible blower failure 

overheating limit

Possible blower failure, restricted air flow through appliance or duct work. Verify 

continuity through limit switch circuit and correct overheating cause.

12

Module Ignitor contact failure

Fault code indicates the module ignitor contacts are not functioning properly. 

Replace module.

Solid

Module - internal fault condition

Module contacts for gas valve not operating or processor fault. Reset control. if 

condition persists replace module.

Rapid

Twinning error

Check wire connections. If condition persists, replace module.

3 double

2nd-stage Pressure Switch Stuck Open/Inducer 

Error

Check pressure switch function and tubing. Verify inducer is turning on and 

pulling sufficient vacuum to engage switch.

1

Normal Operation with call for first stage heat

Normal operation - first stage

2

Normal Operation with call for second stage heat

Normal operation - first stage

3

W2 present with no W1

Second stage call for heat on thermostat circuit with no call for first stage. Verify 

dip switches are set for two stage thermostat and check thermostat first stage 

circuit. Configured for a multi-stage thermostat the Module will not initiate heating 

unless first stage call from thermostat is received.

4

Y present with no G call

Module will allow cooling to operate with only a "Y signal from the thermostat but 

will also trigger this code. Verify thermostat is energizing both "Y" and "G" on call 

for cool. Check "G" terminal connections.

Rapid

Low flame sense current

Low flame sense current is often caused by carbon deposits on the flame sensor, 

a poorly grounded furnace or a mis-aligned flame sense probe. Carbon deposits 

can be cleaned with emery cloth. Check for improve furnace and module ground. 

Verify sensor is located in or very near flame as specified by the appliance 

manufacturer.

1

Standby or Call for Cool

Normal operation. Waiting for call from thermostat or receiving thermostat 

call for cool.

INTEGRATED

FURNACE CONTROLS

21M51U-843 

DIAGNOSTIC TABLE

www.white-rodgers.com

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