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ErrBase

Lennox Furnace E228 Error Code: Inducer Motor Fault

Quick Answer

Lennox furnace E228 is an inducer motor fault. The inducer (draft blower) failed to start, stalled during operation, or is not meeting speed requirements detected by the control board. Start by checking the run capacitor on the inducer motor, which is a common and inexpensive fix.

Lennox furnace E228 is an inducer motor fault. The inducer (draft blower) failed to start, stalled during operation, or is not meeting speed requirements detected by the control board. Start by checking the run capacitor on the inducer motor, which is a common and inexpensive fix. A failed capacitor causes the motor to hum but not spin or to run at low RPM. If the capacitor tests good (within 5% of rated MFD), the inducer motor assembly itself has failed. Lennox SL280V and EL296V inducer assemblies cost $90-200 depending on model; replacement requires a technician due to the attached housing and condensate connections.

LennoxFurnaceSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate76% DIY Success
Time to Fix
30–180 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$15 – $200
Tools Needed
Multimeter with capacitance (uF) setting, Clamp meter (for running amperage)
Wrong code?

Not seeing E228 on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

all lennox furnace error codes
HUB
pressure switch fault, condensate drain clog
E223
fault code reset procedure
RESET

What Does the E228 Code Mean?

Inducer motor stalled or failed to reach speed. Test the run capacitor first. If good, the motor assembly has failed.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Run capacitor failure preventing inducer motor from starting40%
Inducer motor winding failure or seized bearings24%
Control board not providing correct operating voltage to inducer22%
Bearing wear causing increased rotational resistance14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • E228 displayed on the Lennox SL280V or EL296V control board
  • Furnace completely silent on heat call (inducer does not start)
  • Inducer hums loudly but does not spin at startup
  • Inducer starts briefly then stops with a grinding or squealing noise
  • No heat with no other fault codes preceding E228

Can you reset a Lennox furnace to clear the E228 code?

After replacing the run capacitor or inducer motor, set the thermostat to OFF for 30 seconds then back to HEAT. E228 will clear after the inducer completes a successful preheat cycle. If E228 returns immediately on startup, the inducer motor has not been fully resolved. Flip the circuit breaker off for 30 seconds and retry after confirming the repair.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Multimeter with capacitance (uF) settingClamp meter (for running amperage)FlashlightScrewdrivers (flathead and Phillips)Work gloves

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Turn off power at the circuit breaker

Turn off power at the circuit breaker. With power off, try to spin the inducer motor wheel by hand through the inducer housing. On most Lennox models the inducer assembly is accessible in the upper cabinet section. Spin the wheel: it should rotate freely with only slight magnetic resistance. If the wheel is stiff, rough, or will not turn, the bearings are seized.

2

Locate the run capacitor near the inducer motor

3

Restore power and initiate a heat call

4

Check the inducer motor's running amperage with a clamp meter

5

Inspect the inducer wheel through the blower port (accessible

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Lennox Inducer Motor Assembly10L77 · $90–$200
Inducer Run CapacitorCPT00968 · $15–$30

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $108 (Parts) vs $3400 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just the inducer motor on a Lennox SL280V or do I need the full assembly?
On most Lennox SL280V and EL296V models, the inducer motor is available as a complete assembly (motor, wheel, and housing together) or sometimes as just the motor and wheel without the housing. The complete assembly is generally recommended because the housing also holds the pressure port, condensate connections, and gasket interfaces. Replacing just the motor requires the original housing to be in good condition and for the new motor shaft dimensions to match exactly.
How do I know if the Lennox inducer motor or the capacitor is the problem?
The easiest test is a spin test: with power off, manually spin the inducer wheel. If it spins freely, the bearings are fine and the capacitor is likely failed. If it is stiff or does not spin, the bearings are seized and the motor needs replacement regardless of capacitor condition. Confirm with a capacitor test using a multimeter in capacitance mode: a capacitor reading more than 5% below its rated MFD value is failed.
Why is the Lennox SL280V inducer motor a common failure point?
The Lennox SL280V inducer motor is mounted in a humid environment where condensate passes through or near the housing. Over time, moisture from condensate can corrode the motor bearings and affect the windings. The SL280V is also a high-efficiency two-stage furnace that runs the inducer at variable speeds, which puts more thermal cycling stress on the motor bearings than a single-speed inducer. Most SL280V inducer motors are reliable for 10-15 years before showing issues.
How much does it cost to replace the inducer motor on a Lennox furnace?
The inducer motor assembly for a Lennox SL280V or EL296V costs $90-200 for the part depending on BTU rating and model year. Labor adds $150-250 from an HVAC technician. Total repair typically runs $250-450 installed. If the furnace is more than 15-18 years old, replacing the full furnace may be more economical than investing in a major component repair.
What happens if I run my Lennox furnace with a weak inducer motor?
A weak inducer motor that still starts but does not reach full operating RPM will cause E223 (pressure switch not closing) to appear alongside or before E228, because the reduced draft is insufficient to close the pressure switch. Running the furnace repeatedly in this state cycles the inducer through repeated failed starts that rapidly degrade the motor windings further. Address E228 promptly rather than resetting and hoping the inducer recovers.

Related Lennox Furnace Error Codes

Code: HUBLennox Furnace Error Codes: Complete SL280V and EL296V Fault ReferenceCode: E223Lennox Furnace E223 Error Code: Pressure Switch Circuit FaultCode: RESETHow to Reset a Lennox Furnace

Models Known to Experience E228 Errors

This repair applies to most Lennox furnaces with this error code. Common model numbers include:

SL280V, EL296V, XC21, SL297NV, EL180UH

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026