Furnace starts inducer but will not ignite; LED status light flashes three times repeatedly.

Safety: Shut off power before servicing. Do not operate the furnace with venting disconnected.

Steps to check:

• Check outdoor venting: Inspect the furnace exhaust and intake terminations outside. Remove snow, ice, leaves, or animal nests. Ensure vent screens are clear.
• Inspect inducer motor: Remove the burner compartment door and watch the inducer when a heat call starts. It should start smoothly and run at full speed. Listen for grinding or humming. If it fails to start or is noisy, the inducer assembly may need replacement.
• Examine pressure tubing: Ensure the rubber tube from the inducer housing to the pressure switch is firmly attached, not kinked, and not brittle. Replace if cracked or loose.
• Test pressure switch: With a multimeter, check that the switch closes (shows continuity) a few seconds after the inducer starts. If it never closes despite good venting and a running inducer, replace the pressure switch with a Maytag-approved part.

When to call a technician: If the flue appears restricted internally, if the inducer motor is weak or noisy, or if you are unsure about combustion safety, contact a professional.