E12
Bryant Thermostat Power / C-Wire Fault

Thermostat displays E12 and shows a low-voltage or power supply error; screen may dim or reboot intermittently.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Missing or loose C-wire connection at thermostat or indoor control board, Undersized or damaged thermostat cable causing voltage drop, Blown low-voltage fuse on Bryant indoor control board, Failed internal power supply circuit in thermostat

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power to the furnace/air handler at the breaker before working on low-voltage wiring.

Steps to troubleshoot:

  • 1. Verify C-wire presence: Remove the thermostat and confirm that a wire is connected to the C terminal on the wall plate and at the indoor control board. If no C-wire is present, a dedicated C-wire or Bryant-approved power accessory is required.
  • 2. Tighten connections: At the indoor unit, locate the C terminal on the control board and ensure the thermostat’s C conductor is firmly attached. Tighten any loose screws.
  • 3. Inspect cable: Check the thermostat cable for damage, splices, or signs of overheating. Replace damaged cable with new 18/5 thermostat wire.
  • 4. Check low-voltage fuse: Inspect the indoor control board’s low-voltage fuse and replace if blown, after correcting any shorts.
  • 5. Test voltage: With power restored, a technician can measure between R and C at the thermostat to confirm 24 VAC. If proper voltage is present but E12 persists, the thermostat’s internal power circuit may be faulty.
  • 6. Replace thermostat if needed: If all wiring and board checks pass, replace the Bryant smart thermostat.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Bryant Smart Thermostat
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