Payne Intermittent Power or Firmware Instability

Thermostat randomly reboots or restarts several times a day.

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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

Loose R or C connections, Marginal 24VAC transformer output, Internal power regulator overheating, Firmware bug causing watchdog resets

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power to the furnace/air handler before tightening any low‑voltage connections.

  • Inspect R and C wiring: Tighten all low‑voltage terminal screws at the thermostat and Payne control board. Ensure no strands are loose.
  • Check transformer voltage (advanced): Measure 24VAC between R and C under load. If voltage drops significantly when equipment starts, the transformer may be undersized or failing.
  • Improve ventilation: Ensure the thermostat is not covered or installed in a very hot location that could cause internal overheating.
  • Update firmware: Use the app to install any available firmware updates.
  • Replace thermostat or transformer: If reboots persist with solid wiring and correct voltage, replace the thermostat. If voltage is unstable, have a technician replace the transformer.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Payne Furnace/Air Handler 24V Transformer
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