Alto-Shaam Combi Oven Error Code E89: Upper Gas Ignition Failure
E89 Upper Gas Ignition Failure means the table-top or upper burner did not ignite. Acknowledge it with the Start icon and try to clear it, but if it returns a third time after two clears, take the oven out of service and call a technician.
High: the burner cannot light, and the manual limits resets to two.
- Code
- E89
- Maker
- Alto-Shaam
- Equipment
- Combi ovens
- Applies to
- Combitherm CT PROformance (CTP) and CT Classic (CTC)
What does Alto-Shaam error code E89 mean?
On a gas combi the burner lights when the control calls for heat. The ignition control energizes a hot surface igniter, opens the gas valve and then looks for flame with the flame sensor. If the table-top or upper burner does not light, the ignition module's reset output goes on and the control posts E89 Upper Gas Ignition Failure. The manual lists seven causes: the gas supply is shut off or low, the hot surface igniter or flame sensor has failed, the heat exchanger is plugged, the ignition control has failed, or the gas valve has failed. It applies the same three-strike rule as E88. You acknowledge the message and try to clear it twice. If it returns a third time, the oven is taken out of service. Pressing Start acknowledges the message and the oven then tries to return to normal operation, but the burner will not run until the cause is removed.
Affected models and control systems
Gas-fired CT PROformance and CT Classic combis, 6-10, 10-10, 7-20, 10-20, 20-10 and 20-20. E89 is for the burner of a table-top oven or the upper burner of a roll-in.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- E89 Upper Gas Ignition Failure on the display
- No heat after a start
- Clicking or glowing igniter sounds with no flame
Possible causes
Listed in Alto-Shaam's documentation
- Gas supply shut off
- Gas supply low
- Hot surface igniter malfunction
- Flame sensor malfunction
- Heat exchanger plugged
- Ignition control malfunction
- Gas valve malfunction
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E89 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A kitchen gas pressure drop when other gas appliances run at the same time
- Soot or scale in the heat exchanger from long hours of steam use cutting airflow
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press the Start icon once to acknowledge E89 and let the oven try again.
- Make sure the gas valve to the oven is open, and that other gas equipment is lit normally.
- If E89 returns, acknowledge and try once more; after a third return, switch the oven off and close the gas valve.
- If you ever smell gas, leave the area and call your gas provider.
How a technician diagnoses error code E89
- Read the code and confirm the history of retries.
- Measure gas supply pressure at the oven under load.
- Check the hot surface igniter for resistance and the flame sensor for signal.
- Inspect the heat exchanger and flue passages.
- Test the gas valve and the ignition control, and replace only the failed part.
- The burner, gas valve and heat exchanger involve fuel gas and combustion.
- The igniter and ignition control run on live voltage.
- Repeated lighting attempts without finding the cause can leave unburned gas in the combustion chamber.
How error code E89 differs from similar codes
E88 is the general ignition failure; E89 names the table-top or upper burner and carries the manual's list of seven causes.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Alto-Shaam owner support
- Edition
- MN-35949 Rev 08 03/22
- Models / control
- Combitherm CT PROformance (CTP) and CT Classic (CTC)
- Section
- Error Codes, pp. 25-31
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Alto-Shaam combi oven error codes
How many resets am I allowed?
Two. The third time it returns, take the oven out of service.
Does gas supply cause E89?
Yes, shut-off or low gas is the first cause the manual lists.
Is there a separate message for the lower burner?
The manual shows lower-blower messages for roll-in ovens, such as E90, on their own pages.
Need help with Alto-Shaam error code E89?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.