Pitco Commercial Fryer Error Code HEAT FAIL: No Heat Feedback
HEAT FAIL or IGNITION FAILURE on a Pitco Solstice gas fryer means the controller did not receive the 24 VAC heat feedback signal within about 90 seconds of calling for heat. The operator manual says the ignition system has locked out and to contact service.
High: the burner is not confirmed lit, so the fryer does not heat.
What does Pitco HEAT FAIL / IGNITION FAILURE mean?
When the computer control calls for heat, it expects an answer. A 24 VAC heat feedback signal, called HFB, should come back within about 90 seconds to show that the burner lit. If the signal does not arrive, the control displays HEAT FAIL or IGNITION FAILURE, which the operator manual shows as IGnition FAiLurE and describes as the ignition system having locked out. The message points to a break in the heat demand or heat feedback circuit, not to a particular part. The service manual lists three places to look. The hi-limit switch might be open or tripped. The ignition module might not be sensing the pilot flame, might be locked out, or might not be putting 24 VAC at the main valve terminal. And the HD relay on the relay board might not show continuity from COM to NO when energized. A fryer with a lit pilot but no HFB reads the same as one that never lit.
Affected models and control systems
Pitco Solstice and Solstice Supreme SG/SSH series high-efficiency gas fryers. This page covers the computer control.
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
- HEAT FAIL or IGNITION FAILURE on the display
- Fryer oil not heating
- Burner not lighting or pilot out
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind HEAT FAIL / IGNITION FAILURE on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Hi-limit switch open or tripped after an overheat
- Ignition module locked out after failing to sense the pilot flame
- HD relay contacts on the relay board not closing when energized
- Gas supply valve shut or pilot orifice blocked
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check that the gas supply valve to the fryer is open and the oil level is above the minimum line.
- Turn the fryer off, wait a few minutes and try once more; do not keep relighting repeatedly.
- Look for a tripped hi-limit reset on the fryer if your model has one and report it.
- Note whether the pilot stays lit, and tell us the model and the display.
How a technician diagnoses HEAT FAIL / IGNITION FAILURE
- Read the control state and confirm the HFB signal is missing.
- Check the hi-limit switch for continuity.
- Check the ignition module for pilot flame sensing, lockout and 24 VAC at the main valve terminal.
- Energize the HD relay and test COM to NO continuity.
- Replace the part that fails and run a heat-up to confirm.
- Gas valves and ignition modules are gas-safety parts that must be tested and replaced by a technician.
- The tests use 24 VAC and mains circuits inside a hot, oil-filled appliance.
How HEAT FAIL / IGNITION FAILURE differs from similar codes
HEAT FAIL on the computer control shares its meaning with HEAt FAIL on the digital solid state control, and IGnition FAiLurE on the operator manual display.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Pitco owner support
- Edition
- L22-345 R0
- Models / control
- Solstice/Solstice Supreme gas, Computer control
- Section
- Troubleshooting and Problem Isolation, Computer Control (manual p. 82)
- 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 Pitco fryer error codes
Is HEAT FAIL the same as IGNITION FAILURE?
The service manual lists them together for the computer control. The operator manual describes IGnition FAiLurE as an ignition lockout.
Should I keep relighting the pilot?
No. Repeated attempts do not help if a switch or relay is open, and gas appliances should be handled by a technician.
What are the three circuits to check?
The hi-limit, the ignition module and the HD relay on the relay board.
Need help with Pitco HEAT FAIL / IGNITION FAILURE?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.