Brands & error codes
Regency fireplace won't light: cold start and lockout
On cold or damp days, Regency electronic-ignition fireplaces can take a few tries to light, and too many failed tries put the system into lockout. Regency says this is normal, not a defect. Here's how to tell and what to do.
What a cold start looks like
Regency explains that cold, heavy air sitting in the vent can smother the pilot before it lights the main burner. If it's cold outside, the pilot was off, and the pilot goes out one or more times while you're trying to light it, you're probably seeing a cold start. You may even hear the igniter keep sparking until the system locks out.
Lockout is a safety feature: it stops repeated lighting attempts so unburned gas can clear. Once it's locked out, the fireplace won't respond until you reset it.
Two safe things to try first
- Reset the lockout once. Regency's steps: with the remote, turn the unit off, wait two or three seconds, and turn it back on. With a wall switch or the receiver's switch, turn it off, wait two or three seconds, and turn it back on.
- Use continuous pilot (CPI) in the cold season. Regency's SureFire setting keeps the pilot lit between uses, which keeps draft going and cuts down on cold starts and lockouts. On a black Proflame II remote it's a remote setting (with the system off, the Mode key indexes to the CPI icon); on older grey-remote units it's a small toggle switch below the glass door.
Don't keep resetting it. If it still won't light after a reset and a couple of tries, stop.
When it isn't just the cold
If it locks out on mild days, the control light blinks a pattern (see Proflame 2 blinking red light), the pilot lights but looks weak, or the remote doesn't respond at all, something else is going on: batteries, gas supply, the pilot and sensing parts, or venting.
A tech can usually pinpoint which on a quick video call. Show them the pilot while it tries to light, the control light and the rating plate, and you'll know whether it's a setting, a part, or a job for someone on site.
Common questions
Why won't my Regency gas fireplace light when it's cold?
Regency says cold, heavy air in the vent can smother the pilot during a cold start, so it may take a few tries. Too many failed tries cause lockout. Switching to continuous pilot (CPI) mode in the cold season helps prevent it.
How do I reset a Regency fireplace from lockout?
Turn it off with the remote, the wall switch or the receiver switch, wait two or three seconds, and turn it back on. If it locks out again, stop and have it diagnosed.
Is lockout a defect on a Regency fireplace?
No. Regency describes lockout during cold starts as a safety feature and a normal characteristic of cold start-ups. Frequent lockouts on mild days are a different story and worth having a tech look at.
Related guides
Proflame 2 blinking red light
One, two or three red blinks on the control module. What each one means and what to do first.
Read the guideMendota fireplace won't light
Lockout, a blinking red light, or no flame on cold days. What Mendota's manual says to do.
Read the guidePilot lights, then goes out
It lights, but won't stay lit. Usually the flame isn't heating the sensor enough.
Read the guideRemote not working
Batteries, switch position, then re-pairing. Steps from the manufacturers.
Read the guideSources
- Regency Fireplace Products: Troubleshooting cold start-up on gas fireplaces (lock-out reset and CPI/IPI mode)
- SIT Group, Proflame 2 IFC control board: use and installation instructions (9.957.103, Oct 2018): lockout, reset and red LED diagnostic codes
Brand names belong to their owners. Fireplace Helpline isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. Steps and codes vary by model and year, so always check your own owner's manual.