Lennox Error Code 71518: Compressor failed to start (Heat Pump)

Updated October 13, 2026 · by Aurora Star Tech Inc.

Lennox error code 71518 on a heat pump means: Compressor failed to start. It is also called Lennox diagnostic code 71518.

High severityHeat Pump

Homeowner? What Lennox code 71518 means for you

Call a technician Your heat pump is reporting: Compressor failed to start. The heat pump has locked out or cannot run properly. One reset is fine; if the code comes back, it needs a licensed technician to find the cause.

Safe things you can check yourself

Check the thermostat: right mode (Heat or Cool), set a few degrees past room temperature, and fresh batteries if it uses them.
Check both breakers and the outdoor disconnect box beside the outdoor unit; all should be ON.
Look at the air filter. If it is grey and clogged, replace it; a blocked filter causes many shutdowns.
In winter, keep snow and ice off and away from the outdoor unit. A short defrost cycle with steam is normal.
Try one reset: turn the power off for 30 seconds, then back on. If the code comes back, stop resetting and call a technician.

Call (647) 657-2977 Book a service call

Licensed technicians serving Vaughan, Toronto and the GTA.

What does Lennox error code 71518 mean?

Liquid to suction pressure ratio outside the expected range. (S40 system diagnostics) S30/S40 thermostat alert code 71518.

Applies to: Lennox communicating heat pumps incl. variable-capacity inverter units in S30/S40 smart thermostat systems

Common causes of Lennox code 71518

See description

Safety: Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a licensed technician. Turn off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and always follow the manufacturer's manual for your exact model.

Lennox models that use code 71518

EL16KP1-018 EL16KP1-024 EL16KP1-030 EL16KP1-036 EL16KP1-042 EL16KP1-048 EL16KP1-060 ML14KP1-018 ML14KP1-024 ML14KP1-030 ML14KP1-036 ML14KP1-042 ML14KP1-048 ML14KP1-060

Other Lennox Heat Pump codes

Code	Meaning
71510	Indoor TXV failure
71512	High-pressure switch fault
71513	Low-pressure switch fault
71514	System low on refrigerant charge
71515	Reversing valve stuck
71516	Outdoor fan motor failure
71519	Incorrect reversing valve mode
71520	Blocked liquid line
71521	Outdoor TXV failure
80001	IAQ persistent poor air quality
80002	Unresponsive wireless device fault
80003	Lost communication with wireless device

All Lennox Heat Pump error codes →

Lennox code 71518: homeowner questions

What does Lennox code 71518 mean?

Compressor failed to start. Liquid to suction pressure ratio outside the expected range. (S40 system diagnostics) S30/S40 thermostat alert code 71518.

Is it safe to keep using my heat pump with code 71518?

It depends on the cause. The heat pump has locked out or cannot run properly. One reset is fine; if the code comes back, it needs a licensed technician to find the cause.

Can I reset Lennox code 71518 myself?

You can try one reset (power off for 30 seconds, then on). If Lennox code 71518 comes back, the cause is still there and a licensed technician should check it.

Who can fix Lennox code 71518 near me?

Aurora Star Tech Inc. repairs Lennox heat pumps in Vaughan, Toronto and across the GTA. Call (647) 657-2977 or book a service call online.

Homeowner help: AC Running But Not Cooling: What to Check · Heat Pump Not Heating or Blowing Cold Air

Troubleshooting guides

Heat pump not defrosting / outdoor coil iced - Lennox EL16KP1 / ML14KP1 Lennox · Heat Pump
Low capacity or abnormal pressures - Lennox EL16KP1 / ML14KP1 Lennox · Heat Pump
Outdoor unit will not start - Lennox EL16KP1 / ML14KP1 Lennox · Heat Pump
Two horizontal lines on display (soft disable) - Lennox communicating Lennox · Heat Pump

Source: Lennox Residential Communicating Systems Alert Code Guide (V2) 100017 (3/2023), Table 2 Alert Codes and Troubleshooting, p.50. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.

General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.