Knowledgebase

58MXA - Flashing Code 33/Fault Code 33

Article ID: 184
Last updated: 27 Oct, 2023

Carrier Gas Furnaces: 58MXA

Re: Flashing Code 33 / Fault Code 33

Diagnostic Light Sequence: 3-Short Flashes, 3-Long Flashes (- - - , — — —)

On Carrier 58 Series Furnaces, the Primary Limit is wired in series with other limits, including up to two Rollout Switches or a Fusible-Link rollout switch.

Therefore, a Fault Code 33 can be caused by one of the following:

  • Primary Limit Switch Open.
  • Rollout Switch Open

► If the limit circuit stays open for more than 3 minutes, the code changes to Code 13.


Qty Possible Causes:
Dirty Filter
Clogged Evaporator Coil
Restricted Ductwork
Bad Heat Exchanger
Bad Limit Switch
Excessive Gas Pressure
Bad Control Board

CHECKOUT:

1. Check Furnace Operation

  • Start the furnace with a call for heat.
    • It is common for a Carrier furnace to run the blower for 90 seconds and flash a Code 12 on start-up.
    • Code 33 Immediately = Tripped Rollout or Bad Limit Switch Step 7. Check Limit Circuit
  • Blower motor should start within 30 - 60 seconds after ignition.

2. Check Blower Motor

  • Check for 115VAC between "Neutral" and "Heat" on the control board.
    • No Power = Bad Control Board
    • Power but No Blower = Bad Motor / Capacitor

3. Check Temperature Rise

  • Check and record the return air temperature near the furnace (at the filter if possible) with the blower on.
  • Check the supply air temperature (in a straight duct run near the furnace) as the furnace operates.
  • Compare the actual temperature rise to the rated temperature rise on the furnace nameplate. (typically 40 - 70 deg.)
    • Temperature rise at or above maximum → Step 4. Check Air Filter
    • Temperature rise below maximum but limit trips = Bad Limit

4. Check Air Filter

  • Remove the air filter and recheck the temperature rise.

5. Check Gas Pressure

  • De-energize the call for heat and allow the furnace to cool.
  • Turn off power to the furnace and close the gas safety shut-off.
  • Hook-up a gas pressure gauge to the manifold (leaving) test port on the gas valve.
  • Open the gas safety shut-off valve and re-apply furnace power.
  • Activate a call for heat and monitor the manifold gas pressure when gas valve opens.
    • Natural Gas = 2.5" w.c. minimum to 3.5" w.c. maximum
    • LP Gas = 9" w.c. minimum to 11" w.c. maximum

6. Check Duct Static Pressure

  • Check the return static pressure (in the blower door if possible).
  • Check the supply static pressure (between the furnace and evaporator coil if possible).
    • High Duct Static = Above 0.5" w.c.
      • High Return Static + Low Supply Static = Restricted Return Ductwork
      • Low Return Static + High Supply Static = Clogged Coil or Restricted Supply Ductwork
        • Compare static on both sides of evaporator coil.
          • High Static Entering Coil + Low Static Leaving Coil = Clogged Coil

7. Check Limit Circuit

  • With a call for Heat Active:
  • Check for 24VAC between "24V Com" and the  Red  wire on Pin #1 of the 9-pin plug.
  • Check for 24VAC between "24V Com" and the  Red  wire on Pin #7 of the 9-pin plug.
    • Power on Pin #1 + Power on Pin #7 + Code 33 = Bad Control Board
    • Power on Pin #1 + No power on Pin #7 = Open Limit Circuit ⇒ Check each Limit Switch (below)
      • Primary Limit
      • Check for 24VAC between "24V Com" and both sides of the Primary Limit Switch.
      • Power on both sides = Limit OK
      • Power on one side only = Open Limit Switch
        • Open Limit Switch + Heat Exchanger Cool = Bad Limit
        • Open Limit Switch + Heat Exchanger Hot ⇒ Allow time to cool and re-check.
      • Rollout Switch
      • Check for 24VAC between "24V Com" and both sides of the Rollout Switch(es).
      • Power on both sides = Limit OK
      • Power on one side only = Open Rollout Switch
        • Reset switch and Check Heat Exchanger!
This article was:   Helpful | Not helpful
Report an issue
Article ID: 184
Last updated: 27 Oct, 2023
Revision: 28
Access: Public
Views: 181
Comments: 0