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58MXA - Flashing Code 34/Fault Code 34

Article ID: 481
Last updated: 22 Mar, 2023

Carrier 90% Gas Furnace: 58MXA

Re: Flashing Code 34 / Fault Code 34

Code 34 = Ignition Faulure

Diagnostic Light Sequence: 3-Short Flashes, 4-Long Flashes (- - - , — — — —)

► 4 Consecutive Ignition Faults will become a Fault Code 14.


Qty Possible Causes:
1 Bad Glow Plug
1 Dirty Flame Sensor
Bad Gas Valve
1 Bad Ignition Control
Low Gas Pressure
Clogged Burners

CHECKOUT:

1. Check Ignition Sequence

  • If the furnace is running, turn the thermostat off and allow the furnace to cool and the blower to stop operating.
  • Initiate a call for heat from the thermostat and monitor the ignition sequence.
    • 1. The inducer motor should start with no difficulty.
    • 2. The pressure switch should close within a couple seconds of the inducer starting.
    • 3. The glow plug should energize within 30 seconds of the pressure switch closing.
    • 4. The gas valve should open within 20 seconds of the glow plug energizing.

2. Check Ignition

  • Visually inspect the burners during ignition.
    • The burners should light smoothly with little or no delay from the glow plug to the flame sensor.
    • Make sure the flame sensor comes in good contact with the flame.

3. Check Glow Plug

  • Look for any visual cracks.
  • Unplug the 2-wire connector to the glow plug.
  • Use a meter to test resistance of the glow plug.
    • No Resistance = Bad Glow Plug
  • Start an ignition sequence.
  • Check for 120VAC power on the 2-wire plug feeding the glow plug during an ignition sequence.
    • No Power = Bad Ignition Control
    • Power Present + No Glow = Bad Glow Plug

4. Check Gas Pressure / Valve

  • Inlet Gas Pressure
  • Check the inlet gas pressure with the furnace off.
  • Minimum Pressure = 5" w.c. for Nat. gas, and 11" w.c. for propane.
    • Low Pressure = Bad Meter or Regulator
  • Monitor the inlet gas pressure as the furnace attempts to ignite.
    • Pressure Drops Below Minimum = Bad Meter/Regulator or Restricted Gas Line
  • Manifold Gas Pressure
  • Check the manifold pressure when the furnace attempts to ignite.
    • Normal Pressure = 3 - 3.5" w.c. for Nat. Gas, 9 - 11" w.c. for LP
      • No Gas Pressure = Bad Gas Valve
      • Low Gas Pressure ⇒ Increase Manifold Gas Pressure
      • Normal Gas Pressure + No or Delayed Ignition:
        • Comustion Air Issue ⇒ Re-try an ignition sequence with the burner cover removed.
        • Clogged Burners or Comustion Air Issue ⇒ Remove burners & clean spreaders (especially in front of glow plug).

5. Check Flame Sensor

  • On the multi-meter:
    • Switch the test leads to "COM" and "mA".
    • Set the meter on DC 200ù.
    • Disconnect the wire from the flame sensor.
    • Place one meter lead on the flame sensor terminal and the other on the flame sensor wire.
    • Check the reading when the burners ignite.
      • Normal Reading = 4 to 6 mA
      • Lockout Point = 0.5 MicroAmp
        • Low Reading = Dirty Flame Sensor ⇒ Clean Flame Sensor & Re-check
    • Continue to monitor the flame and flame signal through a burner cycle.
      • Individual Burners Extinguish or Flutter = Combustion Air Issue or Bad Heat Exchanger ⇒ Re-try with the burner cover removed.
    • CAUTION! Move meter leads back to "COM" and "V" before proceeding!
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Article ID: 481
Last updated: 22 Mar, 2023
Revision: 7
Access: Public
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