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58MCB - Flashing Code 33

Article ID: 630
Last updated: 17 Mar, 2020

Carrier Gas Furnaces: 58MCB

Re: Flashing Code 33 / Fault Code 33

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

On Carrier Gas 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:
1 Dirty Filter
Clogged Evaporator Coil
Restricted Ductwork
Bad Heat Exchanger
Bad Limit Switch
Excessive Gas Pressure

CHECKOUT:

1. Check Furnace Operation

  • Start the furnace with a call for heat.
    • If "W" is calling on power-up, the furnace will run the blower for 90 seconds and flash a Code 12.
    • 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 + 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 Near or Above Maximum → Step 4. Check Air Filter
    • Temperature Rise Below Maximum + Limit Trips = Bad Limit

4. Check Air Filter

  • Remove the air filter and recheck the temperature rise.
    • Temperature Rise Drops Into Normal Range = Clogged or Under-Sized Air Filter
    • Temperature Rise Still Too High → Step 5. Check Gas Pressure

5. Check Gas Pressure

  • Check the Manifold Gas Pressure.
  • 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

  • Check for 24VAC between "24V Com" and the Red wire on Pin #6 of the 9-pin plug.
  • Check for 24VAC between "24V Com" and the Red wire on Pin #8 of the 9-pin plug.
    • Power on Both + Code 33 = Bad Control Board
    • Power on One Side Only = Open Circuit ⇒ Check Each Switch
      • 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 Switch
        • Heat Exchanger Cool = Bad Limit
        • 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 Switch  Reset switch and Check Heat Exchanger!
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Article ID: 630
Last updated: 17 Mar, 2020
Revision: 3
Access: Public
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