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GULA - Flashing Code 4

Article ID: 688
Last updated: 13 Feb, 2023

Amana Gas Furnace: GULA

Re: Flashing Code 4

Code 4 = Main limit switch (auto-reset) has opened its normally closed contacts, or the Blower Auxiliary Limit (manual-reset) has tripped.

  • The control will operate the supply air blower and inducer while the open limit condition exists.

Qty Possible Causes:
Bad Blower Motor or Capacitor
1 Bad Control Board
Dirty or Restrictive Air Filter
Clogged Evaporator Coil
High Duct Static
High Gas Pressure
Bad Limit
Blower Speed too Low


CHECKOUT:

1. Check Limit Circuit

  • While the furnace is Flashing Code 4, check for 24VAC across the limit circuit.
    • Check for 24VAC between "C" Common and Terminal #1 of the 12-Pin Plug (PK-30).
    • Check for 24VAC between "C" Common and Terminal #7 of the 12-Pin Plug (BU-27).
      • Power on Both Terminals + Code 4 = Bad Control Board
      • Power on One Terminal Only = Open Limit Circuit ⇒ Check Primary Limit (below)
        • Primary Limit
        • Check for 24VAC between "C" Common and both sides of the Primary Limit.
          • Power on Both Sides = Limit OK ⇒ Check Aux Limit (Below)
          • Power on One Side Only = Open Limit
        • Aux Limit
        • Check for 24VAC between "C" Common and both sides of the Auxiliary Limit (in the blower compartment).

2. Check Blower Operation

  • While the furnace is operating or Flashing Code 4, check to see if the blower motor is operating.
    • Blower Motor Running Normally → Step 3. Check Temperature Rise
    • Blower Motor Not Running ⇒ At the furnace control board, check for 120VAC between "CIR-N" and "LO HEAT-H", then between "CIR-N" and "HI HEAT-H".
      • 120VAC Present + No Blower = Bad Blower Motor or Capacitor
      • No 120V Present = Bad Control Board

3. Check Temperature Rise

  • Start the furnace with a call for heat.
  • Check the temperature rise across the furnace.
  • 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 ⇒ Suspect Bad Limit

4. Check Air Filter

  • Remove air filter and recheck temperature rise.
    • Temperature rise drops into normal range = Clogged or Restrictive Air Filter
    • Temperature rise still too high → Step 5. Check Gas Pressure

5. Check Gas Pressure

  • De-energize the call for heat and allow the furnace to cool.
  • Energize a call for heat.
  • Check the manifold gas pressure.
  • 1st Stage Heat
    • Natural Gas = 1.7 to 2.3" w.c.
    • LP Gas = 6" to 8" w.c. 
  • 2nd Stage Heat
    • Natural Gas = 3.2 to 3.8 " w.c.
    • LP Gas = 9" to 11" w.c. 
      • Pressure Above Maximum ⇒ Adjust Gas Pressure & Re-check Temperature Rise
      • Pressure Below Maximum + Still Over-Heating → Step 6. Check Blower Speed

6. Check Blower Speed

  • Check the blower motor speed wire attached to the "Lo Heat-H" and "Hi Heat-H" outputs of the control board.
    • Red = Low
    • Orange = Med Low
    • Blue = Med Hi
    • Black = Hi
  • If possible, increase the Heat blower speed and Re-Check Temperature Rise

7. 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
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Article ID: 688
Last updated: 13 Feb, 2023
Revision: 8
Access: Public
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