Knowledgebase

M4PG4 - Flashing Code 4

Article ID: 697
Last updated: 15 Dec, 2021

Ameristar Package Unit: M4PG4

Re: Flashing Code 4

Code 4 = Main Limit switch or Aux Limit (not a Roll-Out Limit) has opened its normally closed contacts.

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

► The manual-reset Aux Limit is located in the blower compartment.

 The automatic-reset Main Limit Switch is located in the main burner compartment.


Main Limit Switch Aux Limit Switch
Qty Possible Causes: Qty Possible Causes:
Dirty or Restrictive Air Filter 1 Bad Blower Motor
Clogged Evaporator Coil No Air Circulation
High Duct Static Power Failure
2 High Gas Pressure Bad Limit Switch
1 Bad Limit
1 Blower Speed too Low


CHECKOUT:

1. Check Limits

  • At the 9-pin plug of the control board:
    • Check for 24VAC between the Purple wire at Terminal 8 and "C".
    • Check for 24VAC between the Red wire at Terminal 9 and "C".

2. Check Temperature Rise

  • 1st Stage Heat
  • Un-hook the thermostat wire from W2 at the furnace.
  • 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. 
    • Temperature Rise At or Above Maximum → Step 3. Check Air Filter
    • Temperature Rise Below Maximum but Limit Trips ⇒ Suspect Bad Limit
  • 2nd Stage Heat
  • Reconnect the thermostat wire to W2 at the furnace.
  • Place a temporary jumper between W1 & W2.
  • 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 3. Check Air Filter
    • Temperature Rise Below Maximum but Limit Trips ⇒ Suspect Bad Limit

3. 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 4. Check Gas Pressure

4. Check Gas Pressure

  • De-energize the call for heat and allow the furnace to cool.
  • Check the manifold gas pressure.
  • 1st Stage Heat
    • Natural Gas = 1.5 to 2" w.c.
    • LP Gas = 6" to 8" w.c. 
  • 2nd Stage Heat
    • Natural Gas = 2.5 to 3.5 " 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 5. Check Blower Speed

5. Check Blower Motor & Blower Speed

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

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
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Article ID: 697
Last updated: 15 Dec, 2021
Revision: 8
Access: Public
Views: 275
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