3 Hour Auto-Reset - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| giannit
 |  "3 Hour Auto-Reset"
, posted Fri 18 Apr 12:42  
My 7 year old Payne furnace gets ignition lockout frequently. In order to get heat, I turn the furnace power off, then on again to get it started again. The info on the panel for code 14-ignition lockout states that it will auto reset in 3 hours.
Does anyone know what a 3 hour auto reset means?
Is it the same as turning the power off then on again?
Technicians have spent hours troubleshooting this ignition lockout problem. Even Carrier can't give me an answer.
JT
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Replies:
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| vandvmechanical
| "Re(1):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Fri 18 Apr 22:12
I agree with smythers1968. Except, I would replace the flame sensor instead of cleaning it. Once you put some sandcloth to a sensor, it may have flame sensing problems more often. But yes, the flame sensor is dirty in this situation. If the dirty flame sensor does not detect flame within 3 ignitions, it will lockout for three hours.
There is however the slightest chance that the flame sensor is not directly in the path of the flame too. But that is a 1 in 1000 chance.
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| smythers1968
| "Re(1):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Fri 18 Apr 21:16
I would remove the flame sensor and clean it.
I'm thinking that after three attempts to ignite that your furnace is locking out. Basically the lock out is for your safety and makes you call for service.
Clean the sensor.
Life lesson #12 Know when not to do it yourself.
WOW That Can Hurt!!
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| | giannit
| "Re(2):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Sat 19 Apr 23:31
The sensor was cleaned in Nov 2007. I watched as the technician did this. So the flame sensor can get dirty enough to cause this in less than 6 months? How common is that?
JT
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| Freon
| "Re(1):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Fri 18 Apr 16:17
If you post the model number, you may get more information. But from the description, I will venture an opinion. Auto reset means the safety device will reset itself automatically after a certain time has elapsed (3hours?).
When you turn off the power to the furnace (control board computer)you will force many software controlled safety devices to reset. However most analog safety devices won't reset unless given a push, usually.
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| | giannit
| "Re(2):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Sat 19 Apr 23:45
So I think what you are saying is that the Auto-reset feature is the same as "re-booting" the furnace manually. Am I reading you correctly?
My question is driven by the fact that I leave my home for several weeks in the winter. Someone checks in weekly of course but I need to understand this auto-reset feature for my own sense of well being.
The furnace is a Payne Hi-Efficiency PG9MAB. Carrier makes it.
JT
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| | Freon
| "Re(3):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Sun 20 Apr 12:22
You need to be very sure about the auto reset. And, more importantly, you need to know what's causing the safety to trip in the first place. It may be a problem that can get progressively worse until the furnace won't even light.
If you're away for long periods in winter, I have found turning off the main water supply and putting windshield washer fluid in the toilet, shower and sink traps is a simple, quick way to prevent major damage if your heating system does die or you lose power for an extended period
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| | giannit
| "Re(4):3 Hour Auto-Reset" , posted Mon 21 Apr 10:47
Thanks for the advice. Good ideas.
I am trying to get Carrier to explain to me just exactly what the 3 hour reset means. I may as well be trying to get info out of the government! This is my last Carrier furnace ever!
I have noticed that the lockout issue occurs more frequently the longer it is since my last service. But less than six months has me really annoyed!
JT
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